The country had previously hoped to launch a reopening plan on October 1, starting in Phuket before rolling out to other regions, though the reopening was postponed until further notice after a local coronavirus outbreak occurred in early September. No tangible progress in denuclearisation has been made after three meetings between the two leaders since June 2018. What were these art salons of days gone by like? India, for example, is keeping borders closed as it continues to battle what remains the second worst outbreak in the world. Growth in East Asia will dip from 5.4% in 2019 to 2.0% in 2020 before reaccelerating to 6.5% in 2021. As the larger Southeast Asian economies wrestle with COVID-19, growth in the subregion is forecast to drop to 1.0% in 2020 before recovering to 4.7% in 2021. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Heng Kim Song has been the freelance editorial cartoonist for Lianhe Zaobao since 1984. East Asian security has global repercussions and must be treated with extreme care. Jenna Scatena reported that while quieter than normal, the city had largely come back to life. The overall security in the region has deteriorated on several fronts in the past year and more serious challenges lie ahead. Cambodia is allowing some visitors to enter the country, but they're required to pay a $2,000 deposit. This article was last published in September 2020. By Nilanthi Samaranayake September 2, 2020 Mauritius does not usually make headlines in the United States, but this small island state off the east coast of Africa could force the U.S. to rethink operations in the Middle East. The US-China relationship has dived to a historic low in 2019, but it could have been worse. South Korea was praised for how it controlled the first wave of coronavirus cases, but new outbreaks have continued to crop up since. This must be submitted before within 24 hours of arrival in the Maldives, as part of the mandatory Traveler Health Declaration form. His many awards include the Top Award in United Nations ESCAP's Cartoon Competition and the Grafica Internazionale Award presented by Italian Museum of Political Satire and Caricature. (Wang Zhao/Pool/AFP). The U.S. Embassy reports that immediate blood relatives or spouses of long-term relatives may be permitted to self-quarantine at their family home, but proof in the form of a marriage or birth certificate will likely be requested upon arrival, and permission is subject to the individual immigration officer's approval. All the reopening statuses and current travel restrictions, as of December. The Business Track program, launched in the summer, allows some business travelers to bypass the entry requirements, but it is not currently being offered to American business travelers; only those who are Japanese residents, and visit the U.S. for a week or less, may return without having to complete the full quarantine. Though the US and China reached a preliminary “phase one” agreement before the year end to not add new tariffs for the time being, the trade war or indeed the hegemonic rivalry between the two powers is far from over. The still-disputed presidential election of 2019, continuing insecurity, uncertainties surrounding intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban, and a weakening economy have set the tone for 2020. All travelers must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure, and U.S. travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a hotel (proof of a reservation no less than 14 days must be shown). Political uncertainty puts Southeast Asia's economic recovery from coronavirus at risk, expert says. Foreigners are exempt from curfews and travel restrictions, and may continue to enter the country with no restrictions or requirements. All rights reserved. Note that the local U.S. Embassy warns that local regulations are changing quickly, and vary greatly throughout the country (the states of Sabah and Sarawk, for example, have complete autonomy over their ports of entry). U.S. students with academic visas can exit then re-enter Japan, but the quarantine is still required. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. The MTI expects a slightly improved GDP growth outlook in 2020 in … With elections and governance challenges in many countries, the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) returning to Thailand while it organizes an election and plans a coronation, the region’s trade architecture in flux, and But there are also some countries who remain closed, in a steady battle to lower cases, as their neighbors gradually open to bring in tourism dollars. A lot has changed. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. His cartoons are also featured in many major international publications including The New York Times, Asahi Shimbun, JoongAng Ilbo, South China Morning Post and Yazhou Zhoukan. Afghanistan’s domestic revenue growth remains insignificant, and a peace agreement t… The Maldives, on the other hand, began welcoming travelers on July 15. Last week in East Asia, in an unexpected turn of events, North Korean forces killed a South Korean official in DPRK waters. 