Latest news with #economicdiplomacy
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
MBRSG to host fifth round of the Public Administration Forum under the theme 'Strategic Horizons'
Dubai, UAE – The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) hosted today the fifth round of the Public Administration Forum 2025 under the theme 'Strategic Horizons: The UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025 – Advancing Policy, Trade, and Global Partnerships Through Evidence-Based Insights'. The event took place at the School's premises in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), gathering an elite group of decision-makers, diplomats, economists and public policy experts, who discussed the evolving landscape of the UAE's economic diplomacy and explored its future trajectory amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and rapid global transformations. This year's forum serves as a strategic platform for unveiling the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025, prepared by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in collaboration with MBRSG, with contributions from local and international researchers. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: 'We take great pride in this platform that brings together distinguished experts and decision-makers to explore emerging economic trends. The forum represents a pivotal milestone in supporting the UAE's efforts to build a forward-looking model of economic diplomacy – one grounded in knowledge and analysis, and aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and competitiveness of government decision-making. Our partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy reflects our deep belief in the value of strategic collaboration in strengthening national capabilities to respond to global economic developments.' His Excellency added: 'This year's report highlights the UAE's growing international prominence through clear indicators that reflect the strategic use of investment flows, economic partnerships, and sovereign wealth funds. We are confident that the forum's outcomes will help shape more agile and impactful economic policies, ensuring the UAE's readiness to address future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.' From his side, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the importance of the forum, stating: 'The Government Administration Forum serves as a strategic platform to reimagine economic diplomacy as a tool that reflects the nation's identity and global aspirations.' He explained that economic choices are no longer isolated technical decisions, but rather part of a broader narrative that requires capacity building, expanded partnerships, and the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable prosperity. He affirmed that the gathering of leaders and decision-makers during the forum reflects this direction and embodies the UAE's commitment to strengthening its global presence through innovation, integrity, and impact. The report provided a comprehensive review of the UAE's economic diplomacy strategy, with a focus on key areas including the analysis of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and their impact on national competitiveness, food security, and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. It also explored the role of sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises in advancing the UAE's soft power and expanding its global economic influence. The report examined the country's approach to navigating changes in global trade, its leadership in integrating the digital economy and climate diplomacy, and presented case studies of successful UAE economic diplomacy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Furthermore, it offered strategic recommendations to enhance institutional coordination, build diplomatic capacities, and integrate economic tools within the country's foreign policy framework. Supported by recent indicators and statistics, the report underscored the effectiveness of the UAE's economic and diplomatic strategies. The country recorded FDI inflows of USD 30.7 billion in 2023, while the number of CEPAs reached 24 by 2024, with 16 agreements already in effect. The nation's sovereign wealth funds manage substantial assets, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (USD 993 billion), Mubadala Investment Company (USD 302 billion), and the Emirates Investment Authority (USD 87 billion). The data also revealed the issuance of over 200,000 new business licenses in 2024, bringing the total number of active companies in the UAE to more than 1.1 million. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country's GDP is projected to grow by 4.2% in 2025. UAE foreign aid remains a key pillar of its human-centred foreign policy, amounting to USD 3.45 billion in 2022, with USD 2.56 billion allocated to the most vulnerable nations. These developments align with the vision of the UAE's leadership. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has affirmed that the country, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is steadily advancing towards its goal of achieving AED 4 trillion in non-oil foreign trade by 2031 – four years ahead of schedule. In Q1 2025, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 835 billion, reflecting an 18.6% increase. Non-oil exports grew remarkably by 40.7%, reaching AED 177.3 billion and accounting for more than 21% of total foreign trade for the first time. The UAE's GDP stood at AED 1.77 trillion in 2024, with the non-oil sector contributing 75.5%. The forum's activities commenced with an opening speech delivered by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, followed by a formal speech by HE Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, who highlighted the importance of economic diplomacy in strengthening the UAE's global standing and strategic partnerships. The forum targeted a broad audience of stakeholders in the economic and diplomatic spheres, including government officials, economic diplomats, trade and policy experts, academics, business leaders, and students specialising in international affairs, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to