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.
Category: The Brief
Vietnam’s president chooses Beijing for first official visit
On April 17, Vietnam’s newly-elected President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Tô Lâm, concluded his four-day visit to China with substantial outcomes, advancing the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Indonesia stages high-level visits to Moscow, Paris and Washington in a show of hyperactive hedging
In mid-April 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embarked on a wave of state visits which represents Jakarta’s attempt to navigate an increasingly uncertain global condition.
Indonesia’s president diversifies defence, energy partners in East Asia tour
“As middle powers, we have the same concerns. We both need stability and peace”On April 1 in Seoul, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasised this point to South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung.
Myanmar junta leader “elected” as civilian head in military-engineered transition
Myanmar’s newly-elected parliament initiated the selection of a new state president on March 30, marking the first such process since the military junta took over power in the 2021 coup.
Vietnam prepares leadership reshuffle as national elections conclude
On March 22, Vietnam’s National Election Council (NEC) announced the results of the elections organised a week prior to elect members of the People’s Councils on the provincial and commune levels as well as 500 representatives to the 16ᵗʰ National Assembly.
Southeast Asia races to cope with Middle Eastern fuel supply shock
Iran has retaliated against US-Israeli attacks by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important global node for oil and gas distribution. Southeast Asia, which relies on the Middle East for 60% of its oil imports, is hard hit.
South Korea in quest to diversify economic, strategic ties through latest Southeast Asian visits
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s early March diplomatic tour to Southeast Asia included visits to Singapore and the Philippines, signaling South Korea’s strategic push to deepen engagement with countries in the region.
Malaysian Parliament votes down Prime Minister tenure limit bill
Malaysia’s Parliament just voted down a constitutional amendment bill tabled on March 3 aiming to limit the Prime Minister (PM)’s term in office.
Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis
The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.