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China–U.S. Rivalry: Singapore FM on ASEAN Pragmatic Non-Alignment

Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, at a public forum moderated on Friday, said Southeast Asia is refusing a China–U.S. binary choice between China and the United States. Balakhrisnan thinks Southeast Asia is pivoting to integration, keeping economies open to ...

Q&A: Reading China’s Military Parade and Southeast Asia’s Optics Right

In Asia’s high-context politics, the stage often speaks as loudly as the words. Welcoming ceremonies, traditional dances, marathon speeches, China's military parade, and photo ops are never just pomp. They are signals to multiple audiences. At home, they convey respect and access. 

Thailand, China Seal Amended Submarine Deal, 2028 Delivery

China’s state shipbuilder CSOC and the Royal Thai Navy signed an amended contract in Beijing to restart Thailand’s long-delayed S26T submarine program. The deal replaces the originally specified German engine with a Chinese diesel and sets delivery for the end ...

Cambodia Deepens China Defense Ties at Xiangshan Forum

Cambodia deepened defense ties with China and opened talks with regional counterparts at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha addressed the conference and held a meeting with China’s defense minister. Seiha ...

China–ASEAN FTA 3.0 Set for October: All On Digital Trade Rules

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN will sign an upgrade to their free-trade agreement at the ASEAN–China summit in Kuala Lumpur in October. The deal sets digital trade, from e-commerce to data governance and payments, ...

China–Malaysia ‘ASEAN Express’ Rail Cuts Transit to 9 Days

China’s inland metropolis of Chongqing is now physically connected with Malaysia through a rail corridor branded the “ASEAN Express,” routed via Laos and Thailand. According to the latest media report on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, operators told the route ...

China Leads Thailand EV Export Push as Rules Ease

Chinese brands now dominate the Thailand EV market. New industry data show battery electrics at 18 percent of domestic sales through July, a sign that Thai buyers are embracing EVs even as the broader car market stays flat because credit remains tight.

China $210 billion Clean Tech Pivot: ASEAN Leads, MENA Surges

China's clean tech manufacturers are shifting in 2025 to lighter models: licensing, contract production, and OEM tie-ups, after more than $210 billion in overseas factories since 2022. The Middle East and North Africa surges, but Southeast Asian countries remain the top destination.

Indonesia to Renegotiate High-Speed Rail Cost-Sharing with China

Indonesia will reopen talks with China on how to split a $1.2 billion cost overrun on the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail, Whoosh, as a new state holding prepares a debt restructuring for the operator. Whoosh is a 142-kilometer Jakarta–Bandung line that ...

Chinese and Philippine Ships Collide Near Shoal, Tensions Flare

China’s coast guard used water cannons against Philippine ships and accused Manila of ramming, days after declaring a nature reserve. The Philippines said its vessel was heavily damaged and a crew member was injured during the confrontation. China’s Coast ...

China Warns the Philippines After Drills with U.S. and Japan in EEZ

China’s military on Sunday warned the Philippines to stop “provoking incidents” and bringing in “external forces” in the South China Sea. The warning from China came a day after Manila, the United States, and Japan finished joint maritime drills. The drill ...

China Condemns U.S.–UK Taiwan Strait Transit, Tracks Warships

China’s military on Friday condemned the sailing of U.S. and British warships through the Taiwan Strait, saying it ordered naval and air forces to monitor and warn the two ships. The U.S. destroyer Higgins and the UK frigate HMS ...
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