Vietnam to Receive Advanced Russian Sub

Published on Apr 2, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — As tensions remain high in the South China Sea between Vietnam and China, Hanoi is reportedly set to receive its first of six advanced submarines from Russia. Ria Novsti reported that “The first of six Varshavyanka class (Project 636M) diesel-electric submarines will be delivered to Vietnam in 2013 as scheduled.” Commonly referred to as the Kilo-class, the subs reportedlyboast “advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.” Read more from Harry Kazianis in The Diplomat.   .

Ieng Sary’s Millions

Published on Apr 1, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — The death of Ieng Sary – one of three Khmer Rouge leaders accused of genocide and war crimes before a tribunal in Phnom Penh – may have also killed off attempts by victims and their families to recover his assets and hidden wealth, including a bank account in Hong Kong. Read more from Tom Fawthrop in the South China Morning Post. .

Australian Freed from Abu Sayyaf Captivity

Published on Mar 27, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Events in the Southern Philippines are gathering pace. The prospect of peace in the country’s long-troubled south has ricocheted across Mindanao and the Sulu Sea with the changing political dynamics kick starting an insurgency in neighboring Malaysia and raising tensions between Manila and Kuala Lumpur. The insurgency has gone quiet over the past fortnight with a militia supported by the self-anointed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III finding sanctuary among the countless water villages housing hundreds of thousands of illegal Filipinos, dotted along the east coast of Sabah, from Lahad Datu to Tawau. But one man who benefited most is perhaps the Australian Warren Rodwell, 54, who was released last weekend after spending 15 months in captivity.....

Religion, Race and Politics: ASEAN’s Gordian Knot

Published on Mar 26, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Delivering an integrated economic community by 2015 is a long-cherished ASEAN dream. But events in recent weeks have shown just how difficult the task will be, driving home the complex realities facing the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly on issues of race and creed. Hardline Islamic militancy has surfaced again in Indonesia, while in the Southern Philippines ongoing tensions between Christians, Muslims and ethnic Moros in search of a homeland have spilled over into Sabah in East Malaysia. In Burma, anti-Muslim attacks have spread, while in Vietnam and Laos all religions must follow the lead of an atheist central government. Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .

Australian-Run Orphanage Raided

Published on Mar 25, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Authorities have raided an Australian-run orphanage in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and taken away 21 children, some as young as one. Police and government officials had received reports of beatings and neglect at the Love in Action orphanage founded by 71-year-old Australian Ruth Golder. Read more from Lindsay Murdoch in The Age. .