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Monday, January 5, 2026
TopicSoutheast Asia

Topic: Southeast Asia

Wealth nears $99 trillion, still Asia’s rich don’t have succession plans

Much of this wealth is tied to founder-led businesses that employ millions and help anchor regional economies.

Willing to take lead in signing Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone treaty, says China

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China is ready to stay in communication with ASEAN countries on the matter.

China is seeking closer ties with Southeast Asia. It’s not just a response to Trump

A closer reading of Chinese discourse reveals a sanitised narrative. While the economic and diplomatic themes are amplified, contentious issues—like the South China Sea—are absent.

Xi Jinping set to visit Southeast Asia to strengthen ties with neighbours amid trade war with US

The Chinese President will visit Vietnam from 14-15 April, and Malaysia and Cambodia from 15-18 April, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

India ranks low in strategic relevance in Southeast Asia, China edges out US, finds Singapore institute

New Delhi has been actively pushing Act East policy. A majority don't consider it as strategically influential power for ASEAN in 2024, finds Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

IMEC — bridge between East and West, as well as India’s queen’s gambit against China

India, via IMEC, looks to create new route to Europe to access gas in Eastern Mediterranean & provide Southeast Asian countries an alternative partner to China to access Atlantic Ocean.

Religion key to national identity in Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia, finds Pew Survey

Survey done last year by US think tank shows a majority of Buddhists in Cambodia, Sri Lanka & Thailand & Muslims in Malaysia & Indonesia believe religion is vital for national identity.

Modi govt’s ASEAN push: India to open embassy in Timor-Leste, PM hails ‘Asian century’ at summit

At ASEAN-India Summit, PM says grouping is central pillar of India’s Act East Policy. Peace, security, & prosperity in Indo-Pacific is beneficial to all, he says at East Asian Summit

Southeast Asia witnesses surge in Indian tourists as China’s reopening falters

From airlines like IndiGo and Thai Airways to hospitality chains offering thousands of rooms, companies are tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-class and growing spending power.

TikTok plans to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over next few yrs, says CEO Shou Zi

At an event held in Indonesia, Chew said that TikTok's content is becoming more diversified and 2 million small vendors are selling their wares on its platform.

On Camera

Trump is tying his legacy to whatever happens in Venezuela

A bad turn in Venezuela would raise the same questions that have dogged the unlawful US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean: Why now, and why at all?

Wall Street carries big expectations this year after best run since 2009

The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.