Is it Time for a Ministry of Energy in Vietnam?   
  

Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s third largest country and fastest growing. It does not have a Ministry of Energy. Should it? A coherent and integrated energy policy is vital to Vietnam’s economic future and features prominently in its national security considerations, particularly those related to development of offshore oil and gas resources and conflicting claims with China in the South China Sea. (Cogitasia)

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Want a New Map of Asia? Include the United States   
  

Re-defining Asia is now a common discussion among policy analysts. Evan Feigenbaum, for example, has argued that "[w]ithout a new map of Asia that reflects the ways in which Asians themselves are remaking their continent, US relevance--and influence--will wane in the coming decades." But new maps of Asia are unnecessary to achieve America's objectives. A loose definition of Asia has and will continue to serve American interests by providing flexibility of action and association precisely as Asia integrates--unevenly--within itself and with the globe. (Asia Pacific Bulletin)

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The China Hedge   
   

China’s just released National Defense White Paper criticizes America for reinforcing anti-Chinese alliances in the region, expanding its military presence, and continuing to sell arms to Taiwan—all while reaffirming that PLA budget increases are for purely defensive purposes. White Papers are meant to offer improved information about strategic and military postures. But like previous white papers, it does little to explain China’s still poor record of military-to-military exchanges or its refusal to enhance transparency despite the document’s claims to do so.                     (The National Interest)

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Giving a tailwind to Turkey-Indonesia relations   
   

Turkey at the western end of Asia and Indonesia on the belly of the redefined East Asia have in recent times accomplished remarkable achievements without much ado. Both recovered from the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 faster than many other economies and are currently enjoying a promising acceleration of growth. The quick recovery could not have been a complete random occurrence. (The Jakarta Post)

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China expanding nuclear planning but lacking emergency planning   
   

The Chinese government repeatedly offers assurances that the nuclear crisis in Japan poses no radiation risk in China. Officials monitor radiation levels in the air over coastal cities daily now. And planes and ships bringing cargo and passengers from Japan are closely scanned. But the Chinese government has not told citizens living near nuclear facilities what to do in case of a similar disaster here. (The Washington Post)

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Paint Thailand yellow and red, with a caveat to compromise    
  

After three consecutive years of deadly street protests, Thailand has arrived at the point where it will need to hold new elections, as the current term of its national assembly expires next December.                (The Japan Times)

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India in 2025: What Kind of a Superpower?  

India’s sustained economic growth, entrepreneurial society and young population have it poised to become an economic superpower within the next 15 years, argues Professor Anil K. Gupta. With its vibrant democracy and free press, the country provides an alternative to China, if it can overcome daunting challenges. But what kind of superpower will India become? (Global Asia)

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What Libya tells us about Asian navies   
   

In months to come, the Libyan crisis will be analyzed for its significance in the era of Arab uprisings. One consequence is already apparent: Libya’s humanitarian emergency suddenly highlighted the power projection capabilities of leading Asian navies and raises questions about the wisdom of a retiring military role for Europe. (The Daily Star)

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In India, Doubts Gather Over Rising Giant’s Course     
    

India's economy is going great guns. Among the world's major nations, its growth is second only to China's. Yet in recent months, the mood in the planet's most-populous democracy has soured badly—to the point where even some of India's richest people have begun to complain that things are seriously amiss.               (The Wall Street Journal)

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Seoul, Tokyo ‘at war’ over history   
   

Over the past decade, Japan has stepped up, both in quality and quantity, its territorial claim over the Dokdo islets in the East Sea. South Korea has responded accordingly.  Some historians have characterized the territorial dispute as a war over history between the two nations. A variety of factors, including Japan’s lesson from the diplomatic row with China over disputed waters near the East China Sea last year, could be behind Japan’s nationalistic campaign in history education. (The Korea Times)

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