Southeast Asia Insights

The global trade war between the US and China has left many major economies grappling with uncertainty. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, countries have faced economic disruptions and challenges.   Surprisingly, Southeast Asia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, exports from Southeast Asia to the US have soared, growing by 23% in September 2025 compared to the previous...

As the United States threatens tariffs to force countries to back its claim over Greenland, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the economic pressure and warned against the use of trade to reshape borders and alliances.   On January 20, Anwar answered questions at the Dewan Rakyat. Asked about Greenland, he said Malaysia would not support any attempt to force political or territorial outcomes through economic pressure, warn...

Southeast Asia is facing a growing divide as mainland countries move closer to China and maritime nations try to balance their ties with both China and the United States.   Mainland Southeast Asia Leans Toward China Countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly aligning with China. This shift is mainly driven by China’s infrastructure projects, such as the new railway in Laos, which strengthens their...

The Philippines has blocked access to the Grok artificial intelligence website. The move comes as anger grows over the creation of sexual images by the AI tool, including images based on real people. Grok is owned by xAI, a company linked to billionaire Elon Musk.   Philippine officials said the block under the Cybercrime Prevention Act is meant to protect the public, especially children. The government wants Grok to stop making pornograph...

The South China Sea is critical to Vietnam’s survival. Nearly 80 percent of the population lives within 200 kilometers of the coast, and millions rely on the sea for food and livelihoods. Protecting territorial waters and maritime zones is central to national security and economic stability.   Vanguard Bank, a submerged feature on the western edge of the Spratlys, symbolizes this high-stakes struggle. Believed to hold around $3 trill...