International Relations
Politics
50 years on, Fukuda Doctrine remains a ballast to Japan-ASEAN relations
Fifty years since its introduction, the Fukuda Doctrine remains vital to Japan-ASEAN relations. Its principles of peace, mutual trust and equality may be more important than ever as cooperation expands, notes Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.
Shin Kawashima
11 Nov 2026
Politics
America is back — but for how long?
The Democrats’ sweeping midterm victories may offer some reassurance to US allies weary of Donald Trump’s “America First” policies. But this win is unlikely to restore Washington’s credibility — or reverse the emergence of a G-Zero world of US retreat with no one to take its place, notes commentator Ian Bremmer.
Ian Bremmer
06 Nov 2026
Economy
China’s nuclear push meets Southeast Asia’s trust deficit
China is keen to court Southeast Asia countries in the early stages of incorporating nuclear energy in their energy mix, but longstanding territorial disputes and tough competitors may stand in the way. Researchers Kevin Zongzhe Li and Genevieve Donnellon-May explain.
Kevin Zongzhe Li, Genevieve Donnellon-May
05 Nov 2026
Economy
China’s beef tariffs reveal the limits of trade diplomacy
China’s beef tariff safeguard reflects domestic pressure to protect China’s cattle producers, but its country-specific quotas distribute the costs unevenly as seen by the Brazilian case, says researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
22 Oct 2026
Politics
Why a Trump-Xi-Putin summit could be a double-edged sword for China
A possible meeting of the US, Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of APEC could deliver a diplomatic coup for Beijing. But it also risks drawing China into great power politics that undermine its vision of a multipolar world, notes Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu.
Yang Danxu
21 Oct 2026
Politics
Are China and Russia building an Eastern NATO?
Russia’s Tsentr-2026 exercise shows that countries in Eurasia are building military networks with Russia and China, creating greater room for manoeuvre — but only if they steer clear of the perception of bloc politics. Analyst Hao Nan explains.
Hao Nan
20 Oct 2026
Politics
George Yeo: APEC was built to unite the Pacific. Can it do so again?
APEC was founded to keep both sides of the Pacific connected, but growing geopolitical divisions threaten that vision. In a CGTN programme on APEC recorded at Renmin University of China, former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo argues that the upcoming Shenzhen summit could help restore the spirit of cooperation that brought the forum into being. This is an edited version of his speech.
George Yeo
14 Oct 2026
Politics
A new foreign minister, but who really calls the shots in Indonesia?
The appointment of a career diplomat has raised hopes of a return to Indonesia’s traditional foreign policy, with renewed emphasis on ASEAN. But Prabowo’s handling of China and the South China Sea raises questions about whether the country can change course while the president remains firmly in charge. ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata gives his take.
Leo Suryadinata
14 Oct 2026
Politics
Shifting tides: Why global approval is swinging from US to China
China is surging past the US in global approval ratings from Latin America to Southeast Asia. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu explains why Beijing’s popularity stems less from shared ideological values and more from growing dissatisfaction with US foreign policy.
Yang Danxu
07 Oct 2026
Politics
Are China and Indonesia model Global South partners?
China and Indonesia are partnering to reshape the world order as key members of the Global South amid a deteriorating Western liberal order and weakened US leadership. However, ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook notes that their differing national interests would limit the relationship.
Lye Liang Fook
07 Oct 2026
Politics
Trump-Xi summit: India need not fear a G2 — yet
The Trump-Xi summit produced neither a US-China G2 nor major deals at India’s expense. But regular engagement between Washington and Beijing could reshape the strategic triangle — and leave New Delhi wondering where it fits. ISAS academic Ivan Lidarev gives his analysis.
Ivan Lidarev
07 Oct 2026