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David Hutt

David Hutt

__The Diplomat

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Vietnam plans bold reforms to streamline ministries

Vietnam is planning ambitious bureaucratic reforms, slashing ministries, agencies and broadcasters in a bid to reduce red tape and boost growth. The...

18.12.2024 10

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Cambodia knows it is cornered over its cyberscam industry

13.12.2024 30

Nikkei Asian Review

David Hutt

Why militarist leaders dominate Southeast Asian politics

Nearly half of Southeast Asian countries are now governed by former military generals or military regimes, a concerning trend for democracy and human...

24.11.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Could Marco Rubio champion human rights in Southeast Asia?

Donald Trump has nominated Marco Rubio, a noted hawk on China, for US secretary of state. The Florida senator is also known for his advocacy of human...

19.11.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Could Marco Rubio champion human rights in Southeast Asia?

Donald Trump has nominated Marco Rubio, a noted hawk on China, for US secretary of state. The Florida senator is also known for his advocacy of human...

19.11.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

In Not Prosecuting Duterte, Marcos Shows Political and Moral Cowardice

The Philippine president is relying on international law in the South China Sea. He should also pursue accountability for victims of his predecessor's...

15.11.2024 20

The Diplomat

David Hutt

Malaysia struggles to halt European plastic waste imports

Despite pledges to curb plastic waste imports, Malaysia remains one of Europe's top dumping grounds. Will the EU's upcoming export ban make a...

03.11.2024 100

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

What’s Happened to Cambodia’s Thinking Class?

A recent article in the government-aligned Khmer Times reflects the etiolated state of public discourse in the country.

24.10.2024 20

The Diplomat

David Hutt

Myanmar's revolution must be secular

21.10.2024 30

Nikkei Asian Review

David Hutt

Is divorce coming to the Philippines?

Only two countries in the world still ban divorce: the Vatican and the Philippines. But the tides seem to be shifting in the Southeast Asian nation.

12.10.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

ASEAN summit: EU seeks to build bridges in Southeast Asia

The EU is investing billions into Southeast Asia, and European officials are pushing for deeper ties at the annual ASEAN summit in Laos. US President...

11.10.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

What’s Wrong With Calling Hun Sen ‘Despicable’?

In clamping down so hard on the speech of its citizens, the Cambodian government reveals the depth of its insecurities.

03.10.2024 40

The Diplomat

David Hutt

China on the agenda as Vietnam's leader meets Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden and ruling Communist Party Chief To Lam will meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Vietnam positions itself...

26.09.2024 50

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Bangladesh: Can West help Yunus deal with Rohingya crisis?

Nearly a million Rohingya refugees have sought safety in Bangladesh after they faced purges, discrimination and violence in Myanmar. Bangladesh's...

17.09.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vatican's 'pivot to Asia' reflected in Pope Francis' tour

By visiting Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Singapore, the head of the Catholic Church showed that the Vatican — like many other...

13.09.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

EU's solar plans in SE Asia caught in US-China trade war

US tariffs on Southeast Asian solar exports could further weaken solar panel producers in the European Union, but also help the EU's green agenda.

05.09.2024 50

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Germany, Philippines eye closer defense ties in Indo-Pacific

Berlin and Manila want to soon strike a defense pact that will enable joint military training and potential sales of German weapons.

26.08.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

After a year as Cambodia's PM, Hun Manet reigns but dad still rules

22.08.2024 20

Nikkei Asian Review

David Hutt

Cambodia rulers pin reputation on contentious canal project

Once constructed, most of Cambodia's imports and exports will no longer need to be transported via ports in neighboring Vietnam. However, the Funan...

07.08.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

With Nguyen Phu Trong gone, are EU-Vietnam ties at risk?

The Vietnamese Communist Party lost its long-ruling chief earlier this month, and his death could spell trouble for the EU's cordial relationship with...

31.07.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

EU faces green dilemma in Indonesian nickel

Nickel is essential for the global transition to green energy, but mining often comes with environmental challenges, las was recently demonstrated in...

17.07.2024 30

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Are EU-Vietnam human rights talks a lost cause?

Human rights groups are calling on Brussels to end its "box-ticking" talks with Vietnam and take more drastic actions against the country's...

12.07.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

EU human rights talks with Vietnam draw censure

Human rights groups are calling on Brussels to end its "box-ticking" talks with Vietnam and to take more drastic actions.

11.07.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Russia's Putin in Hanoi: What does Vietnam hope to gain?

Vietnam is risking a lot of anger in the US by welcoming Russia's Vladimir Putin. But Hanoi needs modern weapons and — according to a secret deal...

22.06.2024 50

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vietnam's shift back to coal is under EU scrutiny

Vietnam is moving away from green energy and back to coal to ensure factories avoid blackouts after costly shortages in 2023. This doesn't sit well...

28.05.2024 50

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

EU keeps watchful eye on Vietnam's green policy shift

Vietnam is returning to coal to ensure that factories avoid blackouts this year after costly shortages in 2023. But this doesn't sit well with the...

28.05.2024 60

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vietnam: Is turmoil in Hanoi keeping Vladimir Putin away?

With Vladimir Putin visiting China, some reports had indicated that the Russian president would also make a stop in Vietnam. But Hanoi seems...

18.05.2024 80

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

War in Gaza: Anti-West sentiment grows in Malaysia

The ongoing war in Gaza has prompted debates in Malaysia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia over what is seen as the West's moral decline.

03.05.2024 50

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vatican eyes closer ties with communist Vietnam

Closer relations between the Vatican and Vietnam have raised eyebrows over why the Catholic Church is making friends with a state where religious...

25.04.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Is the EU's image failing in Southeast Asia?

A new survey shows the EU is losing face with business and government "elites" of Southeast Asia. Respondents showed less confidence in...

18.04.2024 40

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Is Vietnam's corruption fight going too far?

Billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for embezzling the equivalent of 3% of Vietnam's GDP. Authorities say they're setting an example, but...

17.04.2024 40

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Truong My Lan: Is Vietnam's corruption fight going too far?

Billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for embezzling the equivalent of 3% of Vietnam's GDP. Authorities say they're setting an example, but...

16.04.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vietnam president's downfall stokes political turmoil fears

Vo Van Thuong is now the second president to resign in as many years amid a massive anti-corruption crackdown that has taken down many of the...

21.03.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Vietnam likely to permit worker unions to appease EU critics

Labor reform was one of the main conditions Brussels attached when negotiating a free trade agreement with Vietnam.

12.03.2024 20

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Cambodia: Hun Sen's dynasty consolidates grip on power

Cambodia's ruling party has won the Senate election, paving the way for strongman Hun Sen to act as its president. The victory allows the Hun...

26.02.2024 9

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

Is Philippines' Marcos Jr. the EU's new best friend?

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has managed to improve his country's relations with the West. But what is this sudden friendship based...

25.02.2024 10

Deutsche Welle

David Hutt

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