shape a shared vision for the future of UAE economic diplomacy. The event reaffirmed MBRSG's commitment to advancing national and international dialogue on economic and public policy issues, in line with its role as a research and academic institution that contributes to policy development and the nurturing of future Emirati leaders capable of driving economic transformation with agility and foresight. The Forum's sessions covered the role of sovereign wealth funds, implications of the WTO's Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, and policy evaluations linked to economic diplomacy. Discussions addressed the importance of strengthening the UAE's global economic partnerships, with contributions from Dr. Ahmed Rashad, Lead Researcher and General Editor of the Report and Assistant Professor of Economics at AGDA, Dr. Mona Mostafa El-Sholkamy, Professor of Macroeconomic Policies and Public Finance at MBRSG, HE Amb. Husain Haqqani, Senior Research Fellow and Diplomat in Residence at AGDA, Ms. Dina Abdullah – Senior Trade Specialist and Senior Policy Advisor. The Forum Sessions were moderated by Prof. Khalid Al Wazani, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at MBRSG, Dr. Fadi Salem, Policy Research Director at MBRSG, and Mohammed Galal, Head of News at Almal Channel, Dubai TV. The fourth session shed light on the strategic and humanitarian dimensions of the UAE's foreign policy through a lecture titled 'The Strategic Importance of UAE Foreign Aid', delivered by H.E. Amb. Husain Haqqani, Senior Research Fellow and Diplomat-in-Residence at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. The lecture explored how the UAE leverages its foreign aid programmes to broaden political and economic influence and deepen international cooperation, reflecting the human-centred foundation of its foreign policy. The forum concluded with an open dialogue session that brought participants together from various disciplines to expand the scope of discussion and encourage cross-sectoral exchange among decision-makers, diplomats, business leaders, researchers, and students in international relations. The session highlighted the importance of knowledge and institutional integration in shaping a forward-looking UAE model of economic diplomacy.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OIA lauded for economic diplomacy via investments
MUSCAT: A new report by the SWF Global has commended the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) for strengthening Oman's global ties through targeted foreign investments, joint funds, and reinvesting divestment proceeds and returns into national projects. This approach sets OIA apart from its peers, as it adopts a unique philosophy centered on the 'Omani Angle' making it a foundational principle in its investment decision-making. SWF Global is a specialized organization focused on tracking activities of state-owned investment organizations, including sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and pension funds worldwide. The report highlighted OIA's success in building an extensive network of strategic relationships by promoting the concept of economic diplomacy with various countries across the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas over the past five years. Among the most recent strategic partnerships is the signing of a joint fund agreement with Algeria worth $300 million, targeting investments in vital sectors such as mining, food security, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, OIA partnered with Turkey's OYAK Fund to establish a joint investment fund valued at $500 million and launched a joint fund with Uzbekistan, which focuses on establishing a university in Tashkent in collaboration with Arizona State University of USA. Furthermore, OIA has invested in the Vietnam-Oman Investment Company, which has allocated nearly $400 million to projects in solar energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and food. The report also noted that OIA's focus is not limited to establishing strategic partnerships through joint investment funds alone, but also extends to direct investments in global companies, which primarily aim to localize advanced global technologies in the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to generating returns that are later reinvested into local projects. Notable examples include OIA's stake in Elon Musk's artificial intelligence firm 'xAI, in addition to 'Tidal Vision', a US-based company offering cutting-edge technological solutions to address pollution and climate-related challenges in the agriculture and water sectors. In the technology sector, OIA partnered with 'Golden Gate Ventures' of Singapore to establish a $100 million joint fund, leading to establish a local venture office in Muscat to manage joint investments between the two countries, and investing in local companies like 'Bayanat'. Collectively, these efforts underscores OIA's commitment to embedding the Omani angle across all its investments and partnerships. Moreover, the report highlighted OIA's policy to carry out strategic divestments from certain government assets, which contributed to revitalizing the Muscat Stock Exchange. Among the most notable of these divestments was the initial public offering (IPO) of 25% of 'OQ Exploration & Production' shares in October 2024, which marked the largest IPO in the history of the Sultanate of Oman. The offering aimed to strengthen foreign investor confidence in the Omani market while also involving citizens in the transformational shift of Oman's economy, in which OIA plays a central role. The report further noted that since mid-2022, OIA has successfully divested from 19 assets, generating returns exceeding RO 2.7 billion. These included public offerings such as 'The Pearl REIF', 'Abraj Energy Services' and 'OQ Gas Networks', all of which witnessed demand surpassing the supply. These IPOs are not only about generating financial returns; they are also intended to inject liquidity into Oman's financial markets, attract long-term foreign investment, and pave the way for future divestments. Locally, the report discussed OIA's efforts to strengthen