The Latest on Southeast Asia

The CSIS biweekly update on Southeast Asia brings you cutting edge analysis of the latest political, economic, and security trends in the region.

All The Latest on Southeast Asia Blog Posts

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The Latest on Southeast Asia: The 2nd Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a new ceasefire on December 27 after weeks of deadly border clashes. The latest round of the conflict that began in July displaced more than 500,000 citizens on both sides of the border and killed at least 100 people. 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — January 8, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Continue

Thailand on November 10 suspended  the tenuous Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement signed in July and reinforced during the ASEAN Summit in October. Authorities recommended the “indefinite suspension” of the ceasefire after a Thai soldier was seriously injured in a landmine explosion on the contested border.

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 21, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Hegseth’s Charm Offensive

U.S. president Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia during the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit late last month signaled U.S. attention to a region wary of Washington’s intentions. Trade was the focus during the president’s trip but a few days later security took center stage as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Malaysia for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+). 

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — November 6, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: South China Sea Updates

Tensions between China and the Philippines have been elevated for more than two months in the South China Sea and show no signs of abating.

Blog Post by Julia Rocio Gatdula, Lauren Mai, and Gregory B. Poling — October 23, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Regional Natural Disaster Updates

Three powerful typhoons battered the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and southern China from late September through early October while a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Philippines’ Cebu province.

Blog Post by Lauren Mai and Gregory B. Poling — October 9, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Min Aung Hlaing’s Charm Offensive

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made a working visit to China from August 30 to September 6. His high-profile trip yielded two bilateral meetings with President Xi and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi—part of ongoing attempts to boost his regime’s international legitimacy and sidestep diplomatic isolation.

Blog Post by Japhet Quitzon and Gregory B. Poling — September 11, 2025

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Typhoon Kajiki Updates

The storm, initially anticipated to be as severe as the devastating Typhoon Yagi in 2024, proceeded to develop into a typhoon after stirring over the South China Sea, skirting China’s Hainan province before hitting Vietnam the hardest.

Blog Post by Lauren Mai — August 28, 2025