Topic: Association of Southeast Asian Nations

A decade after independence, East Timor's surprising best friend? Indonesia.

Ten years ago, East Timor was reeling from Indonesia's scorched-earth withdrawal after two-plus decades of occupation. Today it sees its huge neighbor as a crucial partner.

Philippines feels the economic cost of standing up to China

The South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines is beginning to take its toll on the Philippine economy, which is heavily dependent on Chinese demand for its exports.

Is Myanmar about to rejoin the world?

One of the three most closed and isolated countries in the world is opening up. The long-repressed Burmese say it's unbelievable - but they want to believe in a new Myanmar.

Reforms in Myanmar: 4 reasons the military changed course

For more than half a century, Myanmar’s military governments were synonymous with brutality and corruption, but a year ago the military stepped aside, handing power to a nominally civilian government. Here are four reasons why this change occurred.

Interview: Former US spy chief sees shift toward Asia

In an interview, Admiral Dennis C. Blair - the former director of national intelligence - says the US needs to back moderate Islamic societies, and urges Israel to keep pace with a changing Middle East.

Why Obama sees time as ripe for overture to Burma regime

By sending Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Burma (Myanmar) next month, Obama seeks to encourage recent steps toward democratization. But China and his own image as a door-opener are also factors.

Obama eyes a booming Indonesia to create jobs in the US

President Barack Obama was in Bali today, where Boeing and an Indonesian airline signed a $21 billion contract that the US hopes will boost American business via Indonesia's growing economy.

China gives cool response to US military activity in Australia

Chinese officials have reacted cooly to President Obama’s announcement Wednesday that US Marines will be based in northern Australia, closer to the disputed South China Sea than any other US land forces.

Taiwan makes environmental push in disputed South China Sea

Eager not to be forgotten as a claimant in the South China Sea, as it was in July when China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to confidence-building guidelines, Taiwan plans to set up an ocean research center and share its findings with others.

Massive global cyberattack hits US hard: Who could have done it?

Cybersecurity firm McAfee says it infiltrated a 'command and control' server with detailed logs of five years of cyberattacks against targets ranging from the US government to the World Anti-Doping Agency. McAfee suggests a country was behind it. Experts suspect China.

East Asia's top 5 island disputes

Many of the island territories are small, isolated from the countries’ mainlands, and sparsely populated. But strategic interests and abundant natural resources make them valuable.

Race for oil heats up territorial disputes in the South China Sea

The expansion of oil exploration and drilling in the South China Sea has raised the stakes in the various territorial disputes between China and its neighbors, particularly the Philippines.

North Korean official to visit US for preliminary talks

After successful talks between North and South Korea last week, the US has invited a North Korean official to New York to gauge if broader six-party negotiations should resume.

South China Sea deal eases US-China tension

China acquiesced to a draft agreement on the South China Sea dispute ahead of Secretary of State Clinton's arrival at an ASEAN summit last night – perhaps to block US 'meddling' in talks.

Hillary Clinton and Asia's watery flashpoint

China appears to have backed down a bit and agreed to work multilaterally on resolving the various claims to the South China Sea. A strong US stance probably helped.

China, ASEAN reach South China Sea agreement

The deal between Chinese officials and representatives of Southeast Asian countries is a big step, but doesn't address the key source of tension: territorial claims.

UN court orders troop drawdown in Thai-Cambodia temple row

The UN ruling, a partial win for Cambodia, may also pave the way for negotiations on the longstanding Thai-Cambodia temple dispute.

African free trade zone planning is under way

African trade officials convened in South Africa this week to announce the start of negotiations on a continental free trade zone that would incorporate 26 countries and cost almost a trillion dollars.

China pushes rail links into southeast Asia: Is Laos aboard?

China's ambitious rail project in Laos could bring prosperity, some say. But others in region doubt that’s high on Beijing’s agenda.

As China rises, Asia eyes better channels for security talks

The visit by Secretary of Defense Gates to Singapore highlights Asia's lack of a strong forum for regional security talks. Asian countries are also wary of being squeezed between the US and a rising China.

Why the South China Sea is turning more turbulent

A US-China military rivalry may be behind China's recent aggressiveness in the South China Sea. On Sunday, Vietnam claims China cut the underwater cables of one of its survey ships.

Cambodia tries to bring order to its address books

Allowing Cambodians to decide whether to display addresses on their property led to chaotic, incorrect home addresses. Phnom Penh authorities are now trying to instill some order.

Thai-Cambodian border dispute heads to Hague as commanders meet again

Deadly skirmishes overnight on the Thai-Cambodian border broke a tentative cease-fire, but army commanders are holding talks again today as Cambodia simultaneously took the case to The Hague.

Thai-Cambodia border clashes raise diplomatic stakes

Regional diplomats stepped up efforts Monday to end the clashes along a disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia.

Japan earthquake: 5 ways the international community is helping

Japan has received offers of assistance from 14 international organizations and 102 countries (including a number of unexpected aid donors such as embattled Afghanistan and poverty-stricken Cambodia), according to the latest report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Japan has accepted help, mostly in the form of search and rescue teams, from 15 countries. Here is an overview of some of the help pouring into Japan as it struggles to dig out from Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami.