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Sebastian Strangio

Sebastian Strangio

Foreign Policy

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UK, Vietnam Planning Major Diplomatic Upgrade, Report Claims

The two nations will reportedly establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership when Communist Party chief To Lam visits London next week.

previous day 9

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

What to Expect From the Upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

The summit and its associated meetings, which will be held during October 26-28, are shaping up as the most significant in years.

previous day 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Steps Down After Reports Linking Him to Scam Operations

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Steps Down After Reports Linking Him to Scam Operations

Vorapak’s resignation is among the aftershocks of the U.S. government's recent imposition of sanctions against a major alleged Cambodia-based...

thursday 20

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

IOC Says Sporting Events Should Not Be Held in Indonesia After Ban on Israeli Athletes

The country has barred Israeli gymnasts from participating in this week's 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.

thursday 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesia to Begin Manufacturing National Car Within 3 Years, Prabowo Says

Indonesia to Begin Manufacturing National Car Within 3 Years, Prabowo Says

The Indonesian leader said that funds for the project had been allocated and that "the land for the factories is ready."

21.10.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Myanmar Military Raids Major Scam Hub Close to Border With Thailand

Myanmar Military Raids Major Scam Hub Close to Border With Thailand

According to state media reports, soldiers seized 30 Starlink satellite internet devices during raids in the KK Park cyber-scam hub in Karen State.

21.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

South Korea Planning Sanctions on Cambodia-based Online Scam Networks

South Korea Planning Sanctions on Cambodia-based Online Scam Networks

The announcement follows a major joint sanctions announcement by the U.S. and U.K. governments last week.

20.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Cambodia, Thailand Continue Talks on Border Peace Agreement

Cambodia, Thailand Continue Talks on Border Peace Agreement

Talks have centered on mutual troop withdrawals, mine clearance, and the possible release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently in Thai custody.

20.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesia Confirms Plans to Acquire Chinese-made J-10 Fighter Jets

Indonesia Confirms Plans to Acquire Chinese-made J-10 Fighter Jets

The purchase raises a number of questions about the trajectory of Indonesia's defense procurement strategy.

17.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Vietnam Sets Ambitious 10% Annual Growth Target For 2026-2030

Vietnam Sets Ambitious 10% Annual Growth Target For 2026-2030

The ambitious goal is a sign of confidence on the part of the ruling Communist Party that it can navigate a series of challenging economic headwinds.

17.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Trump to Witness Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Deal at ASEAN Summit, Malaysia Says

Trump to Witness Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Deal at ASEAN Summit, Malaysia Says

It remains to be seen whether the Kuala Lumpur Declaration will move much beyond the July 28 ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

16.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

US, UK Announce Sweeping Sanctions in ‘Largest Action Ever’ Against Southeast Asia Scam Syndicates

US, UK Announce Sweeping Sanctions in ‘Largest Action Ever’ Against Southeast Asia Scam Syndicates

The sanctions targeted Cambodia's Prince Group and its chairman Chen Zhi, whom U.S. prosecutors accuse of running a region-spanning "cyberfraud...

16.10.2025 20

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

US Backs Philippine Ally After Latest Maritime Clash With China

US Backs Philippine Ally After Latest Maritime Clash With China

Washington's statement followed an incident in the vicinity of Thitu Island, the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Spratly Islands.

14.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Will President Trump Attend the Upcoming ASEAN Summit?

Will President Trump Attend the Upcoming ASEAN Summit?

The question threatens to overshadow the run-up to the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings at the end of the month.

14.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Myanmar Invites ASEAN to Send Election Observers to Year-end Polls

Myanmar Invites ASEAN to Send Election Observers to Year-end Polls

The contentious polls are scheduled to be held in several phases beginning on December 28.

13.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand, US Trade Talks Set For Completion By Year’s End, Commerce Minister Says

In a speech to an economic conference in Bangkok, Suphajee Suthumpun also warned about the accumulation of challenges facing the country's economy.

10.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore, New Zealand Establish Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The CSP is based on a common interest as small nations seeking to navigate an era of intensifying geopolitical tension and economic protectionism.

10.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore, Australia Announce Boost to Bilateral Defense Cooperation

Among the proposed initiatives is improved reciprocal access to military facilities in each country.

09.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

More Than 20 Civilians Killed in Myanmar Military Paraglider Attack: Reports

The junta continues to intensify its attacks on resistance forces in the run-up to its controversial planned election at the end of the year.

09.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai Court Sentences Former Marine to Life in Prison For Killing of Former Cambodian MP

The trial has done little to illuminate who was ultimately responsible for the brazen daylight assassination in January.

07.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Vietnamese Communist Party Chief to Visit North Korea This Week

General Secretary To Lam's visit is the first by a senior Vietnamese leader to the isolated nation in nearly two decades.

07.10.2025 7

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Myanmar Military Retakes Important Town in Southern Shan State

The junta is intensifying its ground and air offensives ahead of its planned election in late December.

03.10.2025 8

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Malaysia, China in Talks on Rare Earths Processing Project, Report Claims

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is keen to capitalize on the growing global demand for rare earth elements.

