Association of Southeast Asian Nations

ASEAN-wide digital payment system, regional power grid key amid geopolitical risks: Vivian Balakrishnan

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ASEAN-wide digital payment system, regional power grid key amid geopolitical risks: Vivian Balakrishnan

ON MYANMAR AND BRICS Dr Balakrishnan was also asked to comment on the Myanmar situation, and how some ASEAN member states have engaged the Myanmar military government independently.  Last December, Thailand hosted a meeting on Myanmar involving the war-torn country’s five neighbours, including China, Bangladesh and India. At the meeting, the junta’s foreign minister Than … Read more

Vietnam, Malaysia’s upgraded ties could pave way for ‘more cohesive’ regional approach to South China Sea tensions: Experts

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Vietnam, Malaysia’s upgraded ties could pave way for ‘more cohesive’ regional approach to South China Sea tensions: Experts

Vietnam maintains three tiers of diplomatic relationship with other countries: Comprehensive partnerships; strategic partnerships; and comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSP). A CSP is the highest tier. According to an August 2024 Voice of America article on diplomatic relationships, a comprehensive partnership may signal a general intent to cooperate across a broad range of issues, while strategic … Read more

‘Groundless’: China dismisses report of corruption probe into Defence Minister Dong Jun

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‘Groundless’: China dismisses report of corruption probe into Defence Minister Dong Jun

China’s foreign ministry has described a report that Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation as “groundless”. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday morning, citing current and former US officials, that Dong was the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be investigated for alleged corruption. On Wednesday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning … Read more

India announces $500,000 Quad scholarship for Indo-Pacific students | External Affairs Defence Security News

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India announces 0,000 Quad scholarship for Indo-Pacific students | External Affairs Defence Security News

Narendra Modi | (Photo: Shutterstock) 3 min read Last Updated : Sep 22 2024 | 3:59 PM IST India has announced a new initiative to award fifty Quad scholarships, worth $500,000, to students from the Indo-Pacific. These scholarships will enable students to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering programme at a Government of India-funded … Read more

‘All-in on the Indo-Pacific’ the key message on Blinken’s upcoming visit to Asia, says US official

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‘All-in on the Indo-Pacific’ the key message on Blinken’s upcoming visit to Asia, says US official

Asked what Mr Blinken will say to allies about Mr Biden’s decision to step aside and whether it could bring changes in policy, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said the message would be that America is “all-in on the Indo-Pacific”. “We do try to reassure allies and partners … Read more

Malaysia PM Anwar says ASEAN needs to move from mere rhetoric to concrete action

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Malaysia PM Anwar says ASEAN needs to move from mere rhetoric to concrete action

Mr Anwar dismissed suggestions that Malaysia was “tilting to one side” amid US-China tensions, as his country has consistently voiced concerns about the reluctance of the US and the West to apply pressure on Israel in its war in Gaza. “This is not only an oversimplification but a gross misperception of our national interests and … Read more