its investments in the national economy through the National Development Fund (NDF), noting that total capital investment spending in local projects rose to RO 1.9 billion, surpassing the initial target of RO 1.7 billion. The report stated that the NDF represents 60% of the assets managed by OIA, and its investments are aimed at supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Additionally, OIA established Future Fund Oman (FFO) with a capital of RO 2 billion, of which 90% is allocated to large direct investments in viable local projects, and 10% to small, medium, and emerging enterprises- with the latter portion exceeding $519 million. The NDF focuses on sectors such as green energy, industry, and tourism to support the diversification of the Omani economy. FFO has witnessed strong interest in its first year, attracting investments worth more than US$ 2 billion, 70% of which came from foreign investors, across ten priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, clean energy, and ICT. This approach has distinguished OIA from its regional counterparts, where investment strategies are predominantly focused on the oil and real estate sectors. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
31-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OIA's role in supporting development of local economy in Oman lauded
New York: A new report by the SWF Global commended Oman Investment Authority (OIA) for strengthening Oman's global ties through targeted foreign investments, joint funds, and reinvesting divestment proceeds and returns into national projects. This approach sets OIA apart from its peers, as it adopts a unique philosophy centered on the "Omani Angle" making it a foundational principle in its investment decision-making. SWF Global is a specialized organisation that focuses on tracking activities of state-owned investment organizations, including sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and pension funds worldwide. The report highlighted OIA's success in building an extensive network of strategic relationships by promoting the concept of economic diplomacy with various countries across the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas over the past five years. Among the most recent strategic partnerships is the signing of a joint fund agreement with Algeria worth USD 300 million, targeting investments in vital sectors such as mining, food security, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, OIA partnered with Turkey's OYAK Fund to establish a joint investment fund valued at USD 500 million and launched a joint fund with Uzbekistan, which focuses on establishing a university in Tashkent in collaboration with Arizona State University of USA. Furthermore, OIA has invested in the Vietnam-Oman Investment Company, which has allocated nearly USD 400 million to projects in solar energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and food. The report also noted that OIA's focus is not limited to establishing strategic partnerships through joint investment funds alone, but also extends to direct investments in global companies, which primarily aim to localize advanced global technologies in the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to generating returns that are later reinvested into local projects. Notable examples include OIA's stake in Elon Musk's artificial intelligence firm 'xAI, in addition to 'Tidal Vision', a US-based company offering cutting-edge technological solutions to address pollution and climate-related challenges in the agriculture and water sectors. In the technology sector, OIA partnered with 'Golden Gate Ventures' of Singapore to establish a USD 100 million joint fund, leading to establish a local venture office in Muscat to manage joint investments between the two countries, and investing in local companies like 'Bayanat'. Collectively, these efforts underscores OIA's commitment to embedding the Omani angle across all its investments and partnerships. Moreover, the report highlighted OIA's policy to carry out strategic divestments from certain government assets, which contributed to revitalizing the Muscat Stock Exchange. Among the most notable of these divestments was the initial public offering (IPO) of 25% of 'OQ Exploration & Production' shares in October 2024, which marked the largest IPO in the history of the Sultanate of Oman. The offering aimed to strengthen foreign investor confidence in the Omani market while also involving citizens in the transformational shift of Oman's economy, in which OIA plays a central role. The report further noted that since mid-2022, OIA has successfully divested from 19 assets, generating returns exceeding RO 2.7 billion. These included public offerings such as 'The Pearl REIF', 'Abraj Energy Services' and 'OQ Gas Networks', all of which witnessed demand surpassing the supply. These IPOs are not only about generating financial returns; they are also intended to inject liquidity into Oman's financial markets, attract long-term foreign investment, and pave the way for future divestments. Locally, the report discussed OIA's efforts to strengthen its investments in the national economy through the National Development Fund (NDF), noting that total capital investment spending in local projects rose to RO 1.9 billion, surpassing the initial target of RO 1.7 billion. The report stated that the NDF represents 60% of the assets managed by OIA, and its investments are aimed at supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Additionally, OIA established Future Fund Oman (FFO) with a capital of OMR2 billion, of which 90% is allocated to large direct investments in viable local projects, and 10% to small, medium, and emerging enterprises- with the latter portion exceeding US$519 million. The Fund focuses on sectors such as green energy, industry, and tourism to support the diversification of the Omani economy. FFO has witnessed strong interest in its first year, attracting investments worth more than US$ 2 billion, 70% of which came from foreign investors, across ten priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, clean energy, and ICT. This approach has distinguished OIA from its regional counterparts, where investment strategies are predominantly focused on the oil and real estate sectors. The SWF Global concluded its analysis by noting that the dual role played by OIA in strengthening Oman's strategic partnerships while simultaneously advancing the national economy positions it to lay the foundation for Oman's future economy. This is achieved through the establishment of joint funds, localization of advanced global technologies, execution of a strategic divestment plan, and attraction of foreign direct investment. These efforts make OIA a model for transforming Gulf economies toward sustainable development and economic diversification.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Tanzania's New Foreign Policy Signals Strategic Expansion of South-South Partnerships with Asia
