As the disputes over the East Sea drag on behind diplomatic doors, it seems as if the Communist party’s tolerance for protests on the streets has reached its break point. The Associated Press is reporting that Vietnamese officials have begun detaining and questioning foreign journalists and protestors. Why is the government cracking down now? Does this mean the rare spark of protests that began in June (as seen in the video below) will be put out for good?
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s ASEAN mate Malaysia also saw rare protests over the weekend. But this outbreak was less a protest against foreign powers than it was about domestic politics. Malaysian police were quick to respond, firing tear gas and arresting roughly 1400 protestors.
How do you think Southeast Asian domestic politics and foreign relations will shape up in the near future?
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