# ASEAN
Latest news and articles about ASEAN
Total: 6 articles found
PLA’s Five‑Day South China Sea Patrol Raises Stakes as Manila Shifts Tactics and Tokyo Deepens Involvement
China’s PLA carried out a five‑day patrol in the South China Sea in early February, a move framed as a response to Philippine actions around Scarborough Shoal and joint exercises with the United States. Manila has signalled a tactical pivot toward pushing a South China Sea code of conduct during its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, even as Japan deepens support for the Philippines, widening the dispute’s international dimensions.
Beijing Steps Up South China Sea Patrols After Manila’s Outreach to Extra‑Regional Forces
The PLA’s Southern Theatre reported five consecutive days of sea‑air patrols in the South China Sea, framing the moves as a response to Philippine cooperation with extra‑regional forces. Manila, meanwhile, vows to accelerate negotiations on a South China Sea Code of Conduct as ASEAN chair, creating a tension between deterrence through outside partnerships and efforts to institutionalise crisis management.
Vietnam’s Tightrope: Leaked Military Memo Warns of a ‘Second US Invasion’ as Hanoi Reaches for Beijing
Following General Secretary Su Lin’s re‑election, Vietnam’s foreign minister rushed to Beijing while a leaked military memo warned of a potential “second US invasion,” underscoring Hanoi’s deep strategic caution. The episode reveals Vietnam’s attempt to balance economic ties with the United States against historical mistrust and pragmatic security cooperation with China.
Cambodia Protests Thailand’s Plan to Sue Hun Sen and Hun Manet, Warning of Setback to De‑Escalation
Cambodia has formally protested Thailand’s move to pursue legal action against Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, saying the step undermines de‑escalation efforts. Bangkok’s decision to bring civil and criminal claims risks politicising a border dispute and complicating ceasefire and restoration of bilateral ties.
Cambodia Protests Thai Military’s New Border Measures, Warns They Undermine De‑escalation
Cambodia has protested Thai military moves near the shared border—including the placement of barbed wire in the Temoda area—saying they undermine a Dec. 27, 2025 joint statement to de‑escalate tensions and hinder refugee returns. Phnom Penh urged Thailand to implement the joint statement fully; Bangkok has not responded publicly.
Cambodia Protests Thai Military Moves, Warns of Undermined Border De‑Escalation
Cambodia has formally protested Thai military measures — notably barbed wire placed in the Temoda area of Bosa province — saying they breach a December 2025 joint declaration and hinder refugee returns. Phnom Penh has urged Thailand to implement agreements in good faith and warned that armed actions cannot alter borders, while Bangkok has not yet replied.