Peter T. C. Chang
SCMP contributor
Peter TC Chang is a research associate at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and a former deputy director in the Institute of China Studies at University Malaya.
Peter TC Chang is a research associate at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and a former deputy director in the Institute of China Studies at University Malaya.
Languages Spoken:
English
China’s system lacks Western-style institutional safeguards but its commitment to internal reform and self-correction shouldn’t be dismissed.
With fewer preconceptions, this could be the generation that breaks through the mistrust built up over decades.
Malaysia shows how local battles over race and national identity could complicate China’s Southeast Asian playbook.
Manila’s security-first approach and alignment with extra-regional powers is at odds with the pragmatic direction of China-Asean relations.
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As Xi and Trump prepare to meet, the divergence between their visions of global order has never been more acute.
As the US-led order unravels, the Japanese prime minister’s militaristic approach goes against the global shift towards cooperation with China.
By disrupting China’s global initiatives and relying on brute force to achieve its goals, US actions are ultimately self-defeating.
From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.
The Global North is failing to deliver on its climate pledges while Beijing patiently lays the groundwork for a greener future.
The Philippines’ challenge, given its assertive South China Sea policy, is to keep the bloc out of great power politics.
With its vision for a just world order, China is positioning itself on the right side of history, while the US retreats from the post-war order it shaped.
The recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur transcended economics and geopolitics, representing a pivotal moment of inter-civilisational engagement.
Despite reservations about his US background, Leo’s ties to the Global South and support for the marginalised have won him global acceptance.
As Trump erratically escalates trade tensions with China and the Global South, his domestic behaviour only adds to geopolitical uncertainty.
Trump’s trade war and his imperialistic rhetoric should prompt the Global South to unite in favour of an approach that prioritises engagement.
In purging individuals and ideas from US universities, Donald Trump’s new ‘red scare’ will only diminish America’s ability to attract top tech talent.
In purging individuals and ideas from US universities, Donald Trump’s new ‘red scare’ will only diminish America’s ability to attract top tech talent.
Countries must seize this moment to promote an open, inclusive world order grounded in common interests and mutual respect.
As US global leadership declines, the devastation of Gaza should prompt emerging nations to work towards a shared future for humankind.
Open engagement is key to countering both Donald Trump’s transactional nationalism and the US establishment’s drive for global hegemony.
Despite Trump’s transactional and nationalist foreign policy agenda, the US establishment is still committed to upholding American exceptionalism.
Washington has long resisted efforts to reform the Western-centric international order. Now Trump appears poised to withdraw from it altogether.
As US-China rivalry hinders our ability to deal with crises, Brics is using open engagement to help create a more equitable international order.
As next Asean chair Malaysia shows, an open door to all, even with intensifying great power competition, is vital to stability and development.
As next Asean chair Malaysia shows, an open door to all, even with intensifying great power competition, is vital to stability and development.
China should adopt an inclusive approach to its educational advancement that is mindful of Malaysia’s social and cultural fabric.
While the US seems focused on military alliances, Beijing is holding out a vision of economic collaboration and trust between civilisations.
While many countries mired in conflict are turning to China, ultimately it is the US’ stance that will determine how the crises in Ukraine and Gaza unfold.
The local Chinese community has forged a cultural identity with traits that are distinctly Malaysian, even as re-Sinicisation becomes a contentious issue.
