MALAYSIA: Positive optics for unity pact, but deal is vulnerable
New prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob struck a deal on Monday, 13 September, with the opposition Alliance of Hope (Pakatan Harapan, or PH) coalition to push forward with electoral reforms. In exchange, Pakatan agreed not to table a confidence vote until August 2022 or oppose nex… Become a member to read the rest of […]
KOREAN PENINSULA: Pyongyang’s new missile test may be an invitation to engage
North Korea has tested a new long-range cruise missile, which appears to be a step towards developing a nuclear-capable cruise missile that would enhance survivability and increase the sophistication of its overall nuclear forces. The timing represents a complementary demo… Become a member to read the rest of this article
US/CHINA: Biden’s China trade strategy takes shape
A phone call between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not yield new policy outcomes, but the tone was friendlier and less accusatory than recent bilateral meetings. Washington initiated the phone call, which appears to coincide with a broader Bid… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Kono enters the race as government charts a path out of restrictions
Favorite Taro Kono has announced his LDP leadership candidacy running as a paternalistic conservative and has notably softened his opposition to nuclear power. Fumio Kishida is adopting a more populist economic rhetoric, and low-polling hardliner Sanae Takaichi would doubl… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MYANMAR: Opposition calls for an uprising, but its capabilities remain limited
Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) this week launched an armed resistance to the junta in Yangon, calling on citizens to “revolt against the rule of the military terrorists.” The NUG also outlined its plans to raise funds to operate an alternative government, which … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
US/CHINA: Beijing rebuffs Kerry’s call to treat climate change as a standalone
Chinese leaders rejected a call from US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to adopt more aggressive climate change targets. Kerry’s interlocutors made clear that Beijing is unwilling to treat climate as a standalone issue separate from the tensions and stale… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Still skeptical about Duterte for vice-president, until December
President Rodrigo Duterte’s PDP-Laban party formally nominated him at its party convention today, 8 September, to be its vice-presidential candidate in May 2022. However, Duterte factotum Senator Christopher Go, who was chosen to be its presidential bet, declined the nomination, … Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: The silence defeated Suga, as eyes turn now to Kono
Strategic silence from Abe and Aso undermined Yoshihide Suga, but the prime minister’s own gambits hastened his departure. Taro Kono is set to enter the race as the favorite, and Kishida may now be joined by Ishiba and other candidates. The LDP’s prospects for the gener… Become a member to read the rest of […]
JAPAN: Suga juggles team but struggles to charm key groups; stimulus possible
In a fast-changing political environment, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga looks set to contest the 29 September party leadership contest as scheduled and may call the general election for mid-October. Amid a spirited challenge from Fumio Kishida, Suga will reshuffle his deck but … Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTHEAST ASIA: The outlook for domestic vaccine passports
Wealthier countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are likely to lead in the use of digital vaccine passports. Ideological issues will not hinder policy at the outset, and neither will privacy concerns unless there are egregious loopholes in both the technology and impleme… Become a member to read the rest of this article