2020 Botnets, ransomware and cryptojacking among top trends identified SINGAPORE – A report by INTERPOL on cybercrime in Southeast Asia has highlighted the key emerging cybercrime trends and threats which continues to be faced by the region today. The Maldives reopened to travelers on July 15, with various hotels and resorts opening in waves through July, August, and September (find a full list of the currently open properties on the government's website). Proof of valid health insurance is also required, as is a second test upon arrival, at the traveler's expense of 40 JD (about $56 USD). China's Premier Li Keqiang (C) with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe (R) and South Korean President (L) Moon Jae-in at the 8th trilateral leaders' meeting in Chengdu on 24 December 2019. In the South China Sea, both the US and China have beefed up their presence. All international arrivals, they say, should be prepared to complete quarantine at a government-selected facility or hotel at their own expense (even if they have a residence in China). Find top stories in South East Asia (SEA) at straitstimes.com. One should be worried, but not despairing. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Such a pragmatic approach is much needed in a region plagued by bitter historical memories, strategic rivalry, and persistent distrust. The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. Travelers are encouraged to speak to their trekking agency for further details, according to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, as those agencies are responsible for acquiring the needed visa from the local overnment. On December 2, Hong Kong Disneyland closed for the third time this year, with no set reopening date. All foreign travelers must put down a $2,000 deposit upon entering the country (this was previously $3,000), which will be used to cover a a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-selected hotel, testing, and transportation from the airport. Following last month's postponement of the highly anticipated Hong Kong and Singapore “air travel bubble,” due to rising cases in Hong Kong, the city-state announced December 15 that it will welcome a number of business travelers from all countries in the new year. Regional Overviews. Nevertheless, popular sites have reopened, including the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra as of September 21. Air Pollution in Southeast Asia Under a business-as-usual approach, the situation is on track to get much, much worse. U.S. travelers are only allowed to enter if they have not traveled outside of mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau in the past 14 days (the only other exceptions are residents and diplomats). Travelers must have a booking at a registered hotel, from the list above, for entry; travelers must also stay at just one hotel for the duration of their stay. Current Issues in East Asia, Fall 2020 Schar School of Policy and Government Department of History and Art History CRN: 82099 POGO 750-019 and HIST 555-001 Instructor: Gerrit van der Wees (gvanderw@gmu.edu) Location & time: Robinson B120, Wednesdays, 4:30 – 7:10pm Office hours: Robinson B359, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 4:20 pm This augurs well for China’s plan to reach its goal of having a per capita GDP of a moderately developed country by 2035. Local flights continue to operate, and local attractions are largely open. China’s assertiveness apparently has helped to bring a divided NATO together as the Cold War-era group struggles to remain relevant in the contemporary world. But because countries in Asia like China, Japan, and South Korea were impacted early on, they’ve also been earlier to peak, earlier to flatten their curves, and, generally, earlier to reopen. The term “lower Mekong region” refers to the geographical area that includes five countries, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. Of the open borders, travelers entering these countries are expected to do everything from self-quarantining to submitting health questionnaires and negative COVID-19 tests. East Asia News - Get latest East Asia Countries breaking news today. Those who meet the conditions to enter must submit negative test results taken within 72 hours of departing their home country, in addition to quarantining for 7 days in a Nepalese hotel upon arrival. Trump will be preoccupied with the impeachment trial and re-election in 2020, so Kim Jung-un is likely to take advantage of Trump’s vulnerabilities and create some trouble for him. Hong Kong Disneyland is among several large venues to have reopened, then shuttered again until further notice. At the end of 2019, leaders from Japan, South Korea and China met in Chengdu, China to discuss economic cooperation, a free trade agreement, and security in East Asia. SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia is an interdisciplinary journal devoted to the study of social and cultural issues in Southeast Asia. The problem: Southeast Asia is not immune to the global shift away from rural living and towards city living, and this