The Russia Factor in China-India Relations

By Ivan Lidarev

As Moscow has partnered with both Beijing and Delhi and is closer to each Asian giant than they are to each other, it has emerged as a trusted third party, a position that no other country enjoys.

Is ASEAN Ready for Timor-Leste?

By Barbora Valockova

On October 26 2025, Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking the bloc’s first expansion since Cambodia joined in 1999. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão declared “Today history is made” at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur as Timor-Leste’s flag was placed alongside those of existing member states. For a nation that gained independence in 2002 following centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and decades of Indonesian occupation, ASEAN membership represents a longstanding aspiration for deeper regional integration and international recognition.

From Steppes to Seas: Is There Potential for Closer Ties between Central Asia and ASEAN?

By Zhanibek Arynov

In Central Asia, people often ask what ‘ASEAN’ is, and even International Relations scholars there generally have only limited knowledge of Southeast Asian affairs, let alone the broader public. Similarly, in Southeast Asia, the idea of ‘Central Asia’ holds little meaning for most locals. This is understandable, given the geographical distance and the near absence of historical ties between the two regions. At first glance, Central Asia and ASEAN may appear to be unlikely partners. Yet, they share more similarities than one might expect, and considerable untapped potential exists for deeper cooperation between the two regions. At the same time, expectations for such cooperation should remain realistic and focus on issue-specific areas of collaboration.