Sovereignty over Paracels: Article Lets Off Beijing Lightly
Synopsis
In his RSIS Commentary No 88/2014 Tensions in the South China Sea: Whose Sovereignty over Paracels? Sam Bateman suggests that China may be within its rights in deploying the Haiyang 981 oil rig in its present location. The piece fails to support this view and presents an unbalanced perspective of the relative merits of Vietnam's and China's cases.
Thai Coup: Continued political divide and uncertainty
Synopsis
The Thai Military’s takeover of the government on 22 May afternoon following the declaration of Martial Law on 20 May 2014, is seen as a move to support the royalist elites to oust the Puea Thai government. Political divide among the Thai people has deepened and the political uncertainty will continue.
India’s External Relations: What the Modi Factor Promises
Synopsis
The new Modi government is expected to revive the Indian economy and provide coherent and effective governance. It will also expand India’s options in its external relations, especially with its neighbourhood. PM-designate Modi will be the chief asset India needs to re-establish its credibility and clout internationally.
Thai Crisis: What Next After Martial Law?
Synopsis
The martial law just declared by Thailand’s military has brought the country’s political crisis to a crossroads. Will a military coup resolve the current impasse once and for all, or will it only serve to deepen it?
Electing Indonesia’s Next President: King or Kingmaker?
Synopsis
Indonesia’s fifth presidential election post-Suharto is taking place under the shadow of Sukarno. Whether it will be Jokowi or Prabowo as president, the kingmaker behind the throne has to be reckoned with. Will there be a new post of prime minister?
India’s Foreign Policy under BJP: Pragmatism and Proactive Diplomacy?
Synopsis
Despite the party’s Hindu-tinged nationalistic zeal, the BJP’s election manifesto emphasises pragmatism and proactive diplomacy in India’s external relations. The new government needs to translate its foreign policy aims effectively to mend and renew relations with the US, Russia and the immediate neighbourhood.
ASEAN SMEs: Same-Day Delivery Services for More Growth?
Synopsis
Global corporations are competing by offering same-day delivery services. ASEAN’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should adopt the same strategy for their own benefit as well as for ASEAN as a whole.
Securing US Influence in Asia Pacific: The Military Angle
Synopsis
Although economic and diplomatic domains of the US pivot dominate discussions, the military angle cannot be ignored. This dimension consists of two pillars: Air Sea Battle to offset China’s Anti-Access and Area Denial capabilities and closer military relations with allies in the Asia Pacific.
Myanmar’s Rising Buddhist Nationalism: Impact on Foreign Investors
Synopsis
Amidst rising Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar, domestic tension is beginning to affect foreign investment. The call to shun Qatar-based Ooredoo’s telecommunication services in Myanmar displays economic nationalism that should worry risk analysts.
Arctic LNG: The Energy on East Asia’s Doorstep
Synopsis
Arctic LNG projects offer East Asian countries a chance to diversify their energy portfolios and export their offshore technology and tankers to new markets. This could also lead to wider cooperation between East Asia and Arctic countries.