ASEAN Chairmanship offers Vietnam chance to lead ASEAN out of challenges: Singaporean expert

The assumption of the ASEAN presidency for 2020 will be a good opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its strategic leadership in orienting the bloc to addresses and overcome challenges, a Singaporean expert has said.

November 08, 2019 | 15:33

Choi Shing Kwok, Director of the ISEAS. (Photo: ISEAS)

Choi Shing Kwok, Director of the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), made that assessment during a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency.

According to Singapore experts, Vietnam is not only playing an important role in gathering and strengthening solidarity and unity in ASEAN, but is also responsible for promoting and strengthening good cooperative relations between the association and partner and dialogue countries.

He also mentioned the promotion of solidarity and the central role of ASEAN in the region, while recommending Vietnam, who will also be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during the 2020-2021 term, to adopt strategic directions for the bloc in facing challenges and difficult situations, as well as in increasing the role of ASEAN in the international arena.

He also suggested to mobilise the participation of all the member states in the defence of regional interests in the area.

VNF ( NDO )

On March 30, US President Donald Trump announced that the reciprocal tariffs expected to be unveiled this week would apply to all countries, not just a small group of 10 to 15 nations with the largest trade deficits with the US. This statement marks a shift in his approach to import tariffs, as just a few days earlier, he had left open the possibility of narrowing the plan's scope.

April 01, 2025 | 13:54

World

Negotiation Over Confrontation: Countries Taking Cautious Approach to US Tariffs

While the EU and Canada have responded strongly to the US tariff measures, some countries like the UK, Mexico, Australia, and others have opted for a more cautious path: negotiation instead of confrontation. This strategy helps them avoid escalating trade tensions but also entails risks when dealing with a US administration ready to use tariffs as a negotiation tool.

March 31, 2025 | 07:26

World

International Community Extends Support to Myanmar and Thailand Over Earthquake

Following the severe earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, numerous countries have extended condolences and expressed their willingness to assist in recovery efforts.

March 30, 2025 | 10:06