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Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, is once again in the grip of ethnoreligious strife. The past two weeks have seen 20 lives lost, adding to the grim toll of over 250 deaths since May 2023. This ongoing conflict has forced more than 60,000 people from their homes. The violence stems from a complex interplay of […]
AirAsia is aiming to partner with China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer to expand its fleet and increase its presence across Southeast Asia to meet rising travel demand in the post-pandemic era, according to Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian budget airline’s chief executive. In an exclusive interview with This Week in Asia during a recent visit to Hong […]
(Analysis) China’s energy security faces a significant challenge due to its heavy reliance on the Strait of Malacca. This strategic chokepoint is crucial for global trade, with about 40% of maritime trade passing through it. For China, approximately 80% of its oil imports traverse this narrow passage, making it a potential target for disruption by […]
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has handed Laos a blunt assessment of its finances as inflation plateaus at 25 percent with its currency devaluing in kind amid public debt levels that require Chinese relief – and an asset sale that might go wrong. In a recent report, the IMF found exchange rate depreciation continues and […]
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has vowed to safeguard his country’s sovereignty in the South China Sea, after signing a cooperation agreement with China that appeared to recognize Beijing’s controversial claim over the strategic seaway. Prabowo’s comments come in response to question from the press in Washington, where he is currently at the tail end of […]
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently engaged in a significant phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the potential for improved diplomatic relations. This exchange, shared on social media, highlighted their mutual respect and aspirations for collaboration. During the call, Prabowo congratulated Trump on his electoral victory and expressed a desire to meet in person. […]
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday wound up a visit to China, his first since taking office last month, signaling an intention to maintain good relations with Beijing in order to support his domestic economic agenda. During the November 8-10 trip, Prabowo met with high-ranking officials including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, […]
At a bustling Bangkok pet expo, where cat litter from Shandong and dog treats from Japan vie for attention, Malik Abdulbut takes to the stage ready to spread the word on an often-overlooked segment that’s set to reshape the pet food landscape. His message is clear: halal pet food is not just a market opportunity, […]
Who knows what Donald Trump recalls of his first presidency or how much of what went on during those four years will inform the next. Thanks to lobbying by American businessmen in Vietnam and lobbyists paid by Hanoi, Trump was initially favorable toward Vietnam. Then-Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was one of the first world […]
Financing has long been recognized as a barrier to accelerating decarbonization in Southeast Asia. A successful transition to a low-carbon economy – especially in the region’s low- and middle-income countries – will rely heavily on two things. The first is international concessional finance and the second, stronger climate targets to accelerate investor interest. Both are […]