TOPIC

China-Asean relations

China-Asean relations
The latest news, analysis and opinion on China-Asean relations. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Vietnamese workers fold garments inside a factory in Ho Chi Minh City. US tariffs on Vietnam also pose a major threat to Chinese exporters that have shifted production to the country. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

Vietnam helped China’s firms avoid US tariffs. Trump just put an end to that

The US president’s reciprocal tariffs not only impose steep tariffs on China, but also popular transshipping destinations used by Chinese exporters.

videocam
China trade

How Malaysia became the engine powering China’s AI ambitions

videocam
South China Sea

South China Sea: poor diplomacy and deep mistrust may spark crisis, expert warns

videocam
9
China trade

Lao Airlines cruising to first C909 – a milestone for the made-in-China aircraft

China’s aircraft manufacturer continues spreading its wings abroad with fresh deals to supply passenger jets to Asian neighbours.

This China-made C909 will operate in Laos and have 90 seats. Photo: CCTV
Singapore

Exclusive | China woos the neighbours, with Xi said to be planning 3-country tour in April

The Chinese leader is expected to spend three days in Malaysia as well as visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

videocam
17
Myanmar

Chinese embassy fears further casualties from deadly Myanmar earthquake

The country’s embassy said it had received hundreds of requests for help following the magnitude 7.7 quake that killed at least 1,700 people.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Myanmar

Myanmar earthquake: China makes emergency aid pledge after Xi calls junta chief

Beijing pledges US$13.8 million and sends emergency rescue team after Friday’s magnitude 7.7 quake killed more than 1,000 people.

videocam
18
Members of the Chinese rescue team pictured at Yangon airport. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Is this the ‘best time’ for China to win friends in its backyard?

Now is the time for Beijing to show ‘geopolitical magnanimity’ on tough issues like the South China Sea, Malaysian global affairs expert says.

videocam
23
US-China relations

Opinion | Why the US could lose more ground in Southeast Asia

While the US remains Asean’s biggest investor, its investment in core infrastructure is limited. Meanwhile, China makes its presence felt.

videocam
Diplomacy

Editorial | Red carpet for Asean visitors the right step

Easing visa formalities for frequent business travellers from this important trading bloc will serve Hong Kong well.

The Hong Kong government is making it easier for Asean visitors to fly into the city. Photo: Shutterstock
Asean

Macroscope | Southeast Asia’s new arms race undermines its regional strengths

As Asean members modernise their militaries, the bloc could be sacrificing its cherished norms of stability and consensus.

videocam
Filipino soldiers march at a military airbase in San Fernando city, in the Philippines, during a visit by Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani on February 23. Photo: EPA-EFE
Xinjiang

Xinjiang’s ‘cultural harmony’ praised as Thai ministers visit deported Uygurs

Xinjiang Communist Party chief Ma Xingrui hosts high-level Thai delegation as part of a deal struck when Bangkok agreed to send back 40 Uygurs.

videocam
Indonesia

Indonesia and Vietnam to seal maritime deal – will China respond?

Indonesia’s parliament is set to sign an agreement to formalise maritime boundaries with Vietnam next month.

videocam
China consumption

Are cheap Indonesian durians about to flood the Chinese market?

Indonesia’s huge fruit industry is preparing to begin exporting durians to China, threatening the dominance of Thai and Vietnamese growers.

videocam
5
China is by far the world’s largest importer of durians, with Thailand supplying more than half of its total imports last year. Photo: Getty Images
US-China relations

US-China rivalry forcing Southeast Asia to pick sides, congressional panel hears

Washington urged to adopt a sector-by-sector approach to the region, shaping its choices before Beijing does.

videocam
25
The intensifying rivalry between the US and China has forced Southeast Asian countries to manage their relationships with the two economic giants carefully. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong rolls out smoother entry policy for invited Asean professionals

Scheme allows event attendees and those who can contribute to local economy to make multiple trips to Hong Kong over three-year period.

Diplomacy

Opinion | In today’s changing world order, the best hedge is agility

As great power rivalries intensify, collective action and strategic diversification can help others boost influence and avoid dependence.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China trade

China lays track for stronger regional relations through railway lines

China’s neighbours in Southeast and Central Asia have begun construction or made agreements on cross-border railway projects, bolstering bilateral ties.

videocam
17
Railway projects between China and its Asian neighbours indicate a greater willingness for deeper bilateral ties and overall connectivity. Photo: AFP
China airliners

Vietnam boosts China’s aviation ambitions with C909 deal move

Hanoi is reportedly paving the way to approve the country’s first deal to lease Chinese-made civilian aircraft.

videocam
7
Belt and Road Initiative

Macroscope | Why China’s belt and road will go from strength to strength

With rival initiatives lacking substance, Beijing’s transcontinental project is likely to expand as the US exits multilateral commitments.

videocam
4
Two Sessions 2025

China hits out at US Pacific policy ‘failure’, tariffs war – as it happened

Foreign minister answers questions about strained US ties, the Ukraine war and China’s strategy in Middle East.

videocam
9
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi facing the press. Photo: AFP
China trade

Chinese ratings agency downgrades Thailand over crime, economic prospects

High-profile incidents including the abduction of a Chinese actor threaten to tarnish Thailand’s image as a tourist hotspot.

videocam
Chinese actor Wang Xing is escorted by Thai police officers to an airport in Bangkok, Thailand in January. Wang’s abduction in January attracted huge attention and caused many Chinese tourists to cancel travel plans to Thailand. Photo: EPA/EFE
Technology

Opinion | How American AI ambitions limit options for Southeast Asia

As the US touts opportunity over safety in artificial intelligence, countries must balance potential economic gains with strategic interests.

videocam
Asean

Zelensky-Trump clash sparks Asean jitters over reliability of US commitments

Each nation in the bloc has different needs and ties with US and China, posing tests for non-alignment, analysts say.

videocam
45
China's economic recovery

‘Gone down a lot’: why Chinese travellers are shunning US and Europe

China’s tourists are increasingly skipping Western destinations in favour of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Travelex data shows.

videocam
47
Chinese tourists take pictures near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. China’s travellers are increasingly skipping traditional Western destinations in favour of the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia, currency data suggests. Photo: Reuters
China technology

Opinion | China’s AI push in the Global South is not just about technology

By providing AI-powered products, infrastructure, governance tools and data-driven insights, China aims to reshape the global digital order.

videocam
People stand next to a humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics during the Global Developer Conference, organised by the Shanghai AI Industry Association, in Shanghai on February 21. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

Asian Angle | Asean, Beijing need new strategy for binding code of conduct in South China Sea

A recalibrated approach is needed to narrow differences, strengthen trust, and ensure a legally binding code that promotes regional stability.

videocam
Thailand

My Take | Why Thailand’s soft power splash is out of step with reality

Move to promote soft power at odds with perceptions that Thailand is not doing enough to tackle scam centres along Thai-Myanmar border.

videocam
4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement