Southeast Asia’s importance to Australia’s economic future is undeniable, but attempts to meet the promises of the region seem stretched, writes Colin Chapman.

An Australian Prime Minister’s visit to the Philippines – after a gap of 20 years – could point the way a future relationship built on economics rather than just defence and security, writes Justin Baquisal.

The stalling of China’s four-decade-long economic boom has thrown into relief the emergence of India, Asia's other demographic giant, as a geopolitical and economic force, writes Brahma Chellaney.

The Myanmar crisis presents ASEAN with a test of its relevance and cohesion in solving politically sensitive regional problems, writes Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma. This week’s ASEAN summit in Jakarta struggled to paper over differences and keep consensus alive.

In a speech to an Australia-Vietnam forum, John McCarthy, who served as ambassador to Vietnam between 1981 and 1983, reflects on the historical trajectory of 50 years of official diplomatic relations.

The new Japan-South Korea-US trilateral framework is built on historically shaky foundations, writes Purnendra Jain. The question is whether it can survive future changes of leadership.

Malaysia’s latest electoral test reveals a country torn between old authoritarian instincts, imbued with ethno-religious undercurrents, and aspirations for a thriving modern democracy – which tendency will triumph is yet to be determined, writes Bridget Welsh.