The Trump Administration has broken with the tradition of pursuing its national interests in tandem with an emphasis on alliances and values. Southeast Asian countries will respond accordingly.
Vietnam’s stalled Chinese-backed solar factories underscore how Global South nations must demand technology transfer and value addition – not just capital inflows – from China’s expanding overseas clean-tech investments.
As climate change and great-power rivalry intensify, oceans are emerging as a geopolitical frontier – testing whether diplomacy can manage rising tensions over shipping routes, seabed minerals and fishing grounds.
Membership of Asean brings Timor-Leste political visibility and economic opportunity, but also new exposure to disputes in a grouping where several members are wrestling with democratic backsliding.