South East Asia & Oceania
Race to the Top: How F1 in Singapore has Increased its International Prestige
Singapore is known for many things: the filming location for Crazy Rich Asians, the country where selling chewing gum is illegal, and the place with the world’s best airport. But Formula 1 (F1) fans may know it for a different reason: with humid temperatures, sharp turns, and narrow roads, the Marina Bay City Circuit has captured the hearts of F1 fans. Just two weeks ago, on Oct. 2, a rainy race caused six drivers to crash out, and fan favorite Max Verstappen to narrowly miss the championship title.
Indonesia Bans Palm Oil Exports as World Faces Food Insecurity Crisis
On Friday, Indonesia announced an export ban on palm oil to combat spiking global food prices. In a letter sent to government leaders Monday, the nation’s agriculture ministry clarified that the ban would exclude crude palm oil, but include refined, bleached and deodorized palm olein.
Indonesia Passes Historic Sexual Violence Prevention Bill
On Tuesday, the Indonesian House of Parliament in Jakarta passed the historic Sexual Crimes Bill (TPKS).
Myanmar Military Continues Arson Campaign Against Resistance Fighters
Since the start of 2022, the Myanmar military has burned over a hundred villages across Myanmar as the junta attempts to stifle opposition to its February 2021 coup.
Nuclear Legacy and Strategic Future: The Marshallese to Renegotiate their Relationship with the United States
Talks over the renewal of the Marshall Islands Compact of Free Association– a military and economic agreement between the Marshall Islands and the US– have been stalled for months, leaving the US struggling to defend its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Balikatan Exercises: US-Philippine Relations Deepen
Since March 28, roughly 9,000 American and Filipino soldiers have been conducting the two countries’ most extensive joint military exercises in seven years as part of the annual Balikatan drills.
Philippine Presidential Election Campaigns Face Social Media Disinformation and COVID Restrictions
This year's Philippine electoral candidates are facing increasing barriers to a free and fair election, despite the significance of this election to the democratic state of the nation.
The Solomon Islands: A New Focus in US-China Relations
While the geopolitical focus has shifted towards Europe in the last few months, the Indo-Pacific region and its constituent nations remain in an increasingly competitive environment.
Vietnam Reopens to Tourists Amid COVID Surge
Vietnam is facing a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases as it fully reopens its borders to international tourists. Vietnam’s Health Ministry announced 161,479 new COVID cases nationwide on Friday, including 52,000 cases that had been previously detected but not yet added to the national database.
Australia Declares East Coast Flooding A National Emergency
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared the country's east coast flooding a national emergency this Wednesday.
Australia Sanctions Russia for Invasion of Ukraine
In lockstep with Western partners, Prime Minister Scott Morrison imposed sanctions on Russia that target multiple aspects of its economy.
Gambia Tells Top UN Court Myanmar Genocide Case is Legitimate
As of Wednesday, lawyers for Gambia continue to push for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to proceed with its case against Myanmar, rebutting the Burmese military government’s claims to a mistrial.
Elephant in the Room: ASEAN’s Response to Myanmar’s Military Junta
On Feb. 17, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) delegates arrived in Phnom Penh for their annual ministerial retreat.
New Zealand Rejects Myanmar After Both Join World’s Largest Free Trade Deal
On Feb. 9, after months of internationally condemning Myanmar's military government, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that all “high-level” political contact between the two countries would end.
Presidential Election Campaigns Begin In The Philippines
Presidential and vice presidential campaigns began this week in the Philippines, with candidates looking to fill President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo’s seats.