Author: Ms. Sokun Theary Ty, Junior Research Officer, TYS Cambodia
Media Coordinator: Mr. Bun Vattana HENG, Media and Digital Communications Officer, TYS Cambodia
After Pentagon Chief’s Visit, Hope for Recovery in Cambodia-US Ties?
The recent visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Cambodia potentially signifies improving bilateral defense ties and overall relations between the two countries. After a period of declining US-Cambodia relations since the Angkor Sentinel military exercise in 2017 as well as the concern regarding the increasing Chinese military presence in the Ream Naval Base, this visit has showcased the US’s changing strategy in approaching Cambodia with more sensitivity and consideration, overlooking other issues the two have debated on before such as Cambodia’s democratic practice and human rights.
Swiss-led Ukraine summit seeks ‘path to peace’ without China and Russia
The Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland last week welcomed a list of attendees from all over the world except China and Russia. As much as the peace summit is considered an important collaboration between countries all over the world especially for Asia to be included in the peace process for Ukraine, the absence of major powers such as China, not to mention, Russia, raises questions. However, it is argued that the primary aim of this peace talk is to ensure that the international community’s attention stays focused on the war and that the inclusion of Russia is possible in the near future.
Malaysia urges Thailand to revive Pan-Asia rail links instead of chasing land bridge dream
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke wants the country to tap into Thailand’s rail network and connect all the way to Laos and China, a chance to seamlessly bind the regional economies of hundreds of millions of people along the network. However, the vision is challenged by Thailand’s plan to build a landbridge that would allow ships to circumvent the busy Strait of Malacca, potentially poses a major economic threat to Malaysia and Singapore, whose ports are situated along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Putin set to visit North Korea, Vietnam, Vedomosti reports
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea and Vietnam in the coming weeks. Vietnam told Reuters the dates of the Hanoi visit had been agreed, but the agenda was still under discussion. Energy, military cooperation, settlement of payments, and an agreement in the education field are among the main issues expected to be discussed. According to Russia’s trade representative in Vietnam, the most pressing trade issue between the two countries was banking support for settling payments.
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