Southeast and East Asia
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. In Southeast and East Asia, we have offices in Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Malaysia. The FNF regional team works with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, Collective of Applied Law and Legal Realism (CALR), a pro bono initiative by AmerBON Advocates, and the ASEAN Prosperity Initiative, which is part of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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Liberals in the 2025 Midterm Elections and Beyond
Parliamentary elections were held in the Philippines on May 12. These midterm elections, in which the winners take office midway through President Marcos' term, will elect all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate to form the 20th Philippine Congress. Local elections for the executive and legislative branches were also held in all municipalities, cities and provinces across the country. As in Canada and Australia, the elections showed that liberalism is neither dead nor obsolete. Liberal forces are needed and wanted. There is no other explanation for the surprising election result, especially with regard to the Senate elections.
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China Expands in the Yellow Sea
The People’s Republic of China is building massive steel structures in disputed waters off South Korea’s coast. This move could signal even more aggressive behavior—similar to China’s actions in the South China Sea.
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How Trump's Tariff Threatens Vietnam’s Economy
Global trade has entered one of its most turbulent chapters in decades. President Trump’s sweeping tariff order not only disrupts traditional trade flows, it also signals a deeper shift toward unilateralism and protectionism. While countries like Vietnam will face severe economic consequences, China sees an opportunity to reassert its economic and geopolitical influence.
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BTS Fans Criticized Chinese Nationalism
Young fans have questioned authoritarian narratives and openly discussed issues like freedom of expression, according to a recent analysis by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
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Violence in Myanmar: women targeted by the military and resistance groups
Women in Myanmar have been exposed to massive violence since the military coup in 2021. A new study shows the dramatic consequences and calls for better access to justice.
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Business & Human Rights: Measures for the Global South
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights call for a “smart mix of measures — national and international, mandatory and voluntary — to foster business respect for human rights”. This was also the theme of the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.
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Will the BRICS States or Donald Trump Reshape the Liberal World Order?
The liberal world order is under pressure: while the BRICS states are building alternative structures, Trump is pursuing an ‘America First’ policy. Who will shape the future of the global order?
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East Asia Caught Between Washington and Beijing
Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are opting for de-escalation in the tariff dispute with the United States. Europe should take note of East Asian democracies’ behavior: it finds itself in a similar dilemma.
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Guarding Democracy
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) has released its 2024 annual publication under the theme “Guarding Democracy.” This edition compiles a series of powerful inaugural speeches delivered by politicians within its network, highlighting their commitment to liberal democratic values. The publication also provides a comprehensive overview of CALD’s key activities throughout the year, showcasing the organization’s efforts to strengthen democracy across Southeast and East Asia through solidarity, dialogue, and action.
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Small Island, Big Impact: What Europe can learn from Taiwan
Taiwan is under increasing pressure from China, but the island is admirably defending its democracy. Its example shows how free societies can remain resilient.
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“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump's second term in office is causing unrest in the Pacific. Many countries bordering the South China Sea fear that US support will wane and that China's behaviour could become even more aggressive. Will Trump's isolationism also affect the Indo-Pacific region, giving China ‘free rein’?
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CALD Hosts Conference on South China Sea Disputes Amid Trump 2.0 Presidency
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), a regional network of liberal and democratic political parties in Asia, successfully hosted their high-profile regional conference, “South China Sea Disputes Under Trump 2.0: Finding a Common Ground Among Claimant States,” on 3 April 2025, at Miriam College, Quezon City. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and scholars to tackle pressing issues surrounding the South China Sea, including escalating geopolitical tensions, regional security, and the future of diplomatic negotiations.
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7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Thousands Feared Trapped
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 1,600 people. International aid is on the way, but damaged infrastructure is hampering rescue and supply measures.
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CALD hails Duterte's Arrest as a Step Towards Justice
CALD considers the arrest of Duterte as a testament that no one is above the law and that justice eventually finds its way to address impunity and blatant disregard for human rights. At the conclusion of the ICC trial, we are hopeful that justice will finally be served to thousands of victims of the deadly drug war.
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AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats has published a new policy paper: “AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia: Opportunities, challenges, and ways forward for democrats and liberals”.
