Southeast Asia Insights

China is once again increasing pressure in the South China Sea and near Taiwan. On May 24, it mobilized an estimated 100 fishing vessels in what can be described as a coordinated maritime militia operation. The large-scale deployment has intensified fears about shipping security and military escalation across Asia.   The vessels were reportedly part of maritime militia training connected to China’s broader military strategy. Hundreds...

Indonesia stands out in global politics as a rare mix of democracy and Islam. As the world's largest Muslim-majority democracy, the country continues to draw attention for how it balances religion, elections, and diversity. Its path has not been simple, and debates over identity and freedom remain active across Indonesian society.   This debate matters because Indonesia influences how Islamic values and democratic systems can exist side by...

Plastic has become a big problem in Southeast Asia. Think about that single-use coffee cup floating alongside you when you walk by the river. Or how at many beaches the view is not that of a beautiful white sand and turquoise water, but of a mass of plastic bags and other trash washed up on the shore.   Over 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually. It accounts for 80% of marine pollution and takes hundreds of years to break d...

May 2026 has been a pivotal month in Indo-Pacific. China has continued to increase pressure across the region through maritime confrontations, military exercises, and efforts to shape critical shipping routes. In response, regional powers including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India have moved closer together, strengthening security ties around shared strategic concerns.   As these partnerships deepen, maritime disputes ...

The Philippine Army and the Malaysian Army have launched a12-day joint military exercise in Davao de Oro in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. The exercise highlights the growing defense cooperation between two Southeast Asian neighbors.   The annual activity, known as LAND MALPHI 24/2026, brings together soldiers from both countries to improve coordination, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for shared security challenges. This yea...