Jun 18, 2024

I recently received an email discussing the geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the Russia-Ukraine peace summit, which took place in Switzerland on June 15-16. Three out of five Southeast Asian states attended and signed a joint communique on a peace framework, while two did not. The summit highlighted the varied engagement and positions of Southeast Asian states on the Russia-Ukraine relationship, with different countries connecting the issue to their own interests.

The email also mentioned a recent report on the U.S. Institute of Peace, which discussed the global reach of Southeast Asia’s giant scam networks, estimating that the funds stolen by criminal syndicates in Mekong countries exceeds $43.8 billion a year. The report included case studies from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Additionally, the email addressed the evolving role of the Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, and future prospects for cooperation. The report delved into various leader-level working groups and charted a future roadmap for cooperation in areas including critical minerals, maritime security, domain awareness, and sustainable, transparent, and fair lending and financing practices.

Finally, the email mentioned the Pew Research Center’s new findings on U.S. approval ratings in Southeast Asian countries ahead of the November presidential elections, and the promising outlet for cooperation in undersea cables, with companies from the United States and Japan being top suppliers.

Stay Well!