Seeds of friendship: four neighbours forge tentative partnership

Article Abstract:

China, Thailand, Burma and Laos are beginning to cooperate in the economic development of the Mekong River region they share. This region, known as the Golden Quadrangle, could support more commerce and tourism if it can be made more accessible. A May 1993 agreement to build a circular road passing through all four countries marked the first step toward achieving this goal. Wu Guangfan, secretary-general of China's Yunnan province, strongly advocates economic cooperation in the region. Some Thais fear that China might use improved access to export a plethora of cheap goods to Thailand.

Planning, International aspects, Cover Story, Economic policy, Economic development, International economic relations, Laos, Asian Development Bank (Manila, Philippines), Yunnan, China

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Anxious neighbours

Article Abstract:

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is becoming increasingly concerned with the refugee problem in Bangladesh. Thousands of Rohingya Muslims from Burma's Arakan region have fled to Bangladesh, heightening tensions between the two countries. ASEAN member countries, particularly Malaysia, see the refugee problem as a threat to the region's stability. Despite ASEAN's active efforts to serve as mediator between the two countries, it still maintains a policy of non-interference in other countries' domestic concerns.

Negotiation, mediation and arbitration, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Burma

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Trading on culture: Thailand takes a new tack with its neighbours

Article Abstract:

Thailand is trying to establish better diplomatic and cultural ties with its neighbors in hopes of fostering renewed economic development. It has long- standing grudges with many of them, including Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam, fueled in part by the rapaciousness of Thai businessmen when those countries reopened to the outside world. Thailand is well-suited geographically to be a hub of commerce and travel in the region, but faces both animosity and a business community over which it exerts relatively little influence.

Thai foreign relations, Southeast Asia

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