shift carries a good number of potential environmental consequences, especially if it’s not guided by smart and sustainable policies. Spouses or minor children (under 18) of Georgian citizens can enter, as can certain business travelers and those who plan to stay for at least 6 months while working remotely as a freelancer (or are otherwise self-employed). China-US strategic showdown: Will the east wind prevail over the west wind? At the end of the NATO summit in London in early December marking the 70th anniversary of the group’s founding, NATO leaders agreed to focus more on the challenge of China’s “growing international influence” and military might. Only a few categories of short-term travelers, like those traveling for business, academic reasons, or emergencies like a family member's death, can request permission before travel for an exemption from the quarantine requirement. Indeed, North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations Kim Song said on 7 December that “denuclearisation is off the negotiating table with the US” and “lengthy talks with Washington are not needed”. Sign up now. On key hotspots — the Korean peninsula, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait — the situations are so delicate that tensions can emerge anytime to disrupt regional stability. A look at some of the key issues confronting the Southeast Asian state this year and beyond. Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election, cannot afford to be soft on China. Last week in East Asia, there was an increase in protests held by pro-establishment groups in Hong Kong. Amid a strong sense that the East is on the rise while the West is in decline, China’s annual Two Sessions came to a close on a confident note, says Han Yong Hong. Japan’s borders are currently closed to most travelers, including travelers from the U.S., as case numbers and hospital capacities rise throughout the country. Turkey was among the earliest countries to reopen, with restaurants, museums, and hotels up and running by June 1. Canada's Rocky Mountaineer Train Is Heading to Colorado and Utah, The Best Destinations in the World: The 2021 Gold List, Riding through Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway, 50 Things to Do in Europe At Least Once in a Lifetime. Taiwan has been incredibly successful in its coronavirus response. However, public opinions of each other, especially Japanese favourable view of China, remain dismally low. READ MORE; Pakistan-Saudi Spat: Hitting the Kingdom Where It Hurts 0. Oct 14 2020. This year promises to be another dynamic one for Southeast Asia—and hopefully for high-level U.S. engagement with the region. The recent phase one trade agreement is such an example. Covering geo-political news and current affairs across Asia Asia Times is a pan-Asia online news platform covering politics, economics, business and security from an Asian perspective. No quarantine is required, but all travelers must stay in the country for at least 14 days. https://www.cntraveler.com/story/asia-reopening-guide-coronavirus China’s first home-built, newly commissioned aircraft carrier Shandong sailed through the Taiwan Strait just a couple of weeks before Taiwan’s January 2020 election. The 21st century sees the convergence of the Chinese socialist system and its American capitalist counterpart across the global arena, and that convergence is a critical turning point in history, says Zhu Ying. India has struggled to contain its outbreak, with the second highest total cases in the world after the U.S. For countries in East Asia and the US, there are really no better options in dealing with security challenges than to face the reality, focus on the positive, manage the differences, avoid provocations, promote people-to-people exchanges, and keep the communication channels open. Ample fiscal and monetary stimulus in the region should further support the rebound, while a less volatile U.S. trade policy under a Biden administration bodes well for exports. Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This September, though, the country launched a program that allowed a few categories of travelers—including residents, professionals, and, as of November 20, spouses of Malaysian citizens—to apply for passes to enter the country. U.S. citizens are permitted to enter with a visa and a negative COVID-19 test taken with 72 hours of departure, is required on arrival. This is a list of wars and conflicts in Asia, particularly East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Russia.For a list of conflicts in Southwest Asia, Asia Pacific. The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. travelers needing to enter India to contact the nearest India Mission for a new visa. As far as East Asian security is concerned, the year 2020 does not look promising. