Tag: ASEAN
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Indonesia Elevates Security Concerns in ASEAN–China Talks
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono’s recent remarks at the ASEAN–China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur mark a welcome and necessary development in regional diplomacy. Amid long-standing discussions dominated by trade and economic cooperation, his decision to highlight transnational crime and maritime security brings long-overdue attention to issues ...
A billboard depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is displayed in the centre of Tehran's Valiasr Square on July 13, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
By Razan Shawamreh The recent Iran-Israel war has underscored a sobering reality for Tehran: When push comes to shove, China is far more likely to adapt to Iran’s decline or collapse than bear the costs of coming to its aid.
Q&A: Indonesia’s Ex-Chief Negotiator Warns ASEAN of Trump’s U.S. “Tariff Trap”
The U.S. tariffs regime is exposing fractures in Southeast Asia’s trade posture. When Indonesia’s former chief trade negotiator, Iman Pambagyo, looks at the region’s response to the latest wave of U.S. tariffs, his message is clear: Southeast Asia cannot afford to keep falling for Trump’s tariff trap. ...
China Backs ASEAN Nuclear Weapon-Free Treaty, U.S. in Review
China has expressed its willingness to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without reservations in a move that may signal renewed diplomatic momentum for one of the world’s least-recognized nuclear-free zones. The offer, confirmed ...
Southeast Asia’s Responses Split Over Trump’s August 1 Tariffs
Southeast Asia’s biggest exporters are responding differently under the newest U.S. tariff pressure. Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are pursuing divergent strategies to head off duties of up to 36%, set to begin August 1. Donald Trump sent letters to 14 countries, ...
China Denies Rafale Smear, France Points Finger, Indonesia Silent
China has forcefully denied allegations from France that it mounted a coordinated campaign to undermine and sabotage sales of France’s Rafale fighter jet, pushing back against claims made by French intelligence that Beijing used its embassies and online influence to steer countries like Indonesia toward Chinese-made alternatives ...
Indonesia’s Over-Reliance on China is a Warning for Other Global South Countries
Indonesia thought it was building a future. Instead, it built someone else’s supply chain. Last month, China imposed a 20% anti-dumping tariff on stainless steel from Indonesia, accusing Jakarta of undercutting prices and threatening Chinese producers. The penalty will remain ...
Southeast Asia Digest: Caught Between U.S. Tariff and China Shadow
This is a free preview of the upcoming Southeast Asia Weekly Digest, part of the new CGSP Intelligence service launching in Summer 2025. This week in Tariff Negotiations with the U.S.:
Thailand in Last-Minute U.S. Talks as 36% Tariff Looms
With just days left before the deadline, Thailand is urging the United States to cap new reciprocal tariffs on Thai goods at 10%, as Bangkok races to avoid steep increases that could climb as high as 36%. Thailand’s Finance Minister ...
Indonesia Submits Second U.S. Tariff Offer Amid China Warning
Indonesia has filed a second proposal to the United States Trade Representative in a bid to avert steep reciprocal tariffs threatened by the Trump administration, just days before the July 8 deadline. The decision marks Jakarta’s latest move in a ...
Indonesia and China’s Battery Alliance Must Be Built on Sustainability
In a bold display of ambition and diplomacy, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stood beside Chinese executives last week to break ground on what is touted as Asia’s largest integrated electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem. Backed by $5.9 billion in ...
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors
Indonesia is advancing plans for its first nuclear power plants, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) from China and Russia leading the shortlist. Jakarta is drafting new uranium regulations after confirming deposits in West Kalimantan, as it targets reactor deployment by 2030–2032. ...
Singapore PM’s China Visit: U.S. Tariffs Destabilizing Global Trade
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has warned that rising protectionism and unilateral tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States, are a concern. He warned of the risk of destabilizing global trade and disproportionately harming smaller, export-dependent economies. In an interview ...
China Eases Transit Rules for Indonesians. Jakarta Should Push for More.
China’s recent inclusion of Indonesia in its 240-hour visa-free transit program is a notable, if not entirely surprising, development. While Indonesia is now among the 55 countries benefiting from this arrangement, the move signals a step forward in the broader relationship between the two nations. For ...