December 2019 – Page 3 – Asiapacific Security

SYNOPSIS The EU is the only regional organisation to develop into a Security Community. ASEAN is steadily growing into one. To achieve regional political integration, ASEAN’s strategy is to promote strong economic growth and actively engage all the Great Powers. COMMENTARY Sixteen years ago, ASEAN declared its goal of establishing a regional Security Community. TheContinue reading “ASEAN: Towards a Security Community? KB Teo”

Hong Kong Turmoil 2019: A Dismal Future? KB Teo

SYNOPSIS There are three main causes. One, fear over Beijing’s growing control. Two, erosion of its “freedoms”. Three, the high costs of living. Many Hong Kongers cannot afford decent housing. COMMENTARY Under the 30 June 1997, China-UK Handover Agreement, Beijing promised to maintain Hong Kong’s “autonomy” for 50 years: freedom of speech and assembly.Continue reading “Hong Kong Turmoil 2019: A Dismal Future? KB Teo”

Xi-Modi 2019 Summit: Start of a New Era? KB Teo

SYNOPSIS In the 1950s, when China-India ties were close, New Delhi was among the first states to recognise Mao Zedong’s new China. All this changed with the 1962 border war. The recent Xi-Modi summit in India was aimed at ushering in a new prosperous “Chindia” century. Does it mark the start of a new eraContinue reading “Xi-Modi 2019 Summit: Start of a New Era? KB Teo”

The South China Sea Disputes: Makings of a New Cold War? KB Teo

SYNOPSIS Tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) have somewhat abated but the latent flashpoint remains. In October 2018, a near collision took place between an American and Chinese warship. The US has attacked Beijing’s expansionism. In September 2018, Japan conducted its first-ever submarine drills in the waters. If the dispute escalates, ASEAN will notContinue reading “The South China Sea Disputes: Makings of a New Cold War? KB Teo”

North Korea: Why it is Unlikely to Denuclearise KB Teo

North Korea: Why it is Unlikely to Denuclearise KB Teo After two summits with President Donald Trump, there are reasons to believe that North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un (38 years old) is having the last laugh on the American leader. It is unlikely that Kim will de-nuclearise as the US has demanded. There are three factors:Continue reading “North Korea: Why it is Unlikely to Denuclearise KB Teo”