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, representatives from the event management, tourism, and aviation industries held protests calling for greater support from the government against the consequences of the pandemic, while a prominent social activist… The protesters have been adamant, insisting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government must meet all “five demands” — full withdrawal of the extradition bill (which it already did), an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, retracting the classification of protesters as “rioters,” amnesty of all arrested protesters, and for the chief executive and members of the Legislative Council to be chosen through universal suffrage. Maritime clashes between China and Vietnam seem to be growing, with Vietnam complaining about China's repeated intrusions into what Hanoi calls its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Singapore is very slowly beginning to reopen its borders, with a focus on business travelers. Currently, borders remain closed to U.S. travelers, with few exceptions: Filipino nationals, spouses and children of nationals who are traveling with the Filipino citizen, former Filipino citizens, and residents returning from abroad will be allowed in with the appropriate visa, but will be subject to a 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing upon arrival. In 2020, Vietnam gained global recognition for its response to COVID-19. Integrated Shield scheme insurers nursing their results. Act East Policy will help facilitate exchanges with South East Asia: Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam CM 19 Dec, 2020, 10.37 PM IST. January 14, 2020 In this two-part series, Dr. Amy Searight, senior adviser and director of the CSIS Southeast Asia Program, previews five key issues to watch in Southeast Asia in 2020. Total 71 ITx were performed in 67 patients. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, which is open to all U.S. tourists, will pay you if you contract COVID during your visit. The State of Southeast Asia: 2021 Survey Report shows that many acknowledge yet fear China’s economic dominance. International tourism was originally set to resume as part of the final phase in September, with Bali among the first to reopen, but officials announced this fall that the country will not reopen to tourists until next year at the earliest, with officials saying they would wait until a vaccine becomes available. The peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban offer a genuine opportunity for peace although obstacles abound. By mid-June, all travel restrictions were lifted—making it one of just three countries to have done so—and international flights resumed. There are just a few exceptions, mainly for diplomats and others on official business, and some family members of Indian nationals. https://study.com/academy/lesson/contemporary-issues-in-the-middle-east.html With the arrival of a swanky new Chinese bookshop/gallery/cafe in the heart of town, Teo Han Wue recalls that such integrated spaces are hardly new in Singapore’s history. View Asia news to get the latest headlines from India, Japan, China and other Asian countries on CNN.com. Visitors are still largely prohibited from entering. What is behind this enigma of a Southeast Asia that welcomes yet worries about China? It is one of the fastest-growing news sites in the world Insights on China, right in your mailbox. Borders, however, remain open to travelers, including to those from the U.S. All inbound travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival; for non-Korean short-term travelers, this must be done at a government-designated facility (costs per night average $100-$150 U.S. dollars), and travelers will need to consent to these terms to board their flight. Travelers must also arrive with proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. If Tsai is re-elected in January, which seems highly likely, she may feel encouraged by her anti-China approach and adopt more substantive policies to assert Taiwan’s independence. As the state resists change, and conservative citizens recoil, the risk of violence is growing. Travel restrictions remain for all foreign nationals, following an announcement in March that all visas to India were no longer valid. Until then, U.S. citizens are only allowed to enter with resident status, with explicit approval from a government agency, or with a SafeTravelPass (issued to students, workers, and some non-U.S. business travelers). This has been the starkest statement about North Korea-US relations recently, which highlights the gulf between the two sides regarding denuclearisation. Ad Choices, A Country-by-Country Guide to Asia’s Travel Restrictions. Political scientist Zhu Zhiqun assesses that the East Asian security outlook for 2020 is not very promising, given that overall security in the region has deteriorated on several fronts over the past year. Visa-free and visa-on-arrival options remain suspended for all nations. The aim of this paper is to analyse the nature of security challenges in 2020 in Southeast Asia Related Reading: What lies ahead for US-China relations? At the end of last year, the COVID-19 outbreak hadn’t yet become a pandemic—and, as far as we knew, the virus was contained to the continent of Asia. Hong Kong, which was seen as a leader in reopening in May, has had to re-implement lockdown measures multiple times.