ASEAN leads way to integrate as 'East Asians'   

Progress toward the regional integration of East Asian countries, including Japan, is following a path similar to the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). … basic assumption is that today's ASEAN points to the future of East Asia. (Asahi Shimbun)

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China's new arms could tilt balance of power   

China appears to have completed the prototype of its first stealth fighter, the latest in a series of rapid military advancements recently, which could affect the regional balance of power. (The Straits Times)

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Cracking the Code   

Anyone interested in the South China Sea and China's increasingly complex regional role should keep a close watch on Indonesia in the months ahead. Indonesia has just taken over the leadership of the Association of South East Asian Nations from Vietnam, and regional envoys and analysts are watching for signs that the heat generated in Hanoi over the South China Sea recently can produce forward momentum in solving one of the region's most intractable problems. 
(South China Morning Post)

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Challenges facing the 1Malaysia concept   

It was 20 months ago that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak formally announced his 1Malaysia concept. We are now in a position to examine the challenges facing the idea, to reflect upon its achievements and to look ahead. (New Straits Times)

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The G20 and APEC: Building Synergies 

Although there are stark differences between the G20 and APEC - the G20 is a global institution to provide global public goods, while APEC is a regional institution operating under the Asia-Pacific context, both of them act based on the same modality, namely cooperative, non-binding and consensus-based tradition.  Both of these institutions are not - and should not be - negotiating forums.  But, most importantly, they need to pull resources.  APEC should work under the bigger umbrella of the G20 framework, while the G20 may learn from APEC's experiences, such as successfully getting member countries committed to strategies on a voluntary basis. 

China ramps up pressure over Kashmir   
A recent report in the Chinese media describing the Sino-Indian border as being 2,000 kilometers long, roughly 1,500 km shorter than that defined by India, has evoked an alarmed response among sections of the Indian strategic community. (Asia Times)

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How Terrorism Still Looms Over Asia   

Counterterrorism doesn’t get the attention it used to. But recent successes can’t mask the risk it still poses in South-east Asia. (The Diplomat)

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The Philippines: Weak institutions drag on economic performance   

After two years of slow growth — owing primarily to the repercussions of the 2008 global financial and economic crisis — the Philippine economy expanded by 7.5 per cent in the first three quarters of 2010. The growth rate in 2010 is nearly equal to that of 2007 which is not surprising since economic activity in both years was boosted by election spending. The new administration has therefore benefited from favourable economic conditions. The challenge is to sustain the momentum and make economic growth more inclusive and balanced. (East Asia Forum)

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