A US$297.64 million soft loan for rural communication infrastructure, A US$24.86 million grant for the expansion of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, A US$58.3 million loan for upgrades to Zanzibar Airport, Market access approvals for Tanzanian avocados and aquatic products. Economic Diplomacy – Strengthening investment and trade partnerships. Peace and Security – Supporting conflict prevention and counter-terrorism. Strategic Treaty Management – Ratification and domestication of treaties. Global Engagement – Active participation in regional and international organizations. Kiswahili Diplomacy – Promoting Kiswahili as a tool of cultural and political influence. Resource Mobilization – Securing funding for key development sectors. Blue Economy – Unlocking marine and coastal economic potential. Diaspora Engagement – Facilitating participation of Tanzanians abroad. Human Rights and Governance – Promoting democratic values in line with the Constitution. Climate Leadership – Advancing environmental protection and climate action. DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - EQS Newswire - 26 May 2025 – The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has launched its revised National Foreign Policy 2021 (2024 edition), reinforcing the country's commitment to deeper South-South cooperation, especially with China and India. The policy reflects Tanzania's focus on economic diplomacy, cultural exchange, digital cooperation, and sustainable launch event was held on 19 May at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, and officiated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was also attended by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials, and representatives from the private her keynote address, President Samia said the revised policy marks a critical step in reaffirming Tanzania's position in a changing world. "There have been a lot of changes since we introduced the national foreign policy 24 years ago in 2001. The new policy takes into account the shift in areas such as the blue and digital economy, and the creative and entertainment industry," she updated policy provides a clear roadmap for international engagement, grounded in national interests and guided by principle. "This policy speaks on who we are as a nation—firm in our values, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that advance peace, security, and shared prosperity," President Samia enjoys long-standing historical ties with China and India, dating back to the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Chairman Mao Tse Tung, and Indira Gandhi. These relationships have matured into comprehensive partnerships over the past Samia's state visit to China in November 2022 was a defining moment in bilateral relations. Invited by President Xi Jinping, the visit upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest diplomatic status in Tanzania's foreign policy framework. Agreements signed included:In October 2023, President Samia visited India where she and President Droupadi Murmu jointly launched the Tanzania–India Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in health, education, agriculture, water, defense, and the September 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Samia secured RMB 200 million (approx. TZS 76 billion) in support for development projects and negotiated enhanced access to China's US$50 billion financing and investment package. She also advanced agreements on the TAZARA railway and tariff-free Samia has also cultivated strong relations with, tapping into Asia's economic momentum. These efforts have opened Tanzanian products to new markets, attracted high-impact investments, and fostered knowledge her, she signedin diplomacy, trade, energy, agriculture, education, and pharmaceuticals. Adrew over, reflecting Tanzania's growing economic January 2024 state visit to Indonesia further strengthened Tanzania's Asian partnerships, with seven agreements signed in sectors including diplomacy, oil and gas, education, and agriculture. A business forum in Jakarta attracted over 300 Indonesian foreign policy tradition has long been rooted in non-alignment and Pan-African solidarity, especially under President Nyerere. The 2001 update under President Benjamin Mkapa marked a shift toward economic diplomacy. The 2025 revision builds on this foundation with a more integrated, innovation-driven and globally oriented after taking office in 2021, President Samia introduced the 4Rs philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding—to guide governance and diplomacy. Through this framework, she has unified the nation, addressed global health and economic challenges, modernized foreign policy practice, and repositioned Tanzania as a respected regional and global to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the revised policy focuses on ten strategic areas:President Samia has prioritized meaningful diaspora participation. At the heart of this is the proposed Special Status for Tanzanians abroad, allowing them to own land, register businesses, and invest without renouncing foreign citizenship. Amendments to the Land Act and Immigration Act have already been submitted to Parliament to support this transformative revised National Foreign Policy is both a reflection of its rich diplomatic legacy and a blueprint for future global engagement. Through enhanced cooperation with China, India, and other South-South partners, President Samia has positioned Tanzania to thrive as a stable, confident, and connected player in the global #Tanzania The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
