The Philippines, along with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand, formally commenced Exercise Balikatan 2026, marking the 41st iteration of the biggest annual joint military drill across Southeast Asia on April 20.
Author: Jonathan Kay
Research Assistant at CSIS Indonesia
Phnom Penh court rejects Kem Sokha’s appeal, upholds treason verdict
A Phnom Penh court rejected Kem Sokha’s appeal on April 30, upholding his conviction for treason. Sokha, a 72-year-old former president of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was found guilty under Article 443 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code for ‘conspiracy with foreign power’.
Philippines’ Sara Duterte faces tax probe, impeachment pressure heightens
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ordered a formal probe on April 28, through Letters of Authority (LOAs), to conduct a taxation audit on the Philippine Vice President, Sara Duterte, and her husband, Manases Carpio, over allegations of unexplained wealth.
Bangkok and Phnom Penh renew border peace commitments
Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their decision to the truce agreement and adherence to the Joint Statement of the Third Special General Border Committee (GBC) on April 27.
China pushes back against expanding Balikatan military drills
Commenced on April 20, the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan, an annual joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines, has drawn sharp criticism from the Chinese authorities.
Three Indonesian scholars reported to authorities for criticisms against the government
In the last two weeks, three Indonesian academics—Saiful Mujani, Feri Amsari and Ubedilah Badrun—have been reported to authorities by various civil society organisations for alleged hate speech and defamation against the government, which constitutes a criminal offence under the new Criminal Code.
Energy, Myanmar, and China take centre stage at 48th ASEAN Summit
The Philippines is preparing to host the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Cebu on May 8 to discuss the ongoing trends and its role as the regional bloc.
Vietnam, South Korea deepen partnership with new agreements
South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung paid a diplomatic visit to Vietnam from April 22 to 24, at the invitation of General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm.
Thailand, ASEAN deepen ties with Myanmar
On April 21, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Aung Myo Myint, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
19 NPA fighters killed in as Philippine Army intensify operations in Negros Occidental
Heavy crossfire between the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) under the Philippines Armed Forces and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) erupted on April 19 in Sitio Plaringding within the municipality of Toboso, Negros Occidental.