GeoScEA I Vol 1|No.1
GeoSEA V1 No.1 maps critical political, economic, and strategic currents across Southeast Asia. Brunei strengthens defence ties with the U.S. while seeking Indian investment amid a slowdown in oil-linked growth. Cambodia faces economic headwinds from a record 49% U.S. tariff but deepens financial linkages with China, despite growing trade imbalances. Indonesia pushes digital cooperation with France, denies Russian base rumours, and eyes partnerships with Turkey and Qatar in aerospace and infrastructure. Laos forecasts modest growth amid persistent inflation and debt, while Malaysia seals 31 major deals with China and advances regional defence collaboration. The Philippines expands its maritime arsenal with U.S., Australian, and Indian defence cooperation. Singapore scales up its AI-enabled military capability and F-35 fleet, but trims growth projections under tariff strain. Thailand pursues trade diplomacy, green partnerships, and BIMSTEC engagement. Timor-Leste hosts the G7+ and prepares a major maritime law conference, while Vietnam navigates U.S. tariffs, enhances China ties, and boosts high-tech cooperation with Qualcomm. Together, these developments reveal a region recalibrating amid multipolar shifts and intensifying great power competition.
