Southeast Asia • Table.Briefings

April 9th, 2026

North Korea visit: Wang Yi speaks of “positive momentum” in relations

Beijing and Pyongyang want to deepen ties even further. That is what China’s foreign minister said during his visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

By Fabian Peltsch

News | Economic situation

March 25th, 2026

Boao Report: Asia is becoming the world's AI hub

According to this year’s Boao Report, Asia has emerged as the new global hub for AI development. The region is benefiting from its large digital population and political support, while the AI market is growing rapidly.

By Amelie Richter

News | Energy

March 19th, 2026

Iran war: China signals willingness to cooperate with Southeast Asian on energy shortages

China is signaling willingness to cooperate with Southeast Asian countries on energy security. The Chinese foreign ministry continues to call on all parties in the Iran war to halt military activity.

By Redaktion Table

Talk of the Town | Energy supply

March 9th, 2026

Energy: Why China could benefit from the oil shock

China’s energy supply depends heavily on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Yet the world’s second-largest economy could emerge as a winner from the regional choke point.

By Jörn Petring

News | Customs duties

February 22nd, 2026

Asia: Wait-and-see stance after suspension of US tariffs

Reactions from Asia to Trump’s new tariff announcements reflect uncertainty and confusion. The Indian government postponed a delegation trip to Washington that had been planned for this week.

By Ning Wang

Feature | Southeast Asia

February 10th, 2026

Southeast Asia: What Europe can learn from dealing with Chinese investments

Chinese companies invest more in Southeast Asia than in any other region of the world. The investment policy in the region offers valuable insights for Europe. Export bans and local value creation requirements discussed in Germany are already being applied there.

By Leonardo Pape

News | Vietnam

January 28th, 2026

Vietnam: Stepping up exchanges on raw materials, semiconductors and infrastructure

The EU and Vietnam are intensifying cooperation in critical areas. Diplomatic ties are set to be upgraded during a visit by European Council President António Costa.

By Leonardo Pape

Feature | Rare earths

January 21st, 2026

Malaysia: New hope for secure rare earth supply chains

Malaysia is the world’s second-largest location for rare earth processing after China. This creates opportunities for Germany and Europe – but the United States and China are already staking out their interests.

By Leonardo Pape

Opinion | Southeast Asia

January 20th, 2026

Trade: US tariffs and China’s rise accelerate the decline of East Asian industry

US tariffs and China’s rise are fundamentally reshaping trade patterns across East Asia. As companies from Japan and South Korea shift production to the United States, domestic industrial bases in the region face the risk of sustained contraction.

By Keun Lee

News | Southeast Asia

December 18th, 2025

Southeast Asia: Chinese automakers expand

Chinese automaker Xpeng Motors is setting up local production in Malaysia. In addition, the autonomous driving start-up Momenta is continuing its expansion across Southeast Asia.

By Leonardo Pape