03.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

High-Level Conference Highlights Significant Challenges Facing Resolution of Rohingya Refugee Crisis

A safe and voluntary repatriation of refugees to Rakhine State remains unlikely for the foreseeable future. Is it time for a new approach?

02.10.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

China Coast Guard Holds National Day Ceremony Near Disputed South China Sea Shoal

The CCG vowed to "stand guard" over Scarborough Shoal, the subject of recent tensions between China and the Philippines.

02.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Bangladesh’s Yunus Calls For Action to Prevent Rohingya Refugee ‘Catastrophe’

The festering humanitarian emergency in southeastern Bangladesh has been eclipsed by a succession of regional and global crises.

29.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Food Poisoning Outbreaks Heap Pressure on Indonesia’s Free Meal Program

More than 6,000 schoolchildren have fallen ill since the launch of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship program, prompting calls for its suspension.

29.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

EU Expects to Finalize Trade Pacts With Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia in 2026

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic signed a long-awaited Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia on Tuesday.

27.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore Orders Meta to Clamp Down on Facebook Impersonation Scams

The number of such cases more than tripled from 589 in the first half of 2024 to 1,762 over the same period this year, according to the Singaporean...

27.09.2025 5

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Malaysia’s Anwar Winds up Visit to Timor-Leste as ASEAN Membership Looms

The Malaysian leader was awarded Timor-Leste's highest honor “in recognition of his long-standing advocacy and Malaysia’s role in supporting the...

25.09.2025 7

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai PM Anutin Affirms Intention to Dissolve Parliament in January

The new prime minister also announced several measures to revive the Thai economy and alleviate the cost of living.

25.09.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesian Government Defends Expanding Military Influence in Civilian Affairs

President Prabowo Subianto is accused of eroding the firewall erected between the military and civilian spheres after the fall of Suharto in 1998.

23.09.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

RCEP Summit to Discuss Deeper Trade Alignment, Possible New Members, Malaysia Says

The bloc, which includes around a third of global GDP, has assumed greater significance following Washington's sharp protectionist turn.

23.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Myanmar Military Loosens Political Party Requirements Ahead of Contentious Election

The change is a telling concession to the challenges that the military faces in holding a “nationwide” election in the midst of the country's...

23.09.2025 30

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai Immigration Department Denies Links to Scam Gang Abductions

Last week, a Reuters report turned a spotlight on the alleged role of Thai officials in facilitating the trafficking of foreign workers to scam...

22.09.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

China Warns Philippines Against ‘Disruptive’ Actions After Patrols With US, Japan

During September 11-13, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States took part in a "maritime cooperation activity" inside the Philippines' exclusive...

15.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore’s First F-35 Fighter Set for Delivery by End of 2026, Defense Minister Says

The influx of new state-of-the-art aircraft over the remainder of the decade will complete the “progressive drawdown” of the RSAF’s ageing F-16 fleet.

15.09.2025 5

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Philippines Protests Proposed Chinese Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal

A senior Philippine official has described the move as a prelude to Beijing's "eventual occupation" of the disputed South China Sea atoll.

12.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Former Philippine President Duterte Not Fit to Stand Trial, Lawyers Claim

The ex-leader allegedly suffers from significant cognitive deficiencies that affect his memory, his executive functioning, and "his capacity for...

12.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand, Cambodia Pledge to De-escalate Situation at Disputed Border

The two sides have agreed to withdraw heavy weaponry, begin joint de-mining operations, and move toward reopening of trade routes.

11.09.2025 20

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

US Government Announces New Sanctions on Scam Networks in Myanmar, Cambodia

The U.S. Treasury Department says that Americans lost more than $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based scammers in 2024.

09.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai Court Orders Former PM Thaksin to Serve 1 Year in Prison

The verdict represents a major blow – perhaps a fatal one – to the political fortunes of the billionaire former leader.

09.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Removed in Cabinet Reshuffle

The reshuffle, which included changes to five ministries, comes after two weeks of at times violent protests against police brutality and economic...

09.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin Expected Back in Thailand for Crucial Court Verdict

Thaksin Shinawatra left the country abruptly for Dubai last week, shortly before a scheduled prime ministerial vote in parliament.

08.09.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Anutin Sworn in as Thai Prime Minister, Unveils First Cabinet Picks

The 58-year-old, who was elected by the Thai parliament last week, has promised that his government will “work tirelessly."

08.09.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Philippine Business Groups Call For Action on ‘Excessive’ Corruption

The call follows revelations about large-scale graft involving government-funded flood control projects.

05.09.2025 8

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand’s Parliament Elects Anutin Charnvirakul as Next Prime Minister

The vote brings to an end a week of political uncertainty, but Thailand's political instability seems set to continue.

05.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesia Fires Officer Involved in Police Killing That Ignited Violent Protests

The move is an attempt to mollify public anger at police brutality and the growing economic privation facing many Indonesians.

04.09.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Amid Political Maneuvering, Thai Parliament Sets Date For Prime Ministerial Vote

The ruling Pheu Thai party is attempting to thwart the formation of a new government by dissolving parliament, pushing the country into "uncharted...

04.09.2025 20

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai Opposition Party Yet to Decide Which Party to Back in PM Vote

A parliamentary vote to select the country's next prime minister could take place as early as Friday.

02.09.2025 5

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio