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Sebastian Strangio

Sebastian Strangio

Foreign Policy

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Thailand Says US Trade Talks Still on Track, Despite Suspension of Cambodia Peace Deal

The outcome exposes the limits of using economic pressure to bring about a resolution of the border dispute between the two nations.

yesterday 1

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Hundreds of Thousands Rally Against Corruption in the Philippines

The simmering public anger over corruption linked to flood control projects threatens to engulf the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

yesterday 1

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn Arrives in Beijing For Historic Visit

The five-day visit is the first by a sitting Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangkok and Beijing in 1975.

saturday 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Malaysian PM Anwar Attempts to Get Thailand-Cambodia Border Deal Back on Track

Malaysian PM Anwar Attempts to Get Thailand-Cambodia Border Deal Back on Track

The ASEAN chair says that the two nations' prime ministers "reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution."

14.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal on the Brink After Clash in Disputed Border Settlement

The incident, which Cambodia says left one civilian dead, comes two days after a Thai soldier was reportedly injured by a landmine explosion at the...

13.11.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Australia and Indonesia to Sign ‘Watershed’ Defense Treaty in January

The agreement marks a high-point in the bilateral relationship, but stops short of marking a significant strategic reorientation on the part of...

13.11.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Modi and the Mullahs: India’s Embrace of the Taliban

Modi and the Mullahs: India’s Embrace of the Taliban

Why is New Delhi’s approach to the Islamist fundamentalist group is so different this time around?

12.11.2025 30

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Eve Warburton on Indonesian President Prabowo’s First Year in Office

The former general is building on what his predecessor Joko Widodo left behind, furthering the country's "gradual illiberal slide."

12.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand Suspends Peace Deal With Cambodia After Landmine Explosion

The blast threatens to derail the Joint Declaration that was signed under the eye of U.S. President Donald Trump at last month's ASEAN Summit.

11.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesia Officially Names Former President Suharto as National Hero

The ex-leader's elevation to the national pantheon has prompted outraged reactions from historians and civil society groups.

11.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesia Plans to Begin Redenomination of Rupiah by 2027

Indonesia Plans to Begin Redenomination of Rupiah by 2027

The proposal by the Ministry of Finance would remove three zeroes from the country's currency.

10.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thai Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Cambodian Tycoon Ly Yong Phat

The 67-year-old senator, a long-time ally of Cambodia's ruling Hun family, has been accused of laundering money generated by cyber-scam centers.

10.11.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Indonesian Activists Protest Plans to Grant Former President Suharto ‘Hero’ Status

The proposal to recognize the authoritarian former leader is a sign of the historical revisionism that has gained momentum under President Prabowo...

07.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore Introduces Mandatory Caning For Scamming Offenses

The move is the government's latest attempt to combat a spike in financial fraud that has cost Singaporeans around $2.8 billion since 2020.

06.11.2025 1

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Thailand Announces Plans to Trace ‘Gray Money’ Transactions Linked to Scams, Crime

The government suspects that suspicious financial flows may be contributing to the unusual strength of the baht, which is weighing on the Thai...

06.11.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Philippines, Canada Sign Visiting Forces Agreement Amid South China Sea Tensions

The agreement is the fifth that Manila has signed, after similar deals with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

04.11.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Philippine, UAE Have Applied for CPTPP Membership, Report Claims

The 12-nation trade pact is attracting prospective members eager to preserve the current global multilateral trading regime.

04.11.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

US, Vietnam Discuss Deeper Defense Cooperation, Possible Arms Sales

During meetings in Hanoi, visiting U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth said that closer military ties would "benefit both of our countries.”

03.11.2025 9

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Singapore Police Seize $115M in Assets Tied to Cambodia’s Prince Group

The U.S. government has accused the conglomerate and its chairman, Chen Zhi, of running a network of forced-labor scam centers.

03.11.2025 2

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

BBC Journalist Barred From Leaving Vietnam, Broadcaster Says

The news came as Communist Party chief To Lam departed for London, where he is expected to announce a major diplomatic upgrade with the United...

31.10.2025 4

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

Myanmar Rebel Group Agrees to Ceasefire With Military Ahead of Junta Election

Under Chinese pressure, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army has agreed to withdraw from two towns, including the ruby-mining center of Mogok in...

30.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Voice ‘Concern’ About Ongoing Myanmar Conflict

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Voice ‘Concern’ About Ongoing Myanmar Conflict

The bloc will reportedly not send observers to the military-administered elections planned for December, but is likely to accept the new status quo...

28.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

ASEAN, China Upgrade Free Trade Agreement

ASEAN, China Upgrade Free Trade Agreement

The announcement came after China's Premier Li Qiang called on his Asian counterparts to "uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system."

28.10.2025 3

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

In Malaysia, Trump Presides Over ‘Peace Accord’ Between Cambodia and Thailand

The agreement builds on the ceasefire of July 28, but is unlikely to resolve the fundamental causes of the current border dispute.

27.10.2025 9

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

‘History Is Made’: Timor-Leste Becomes ASEAN’s 11th Member

The country's admission caps off a 14-year journey toward accession, but also presents new challenges for the Southeast Asian bloc.

27.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

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.

24.10.2025 10

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.

24.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

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...

23.10.2025 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.

23.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Sebastian Strangio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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