Op-Ed: Implications of American VP’s visit

13 Sept 11:00 Key points summarised by AI

VP Kamala Harris's visit to Singapore and Vietnam emphasizes their strategic importance as key US allies in ASEAN, aiming to reinforce Washington's commitment to the Indo-Pacific amidst China's rise and post-Afghanistan withdrawal concerns.
Singapore is valued for its balanced engagement with both the US and China, while Vietnam is strategically courted for its potential to counter China, leading to strengthened ties and possible US arms purchases despite past ideological differences.
The US's overt favoritism towards these two nations is viewed by some as a 'salami-slicing' tactic, potentially dividing ASEAN and signaling a more selective approach to regional partnerships.
The trip also serves as a strong message to other regional allies, like Thailand, to align their security policies more closely with the US, indicating Washington's willingness to prioritize partners based on strategic alignment.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.