Southeast Asia

White Sand beach on Boracay Island, in the Philippines.

The return of Chinese tourists restores hope in the Philippines’ tourism industry

When the Chinese government made the decision to relax its pandemic restrictions and allow for travel abroad again, tourism professionals in the Philippines welcomed the news, but concerns linger about the expected increase in mass tourism.

Phyo Zeya Thaw arrives at the Myanmar parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 19, 2015.

Mynamar junta executes 4 pro-democracy activists to ‘instill fear,’ Radio Free Asia editor says

Human rights
President Joe Biden participates in the US-ASEAN Special Summit to commemorate 45 years of US-ASEAN relations at the State Department in Washington, Friday, May 13, 2022.

US ‘walks fine line’ at Southeast Asia summit to strengthen ties

Foreign policy
US Air Force airmen guide evacuees aboard a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan

G-7 agrees on conditions to recognize and work with the Taliban

Top of The World
US Vice President Kamala Harris takes part in a roundtable at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Southeast Asia allies express concern over US commitment amid Afghanistan crisis

Global Politics
Myanmar nationals living in Thailand hold pictures of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar military Commander in Chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing during a protest in front of the United Nations building in Bangkok, Feb. 3, 2021. 

Relent or resist the coup? Myanmar’s citizens plot their next move. 

Military

The party is helmed by Myanmar’s most famous person, living or dead: Aung San Suu Kyi. Now, “Aunty Suu,” as she is widely known, is deposed and detained, along with hundreds of other elected politicians.

clinic

With less foreign aid, Thai clinic struggles to serve migrants and refugees from Myanmar

Health & Medicine

Since 2010, when Myanmar ostensibly democratized and opened itself up to foreigners, many aid organizations have shifted their attention — and their funding — away from the border.

Protesters hold signs and yell during a protest.

The Philippines identified as the deadliest country for environmental activists

Environment

The NGO Global Witness detailed in its annual report how the Philippines has been identified as the deadliest country in the world for environmental activists, in large part due to violence and intimidation from the mining, energy, and logging industries.

protesters carry blue and red signs saying 'defend our sovereignty'

Philippines security at risk over escalating tensions between US and China in South China Sea

Global Politics

Between Chinese expansion and US “freedom to navigate” missions in the South China Sea, security and sovereignty is a growing concern for the Philippines.

house

This old Malaysian house renovation builds on the spirit of its original women owners

Development

The women-led organization is revamping the place and plans to use it as a home base as well as an ecotourism draw.