News
A Chinese Special Economic Zone is deepening conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
Resource-rich Ramree Island, on the coast of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has remained on the sidelines of recent violence as fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) continues to intensify. But the Myanmar government’s relations with the AA are now increasingly shaped by pressure from ...
Skylar Lindsay
China’s assertive maritime policy is older than Xi
The toughening of China’s policies in the South and East China Seas is widely regarded as a defining characteristic of Xi Jinping’s foreign policy. But while it is true that the PRC has become more assertive in its maritime disputes under Xi, China had already ...
Andrew Chubb
Myanmar: Women, Girls Trafficked as ‘Brides’ to China
The Myanmar and Chinese governments have failed to stem the trafficking of ethnic Kachin women and girls as “brides” to families in China, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Keep reading ...
China to aid Mekong's development
China has pledged to work closely with Thailand under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework to help promote the development of the Mekong Basin region. The pledge was conveyed by China’s Ambassador to Thailand, Lyu Jian, in a statement released on Sunday to mark the start of the ...
Will China decide the future of Myanmar’s rivers?
Chinese companies are pushing to resume destructive dam projects, ignoring a key assessment. Much media attention in Myanmar is focussed on China’s apparent efforts to revive the stalled Myitsone dam, its role in advising the Myanmar government on developing a new hydropower strategy white paper, and ...
Beijing saves Mekong islets
The revelation that China is backing away from its plans to blow up islands and outcroppings in the Mekong River is welcome news. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said he had raised the issue last month during a visit by Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. It is ...
China committed to work with ASEAN on Code of Conduct – Ambassador Zhao
China is committed to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in crafting the code of conduct in the South China Sea to keep peace and stability in the region, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said on Wednesday. Keep reading ...
China offers Rohingyas money if they return to Myanmar: Report
A Chinese government delegation reportedly met Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh, promising each refugee up to USD $6,000 if they returned to Rakhine state in Myanmar, a Bangladeshi official and refugee leaders said Tuesday. Keep reading ...
BRI backlash: time for China to reassure Asean
China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to draw criticism and disapproval. Its sceptics brand it as China’s Marshall Plan, or as a ‘neo-imperial project’. To ensure the initiative’s success, China should heed some of these concerns and take steps to improve the implementation ...
Cambodia, China to Kick Off Annual Joint Military Exercise Amid Waning Western Influence
Cambodia and China will kick off preparations for their third annual joint “Golden Dragon” military exercise on Feb. 28, Cambodia’s National Defense Ministry announced Wednesday, highlighting improved ties between the two countries as Western influence in the Southeast Asian nation wanes. Keep reading ...