Southeast Asia Brief A weekly dispatch on the politics, economics, and culture of a pivotal region, caught between China and the United States but still going its own way. Written by Bangkok-based journalist Joseph Rachman. Russian President Vladimir Putin (center), Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (center-right), Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center-left), and other leaders pose for a joint photo during the Russia-ASEAN summit, in Kazan, Russia, on June 18.