CSIS Southeast Asia SIT-REP
This issue includes a look at Indonesia’s economic stimulus packages, analyses on President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Vietnam and where U.S.-Vietnamese relations are headed, an explanation on how China has been building artificial islands in the South China Sea, and much more. Links will take you to the full publications, multimedia, or to registration for upcoming programs when available. To jump to a section, select one of the following:
Commentaries
Deep insight into developments that move the dial
 “With a Dozen Economic Reform Packages under His Belt, Indonesia’s Jokowi Settles in,” by Shannon Hayden (@ShannonKHayden )
Last September, almost a year after taking office, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo released his first installment of policy packages intended to stimulate the Indonesian economy. Focused on improving industrial competitiveness through reducing red tape, the reform package removed 89 business investment regulations and eased the acquisition of licenses, land, and bank accounts. He has released 11 additional packages—one or more each month—since then, the last of which… Read more >>
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CogitAsia
The CSIS Asia blog features insights on policy around the Asia Pacific
 “With Eye on China, Obama Strengthens Ties with Vietnam,” by Murray Hiebert (@MurrayHiebert1 )
U.S. president Barack Obama had the ambitious goal of laying the foundation for a new stage in bilateral relations with Vietnam while visiting the country for the first time May 23-25. He took another step to complete reconciliation between former battlefield foes by lifting a ban on the sale of weapons to Vietnam as it faces growing pressure from an assertive China in the South China Sea. Obama timed his visit just before he headed to Japan for the G7 summit, and that meant he was… Read more >>
“For Vietnam & the United States, the Best is Yet to Come,” by Phuong Nguyen (@PNguyen_DC )
U.S. presidential visits to Vietnam, where America was involved in a long, brutal war that scarred its national consciousness, are bound to be emotional events. But when President Barack Obama visited Vietnam May 23-25, the high emotions on both sides had less to do with post-war reconciliation and more to do with exhilaration over the future possibilities for the former adversaries… Read more >>
“In Vietnam, Obama Charts the Way for a 21st-Century Partnership,” by Phuong Nguyen (@PNguyen_DC )
If Bill Clinton traveled to Vietnam to “heal the wounds of war” in 2000 and George W. Bush to announce the country was open for business when he rang the bell of the Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange in 2006, President Barack Obama will usher in a new chapter in U.S.-Vietnam relations when he visits the capital Hanoi and economic hub Ho Chi Minh City on May 23-25. The timing of the visit could not be more opportune. It is the last bilateral visit Obama is expected… Read more >>
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CogitAsia Podcast
An engaging mix of news, analysis, and predictions from around the region
 CogitAsia Podcast: May 27, 2016
In this episode, we explore how to build an artificial island. Dr. John McManus of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School gives a step by step guide to construction and describes the techniques the People’s Republic of China has used in building up reefs in the South China Sea. We discuss the costs and politics behind island building in Southeast Asia with Gregory Poling, director of the CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, and then Dr. McManus assesses the durability of these new islands and the impact of their construction on the environmental well-being of the ocean reefs and fisheries in the surrounding waters… Listen >>
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Upcoming Events
 President Barack Obama’s Visit to Vietnam: a New Era in U.S.-Vietnam Relations
The CSIS Southeast Asia Program is pleased to host a discussion with The Hon. Ted Osius, U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. He will discuss President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Vietnam, the deepening of bilateral relations, and Vietnam’s role in the region… Register >>
The Philippines and the Millennium Challenge Corporation: Lessons in Development
The CSIS Southeast Asia Program is pleased to host a conversation on the conclusion of the first five-year development compact between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Philippine government, featuring Ms. Dana Hyde, chief executive officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation; Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Philippine ambassador to the United States; Ambassador Mark Green, president of the International Republican Institute; and Ms. Marivic Añonuevo, managing director of the Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines… Register >>
Statesmen’s Forum: Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore
The CSIS Southeast Asia Program is pleased to host a discussion with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. Dr. Balakrishnan will discuss Singapore’s bilateral relations with the United States, its regional relationships, and the United States’ role in the Asia-Pacific… Register >>
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For more on the Southeast Asia Program, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, visit our blog CogitAsia, and listen to our podcast at CogitAsia and iTunes. Thank you for your interest in U.S. policy in Southeast Asia and CSIS Southeast Asia. Join the conversation! |
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