ASEAN

Chinese political scientist Zheng Yongnian has warned Southeast Asian nations not to assume US backing or leverage US-China tensions for their own gains, as such a strategy could backfire. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) face a delicate balancing act between the US and China, its largest trading partner, amid ramped-up naval presence by both Beijing and Washington in the South China Sea.

Jumat, 27 Maret 2026 Dilaporkan oleh AI

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will push through with hosting the ASEAN summits in May and November 2026 on a ‘very bare-bones’ scale, focusing on energy and food security as well as migrant workers amid the Middle East conflict.

Amid economic growth and regional agreements, experts argue that the Philippine travel tax is an anachronistic burden that should be phased out. Rooted in history from the 1950s, this levy no longer fits the current era. Its revenues are not effectively used for tourism, sparking frustration among Filipinos.

Sabtu, 17 Januari 2026 Dilaporkan oleh AI

The Philippines is set to host the ASEAN Summits in 2026, with private sector leader Joey Concepcion III viewing it as a chance to demonstrate the country's readiness for international business amid recent corruption issues.

In 2026, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship, offering a chance to finalize a legally-binding Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea. This could reduce tensions from China's actions and protect coastal states' rights. However, challenges remain, including the COC's scope and engagement with China.

Selasa, 02 Desember 2025 Dilaporkan oleh AI

More than 200 peacemakers from various countries gathered in a Makati hotel for a conference on peace processes, sharing experiences from the Philippines' Bangsamoro, Indonesia's Aceh, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea's Bougainville. Comfort Ero of the International Crisis Group delivered a keynote on rising global conflicts and China's role in the Indo-Pacific. The Bangsamoro peace remains an ongoing process amid election delays and transition issues.