Who is he? Nguyen Sinh Hung is commonly considered the fourth highest-ranking official in the politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). He serves as chairman of the National Assembly, Vietnam’s legislative body. Born in 1954, he hails from…
By James Wallar The U.S. administration’s rebalance toward Asia is fundamental to U.S. economic, commercial, and security interests and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the fulcrum for the economic pivot. Although facing headwinds typical in the end game of trade…
By James Wallar The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will celebrate the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at their November summit. ASEAN has reason to be proud of its accomplishments. Virtually non-existent tariffs, measures to ease…
By Rui Hao Puah UK Prime Minister David Cameron picked Southeast Asia as his first major overseas visit outside Europe since his Conservative party won the general elections in May. His four-day trade and diplomatic mission from July 26 to…
By Zachary Abuza A drought in the middle of monsoon season brought on by the El Niño effect has affected farmers across Southeast Asia, hampering economic growth and exacerbating political tensions between urban elites and farmers. Though rains have recently…
By Gene Choi South Korea and six Central American countries under the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) officially announced on June 19, 2015 that they will begin negotiations for the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Although the…
Following General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong’s historic visit to Washington, Sumitro Chair Senior Fellow Murray Hiebert sat down with Colm Quinn to discuss the future of U.S.-Vietnam relations and what factors will shape ties…
By Phuong Nguyen & Rui Hao Puah Prime Minister Najib Razak is facing serious challenges to his power. He faces criminal charges over allegations of his involvement in the mismanagement and corruption at state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB),…
The CSIS Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies hosted General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong for a major speech on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 as part of the Banyan Tree Leadership Forum. The theme for the general…
By Ernest Z. Bower & Phuong Nguyen The general-secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong on July 7 will meet with President Barack Obama as the two leaders strive to establish strategic trust, the requisite foundation for the…