Asia’s New Arms Race   

From the Arabian Sea to the Pacific Ocean, countries fearful of China's growing economic and military might—and worried that the U.S. will be less likely to intervene in the region—are hurtling into a new arms race.      (The Wall Street Journal)

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Piracy and maritime security in East Asia   

Sea piracy is a major maritime security problem for East Asia. Regional countries are major shipper and shipping countries and some, especially Indonesia and the Philippines, are leading providers of international seafarers. (East Asia Forum)

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ASEAN and a Manufactured Thai-Cambodian Conflict   

For centuries, the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a Hindu masterpiece, has stood largely unmolested on a cliff overlooking the Thai-Cambodian border. However, over past three years, the temple has been an increasing point of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that appears to be fomented for purely domestic political motives. (The Jakarta Globe)

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Australian trade deal real test of gov’t resolve on ‘Hensei opening of Japan’   

Stalled negotiations between the governments of Japan and Australia toward an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) have now restarted, and will be a major test of the Japanese government's determination to back up its current pet mantra of "the Heisei opening of Japan" with real action, particularly against the backdrop of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks -- to which Australia is also party. (The Mainichi Daily News)

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Climate-related migration ‘a serious threat’   

Climate change-related migration is “a serious threat to the sustainable growth and stability of Asia and the Pacific”, a draft report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned. (Democratic Voice of Burma)

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North Korea: Why Seoul-Tokyo cooperation is necessary   

From territorial disputes to non-traditional security concerns, 2010 will be remembered as the pivotal year for East Asian security. The sinking of the Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeongdo reminded us of the deeply-rooted risks lying in the Peninsula. But, additionally, it has created momentum for bilateral and trilateral cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US. (East Asia Forum)

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Hedging the glad hand to China   

The joint statement released during the state visit to the United States by Chinese President Hu Jintao is in some ways strikingly different from a similar joint statement issued in November 2009 during American President Barack Obama's state visit to China.           (The Japan Times)

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How to Get Southeast Asia Right   

After more than half a century of relative neglect, Maritime Southeast Asia—the South China Sea and the six countries that border it—has become a major focus for US strategists and policymakers. (The Diplomat)

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Indonesia in ASEAN’s Chair   

With Indonesia at ASEAN’s helm, as well as being its largest member in terms of population, territory and economy, the association’s progress is now in the hands of Jakarta’s leaders and diplomats in this critical year. (Institute of Southeast Asia Studies)

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