What’s Happened? March 14-21
America cuts free media in Asia; EU responds as Thailand deports Uyghurs; and Duterte in The Hague, plus more.
Welcome to the latest “What’s Happened?”, a wrap-up of the past week's Europe-Southeast Asia affairs.
As well as weekly news briefs about Europe-Southeast Asia engagement, Watching Europe In Southeast Asia brings you exclusive analysis and in-depth Q&As, as well as columns on politics, business and entertainment. If you haven’t already, you can become a supporter of the newsletter.
You’ve got to hand it to the United States—when it comes to global influence, it’s not so much hard power or soft power these days as minus power. The latest masterstroke? Slashing funding for Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), two of the few remaining lifelines for independent information in places where censorship thrives. (Note: I am/was an opinion writer for RFA, so, yes, I’m biased.) Of course, Cambodia’s strongman, Hun Sen, welcomed the move. He thanked Donald Trump “for having the courage to lead the world to combat fake news, starting with U.S. government-funded news networks…This is a major contribution to eliminating fake news, disinformation, lies, distortions, incitement, and chaos around the world.” Who needs friends when you have enemies like this? RFA and VOA have long provided alternative narratives to state-controlled media in authoritarian regimes, particularly in Asia. But as Uncle Sam turns down the dial, the question for Europe is: does it step in or simply watch the information vacuum get filled by Beijing and Moscow? Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsk has said that he would talk to fellow EU foreign ministers about "how to at least partially maintain” broadcasting of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which is based in Prague. Maybe, though I doubt it, for RFE. Almost certainly not for the Asia-based ones. This is disappointing. After all, the EU could do with a seat at Asia’s media game. Brussels has long recognized that it has an image problem in Southeast Asia. Moreover, taking over an existing network of outlets is fantastically easier than creating something new from scratch. For 2025, the US Agency for Global Media requested $950 million, so around €870 million. This isn’t small change, although the European Commission’s budget for the year is €199 billion, and it would be a wiser investment than some of the things Brussels is going to shell out on in the coming months. I quote from the EU’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific report from 2021 (and my emphasis),
The EU will help combat foreign information manipulation and interference by state and non-state actors in the Indo-Pacific region through new tools aimed at identifying, analysing, assessing, countering and imposing costs on information manipulation. It will expand expert networks in the region, share information and experience with like-minded partners, and raise awareness of information manipulation and interference. Action in this field will include support for independent content for media outlets. This will help foster a pluralistic and fact-based information environment, reduce dependence on state-controlled foreign outlets, and counter their impact.
***
Ah, Thailand. Land of stunning beaches, chaotic tuk-tuk rides, and, apparently, handing desperate Uyghur refugees straight back to China. In a move that shocked precisely no one familiar with how Beijing leans on its allies, Thai authorities deported 40 Uyghur men in February 2025, despite every human rights group under the sun screaming, “DON’T DO THAT.” Spoiler alert: they did that.
The US response came swiftly. Washington announced visa restrictions on Thai officials involved in the deportations. Human rights organizations welcomed the move, seeing it as a strong signal against forced repatriations. Bangkok has done more U-turns than a tuk-tuk. It now says it will send a team to check up on the deportees in China.
On March 14, the European Parliament passed a resolution stating that Thai authorities violated international law by deporting at least 40 Uyghur refugees to China, where they face risks of arbitrary detention, torture and serious human rights violations, despite offers from other safe countries to resettle them. Oddly, the MEPs also felt this the moment to restate that Thailand's lese-majeste provisions, under Section 112 of its Criminal Code, are not in line with the kingdom's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Economist Intelligence Unit had this to say, “We believe that the European parliament’s latest resolution will not alter Thailand’s conduct of diplomacy…Given Thailand’s close economic ties with China, the European parliament’s call for Thailand to suspend extradition treaties with China is unlikely to be met.” It went on,
We believe that Thailand will take limited reform actions on human rights, but we do not foresee a major amendment of the lese-majesty law, given the enduring influence of the military-aligned establishment over Thai politics. Pro-establishment coalition partner parties such as the United Thai Nation and the Bhumjai Thai Party have stated clearly that they will not support such a reform. Thailand’s proposal for constitutional reform, which is expected later this year, will be closely watched for clues on its reach. We believe that the government could release some imprisoned offenders of the lese-majesty law to appease the EU, but a law amendment will be unlikely.
***
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte once told the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “go to hell”—now he finds his feet over its coals. The ICC is pressing ahead with its investigation into his bloody war on drugs, which left tens of thousands of Filipinos dead in extrajudicial killings. And while Duterte’s fan club insists he’s being unfairly targeted, and they’ve rallied in some European capitals, The Hague’s prosecutors seem determined to prove that impunity has an expiration date. Europeans have a ringside seat.
Business
Indonesia’s stock market hit the brakes this week, halting trading for the first time since 2020 after the Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index tumbled over 7%. The sharp drop has reignited worries about economic stability and consumer confidence as both local and international investors pull back amid weak sentiment and mounting concerns over Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
The European Cargo Network of International Freight Forwarders (ELVIS) is expanding its logistics services. With the introduction of the ELVIS South East Asia Link transport concept, the network’s partner freight forwarders gain access to efficient container transport between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono is pushing for fair and mutually beneficial trade and investment ties with the EU as both sides work to resolve key issues in their free trade agreement talks. According to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, negotiations for the Indonesia-EU CEPA are still tackling two major hurdles: export duties and import permits.
The EU, along with the European Investment Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, is investing nearly €80 million to modernize the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
Aussies are flocking to Southeast Asia in 2025! Nearly one in three international trips will head to the region, while Europe is losing its appeal, according to new research. Travel Insurance Australia predicts a 42% surge in trips to hotspots like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia this year.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast spoke with Automotive Logistics about its commitment to delivering critical parts across Europe within 24 hours in emergency situations.
Bruno Jaspaert, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, shared insights on Vietnam’s evolving legal system in a recent article.
Malaysia joined China in lifting a ban on the import of heat-treated milk and dairy products from Germany.
Singapore-based insurance tech firm Peak3 is expanding into the UK and Europe after securing $35 million in Series A funding.
The Philippines’s Department of Migrant Workers announced that 3,500 job openings are available for Filipino hotel workers in Europe, following a government-to-government agreement with Croatia.
Security
About 100 Singapore Armed Forces personnel teamed up with their German counterparts for a live-firing exercise from March 8 to 12 at the Oberlausitz Military Training Area, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced on March 14.
Denmark’s cybersecurity agency has warned of rising state-sponsored cyber espionage in Europe’s telecom sector, highlighting the Chinese spying campaign Salt Typhoon. The report also noted similar attacks targeting telecom companies in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines and France have pledged to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, maritime affairs, and environmental initiatives. Their 4th political consultation took place on March 14 in Manila, led by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and France’s Asia and Oceania Director Benoît Guidée.
The Malaysian Armed Forces have acquired FlyEye reconnaissance drones from Poland’s WB Group. These drones are now in service with the military’s artillery unit, assisting in artillery adjustments.
The Swiss government has approved a memorandum of understanding with Singapore to enhance defense cooperation, focusing on research, development, innovation, and procurement.
Environmental
The Forest Policy, Trade, and Finance Initiative published an interesting report on Myanmar’s forest sector and the impact of Western sanctions since the 2021 coup.
The European Investment Bank will collaborate with Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy to support sustainable energy growth. The partnership was discussed during a meeting between Minister Keo Rattanak and EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer, with EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans also in attendance.
The EIB will continue supporting Vietnam in mobilizing green finance, developing incentives, and providing innovative financial solutions for renewable energy, emissions reduction, and climate adaptation projects, says Vice-President Nicola Beer. During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in Hanoi, she highlighted discussions with key Vietnamese agencies on preferential loans for green energy projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
“The EU’s proposed critical minerals deal with Indonesia needs reframing to avoid human rights and environmental harms,” wrote Rachmi Hertanti and Julie Zalcman in an interesting report published on March 18. “Increasing demand for nickel has triggered a new wave of extractivism, with dire impacts on the environment and human rights.”
Bilaterals
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Szijjártó Péter in Hanoi on March 19, in which he emphasized Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Hungary, the country's first comprehensive partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
The UK is set to begin trade talks with the Philippines after the Asian nation agreed to lift an import ban on British beef and poultry products. On March 19, UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty met in London and agreed to pursue closer cooperation and increased trade across sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and economic development. “Today’s talks signify an important new chapter in our trading relationship with the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest growing economies,” Alexander said.
Vietnamese Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh visited Britain March 16-20
Tit-Bits
The Telegraph ran one of the customary articles on how European retirees are moving to Thailand.
A £3.5 million initiative to use the knowledge and skills of scientists at Scotland's Stirling University to help develop a digital tool for promoting sustainable fish farming in Vietnam's Mekong Delta has been announced.
Laos' national football coach Ha Hyeok-jun has named a 28-player squad for the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifying round against Vietnam, including three players of French origin. Among them are Roman Angot, who plays for SV Linx in Germany’s sixth division, and right-back Victor Ngovinassack, who features for Is-Selongey’s reserve team in France’s sixth division.
In other football news, Patrick Kluivert, the former Netherlands striker, saw his first match as Indoensia’s national team coach on March 20 after he was handed the mission of taking Indonesia to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1938.
Oliver Brandt, director of the Goethe Institute in Vietnam, was interviewed about the cultural events they’re organizing. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany.
Reading List
“Just as in Europe, Trump’s return to power presents an opportunity for Southeast Asian leaders to stand up for their principles together, or risk being pushed aside alone.” In Southeast Asia, Trump reinforces worst fears about the US”, Ben Bland, Chatham House, March 17.
As Chinese EVs threaten to overrun Europe, Germany should ramp up supply-chain investment, Joseph Webster, Atlantic Council, March 19
Southeast Asia’s critical role as a green industrial leader, Trang Nguyen and Jannata Giwangkara, The Interpreter, March 20.
Philippines faces tricky path to becoming less reliant on US, Richard Heydarian, South China Morning Post, March 15
“Amid rising US protectionism, Indonesia’s scepticism toward Western trade conditionalities is mirrored in its diminishing perceptions of the European Union (EU)... Indonesia increasingly views EU regulatory stances, on standards such as sustainability, labour protection, and human rights, as restrictive. This adds challenges to the forging of functional relationships and tampers enthusiasm for deeper economic alignment.” Indonesia’s Probable Foreign Policy Shift from the West under a Prabowo Administration, Melinda Martinus, Fulcrum, March 14