Region
Laos: Belt and Road poster child – or problem child?
Chinese high-speed rail and dams are modernizing Laos but its external debt has soared.
Region
El Niño, India’s rice export ban cause food security fears in SE Asia
2023-09-28Region’s millions depend on rice for 50% to 70% of their calorie intake.
Pacific
China builds roads, provisions its research ships – in U.S. ally Micronesia
2023-09-28Beijing calls attention to its Micronesia projects with ubiquitous China Aid signs but rejects scrutiny.
South China Sea
Philippine admiral says govt crafting more assertive strategy for maritime territories
The military’s efforts would include strengthening naval presence in Manila-claimed South China Sea waters.
Rice is getting more expensive. It’s good news for Thai rice farmers.
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- Philippine army preparing charges against 2 environmentalists over abduction, coercion claims
- Biden promises more spending for Pacific island nations
- Pacific island leaders hope for less rhetoric, more substance from US summit
- Philippines accuses China of planting ‘floating barrier’ in disputed South China Sea
- Niue, a Pacific atoll, seeks sponsors to protect its vast ocean territory