The Rafale shock and the new geometry of peace needed by Asean, Japan and South Korea — Phar Kim Beng
MAY 12 — If the Rafale incident represents a symbolic tilt in aerial supremacy from West to East, the aftershocks are now being felt across the wider Indo-Pacific. Nowhere is this more visible than in Japan and South Korea — two technologically advanced democracies seeking deeper economic and diplomatic engagement with Asean, while delicately recalibrating their own security postures amid rising great power competition. Yet even as Tokyo and Seoul 'Look East,' what they must now do is Think East. The fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan offers a brief window to rethink their Asean strategy — not just for trade, but for regional peace and systemic resilience. Both Japan and South Korea have long viewed Asean through the lens of economic pragmatism. As the U.S.-China rivalry intensified, the ten-nation bloc represented a critical alternative: a consumer base, a manufacturing hub, and a neutral diplomatic bridge. Supply chain diversification, digital partnerships, and decarbonisation investments were the pillars of this forward momentum. Yet what the South Asian conflict — and China's quiet involvement in Pakistan's aerial response — has made clear is that economic diplomacy can no longer be divorced from hard security realities. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan is not a resolution but a breathing space, one that may be punctured again at any moment by political brinkmanship or doctrinal miscalculation. If renewed conflict erupts, it will not stay confined to the Himalayan front or the Line of Control. The ripple effects would spill across maritime trade routes, investment corridors, and summit diplomacy in Southeast Asia. For Japan and South Korea, who rely on Asean as a stabilising fulcrum in their Indo-Pacific outreach, ignoring the implications of South Asia's volatility would be not just a strategic oversight — it would be a self-inflicted vulnerability. Asean itself is at an inflection point. With maritime choke points such as the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, and South China Sea forming the arterial routes for Japan and Korea's energy and commerce flows, any deterioration in regional security architecture could derail decades of economic planning. More importantly, Asean's quiet dependence on stability has been upended by growing uncertainty in both East and South Asia. While Asean has long practiced what might be called 'tactical ambiguity,' this approach is increasingly misaligned with a world driven by real-time escalation and digitally fused defence systems. The region needs deeper security integration, early-warning networks, and shared intelligence platforms. Japan and South Korea, with their advanced technological capabilities and political capital, can help build this infrastructure — not as outsiders, but as invested partners in the Indo-Pacific's most fragile yet central zone. However, engagement must go beyond capacity-building. A new approach must be grounded in strategic empathy. Asean's history of colonialism, Cold War entanglements, and inter-state neutrality cannot be dismissed. Japan and South Korea must understand Asean's hesitation to pick sides, especially as China's economic gravity continues to shape regional choices. A pair of Croatian Rafale military aircraft fly past during the international aviation meeting AIRVG2025 at Franjo Tu?man Airport in Zagreb on May 10, 2025. — AFP pic What is needed is a diplomatic sensibility that values Asean centrality, while nudging it toward multilateral resilience — especially in conflict prevention. Revitalising the East Asia Summit, expanding Asean Regional Forum mechanisms, and reinforcing the Asean Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) must become immediate priorities. Furthermore, economic cooperation itself must evolve. Trade corridors are not just about tariffs and logistics — they are now geopolitical flashpoints. Smart ports, cyber-resilient logistics chains, and satellite-monitored maritime routes must define the next wave of Asean infrastructure. Here, Japan's expertise in maritime domain awareness and Korea's edge in digital infrastructure can be harnessed toward a shared strategic goal: safeguarding the arteries of peace before the next conflict arrives. Another dimension often ignored is South Korea and Japan's role in managing their bilateral relations with both India and Pakistan. Both countries have historic and growing ties with India, but strategic over-identification with New Delhi — especially if it leads to ignoring Islamabad's own security anxieties — would deepen Pakistan's dependency on China, making the regional equation even more brittle. Triangular diplomacy that includes Asean stakeholders can foster a more balanced regional posture. Education exchanges, joint climate initiatives, or even cyber diplomacy platforms may not make headlines, but they build the kind of long-term institutional trust that conventional arms deals never can. In this moment of fragile calm, Japan and South Korea have a rare opportunity. They can continue to engage Asean as a passive economic zone or help transform it into a stabilising buffer for an increasingly unstable Asia. 'Look East' was once a slogan. 'Think East' must now be a strategy — one rooted in the understanding that peace, like airpower, is no longer about symbolic superiority, but about connectivity, resilience, and foresight. The sky has tilted, yes — but what lies beneath it must now be reinforced. If Asean is to remain the keystone of the Indo-Pacific, it needs East Asia not only as a partner, but as an ally in peace-building. The next scramble for influence will not be over land or jets, but over who can ensure that the next ceasefire need not happen at all. * Phar Kim Beng is a professor of Asean Studies in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
