On July 15, Vietnam’s Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality under the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) launched a five-year campaign to strengthen military standards and quality management, underpinning Hanoi’s push for a self-reliant defence industry by 2030 and its stated ambition to build and eventually export its own platforms.
Category: Politics
The Normalisation Dilemma: Where Does Pragmatism End and Complicity Begin?
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Myanmar Foreign Minister Makes First ASEAN Appearance Since 2021 Coup, Pitches Government Priorities
On July 12, Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Tin Maung, presented his government’s priorities on stability, security and development agenda during the informal ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, amid continuing regional concern over the country’s continuing domestic instability.
Putrajaya Summit Marks the Advancement of Malaysia–Thailand Relations
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded theirbilateral summit in Putrajaya from July 9-10, setting an ambitious deal breaker agreement on 30 billion US dollar in bilateral trade by 2027—a goal that coincides with the 70ᵗʰ anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.
Top Indonesian Prosecutor Named Suspect In Massive Corruption Scandal
Indonesia’s Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, resigned from his position on July 11 following the police raid on his local residence and cafe on July 8. During that operation, investigators seized 20 million US dollar in cash across multiple currencies and 74 kg (163 lbs) of gold bars. On July 11, the Head of the National Police Anti-Corruption Task Force named Febrie as a suspect of corruption and graft.
At the World Cup, Why Does Indonesia Cheer for Other Nations More Than Its Neighbours?
The crowd comments flooded the section. It was on June 26, the day when the Netherlands proceeded to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Something telling happened in the largest Southeast Asian country. Indonesia cheered for the victory over its former colonial ruler as if it were its own. This phenomenon points to an interesting paradox. The World Cup 2026 lacks any Southeast Asian representatives, yet the region is among the top (edging on being fanatic, even) football fans on the entire globe.
‘Prepare for Typhoon Inday’, Warns Philippine Vice President’s Chief of Staff
Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, visited the Senate upon being subpoenaed on July 9. When door-stopped by journalists, Lopez enigmatically remarked, “prepare for Typhoon Inday,” a statement that immediately raised suspicions among policymakers and analysts.
Indonesia Government Responds to Criticism Over LGBTQ Regulation
On July 9, the Indonesian government sought to reassure the public that a recently issued presidential regulation on national defence should not be interpreted as legitimising discrimination against LGBTQ people.
India’s Modi Winds Up Visit to Indonesia, Securing Key Defence and Trade Deals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a three-day state visit to Indonesia on July 8, marking his first bilateral visit since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The visit produced a series of core agreements spanning defence, maritime, technology, healthcare and economic cooperation.
Philippine Vice President Skips Impeachment Hearing, Vows ‘Bloodied but Unbowed’
Vice President Sara Duterte appeared before the Senate as her trial entered its second day on July 7. However, she later skipped the proceedings, declaring, “In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.”