Suchergebnisse

The year 2021 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the signing of the Cambodian Peace Agreements which ended the Cambodian conflict and the Cold War in Southeast Asia. Communism was a perennial concern in Singapore and Malaya (later Malaysia) from 1948 into the 1980s -- a concern which younger generations may not appreciate. The threat came largely from the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) supported by China, and from Vietnam. The CPM waged a guerrilla war in Malaya. They were defeated by 1960 but tried to revive the insurgency in the 1970s. In Singapore they attempted to attain political power through a united front with the People's Action Party during the 1950s. The victory of the communists in the Vietnam War in 1975 alarmed non-communist Southeast Asia. The concern was aggravated by Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia in 1978. ASEAN states strongly opposed Vietnam's action on the grounds that the invasion and occupation of a sovereign country violated a fundamental principle of international law. Successive UN General Assembly resolutions supported the ASEAN position with significant majorities. Thailand was pivotal to the security of the rest of non-communist Southeast Asia. Had it succumbed to Vietnam's pressures and reached an accommodation with Hanoi, the security of the rest of Southeast Asia would have been endangered. Thailand stood firm. Had it not done so, the people of Southeast Asia would be living in a different world today.

"Showcasing the substantive and multi-faceted Singapore–China relationship, this book examines the political, economic, socio-cultural, people-to-people and even military exchanges between the two countries. It also highlights flagship projects and other key private sector-led projects that have become hallmarks of bilateral cooperation. The book argues that the current level of cooperation is built on the earlier foundation laid by Lee Kuan Yew and Deng Xiaoping. In a way, the bilateral relationship is a unique one. For one, Deng Xiaoping had singled out Singapore as a model for China's reforms and China today continues to find Singapore's experience relevant. Singapore is also learning from China in the process. The two countries also have a number of bilateral institutional mechanisms that have become more important in reviewing existing cooperation and identifying new ways of working together. Rather than simply provide an overview of bilateral relations, the book highlights the unique or distinguishing features of the Singapore–China relationship."--

"The rate of urbanisation will accelerate in the years ahead. The massive influx of people to cities will result in the demand for more services, expending more resources and generating more waste. The forces of globalisation and better connectivity will hasten this urbanisation process. Although the developed and developing countries in East Asia are at different stages of development, they have to grapple with the common challenge of improving the quality of life for urban residents and making cities liveable. This book brings together a collection of articles that traces the process of urbanisation in selected countries in East Asia, including the achievements and challenges encountered. It seeks to promote the sharing of best practices and experiences that can be a reference for governments and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the process of urbanisation that brings about the greatest benefits to residents and lessens the negative impact on the environment."--Provided by publisher

China-South Korea ties had been strained following Park Geun-hye's decision to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD) in July 2016. Relations have warmed with Moon Jae-in as South Korea's president since May 2017. He has attempted to reach out to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping also seems willing to improve ties. Yet, despite the recent agreement by the two countries to normalise relations, the pace and extent of this process bears watching.

With increasing clout in world affairs, China has begun to enhance its International Public Goods (IPG) provision in the footsteps of the Great Britain and the United States. Its IPG provision could be enhanced through existing IPGs, such as increasing its budget share in the United Nations, and producing IPGs out of its own initiation and design, such as the establishment of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

While China is committed to upholding a United Nations (UN)-centred world order and support the implementation of the UN development agenda for the next 15 years, it has ramped up its island building and facilities construction in the South China Sea to assert its national interest. Greater uncertainty can be expected with China operationalising the facilities it has built and the United States bent on conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge China's claims.

China under President Xi Jinping has apparently formulated a grand foreign policy strategy and is in the midst of implementing it. In particular, Xi has called on China to develop a "distinctive diplomatic approach befitting its role as a major country", as opposed to Deng Xiaoping's foreign policy dictum of "hiding one's capabilities and biding one's time". China has been pro-active in seizing the initiative and even setting the agenda in regional, if not, international affairs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pursued a proactive foreign policy to strengthen ties with its neighbours. In particular, Xi has proposed two major initiatives, i.e. the Silk Road Economic Belt (an overland route) and the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st Century (a maritime route), that leverage on China's economic strengths. Nevertheless, China will have to contend with the interests of other major powers as well as its own lack of soft power in its implementation.

President Xi Jinping has been quick to make his mark on China's foreign policy compared to his predecessor, especially in fostering a positive momentum in China-US relations. China is also leveraging on its economic strength by engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. Nevertheless, China's Air Defence Identification Zone and its expressed determination to administer the waters within the nine-dotted lines have cast doubts on China's professed policy of good neighbourly relations.