We are pleased to present the twenty-fourth issue of Southeast Asian Affairs, an annual of comprehensive regional coverage on the political, economic and social trends and developments in Southeast Asia.

Designed to be easily readable yet in-depth, informative and analytical, the annual has come to be a useful reference for scholars, diplomats, policy-makers, private sector executives and journalists who seek to understand and keep updated on the dynamics of Southeast Asian developments.

The year 1996 opened with tensions in the Taiwan Straits and rising concerns in Southeast Asia and elsewhere about deteriorating U.S.–China relations. However, these negative political developments receded as the year progressed and later in the year interest was focused on a number of economic developments, particularly on the progress of Asia-Pacific Economic Co- operation (APEC) forum and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The APEC ministerial and leaders’ meetings in the Philippines and the first WTO Ministerial Meeting saw further progress in global and regional trade liberalization.

I take this opportunity to thank all the authors who have contributed much to make this publication possible. While the Institute encourages the statement of all points of view in the publication, the authors alone are responsible for the facts and opinions expressed in their articles. Their contributions and interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute.