Apr 05, 2024

Confrontations over the South China Sea are startling events that bring up the potential for heated conflict, but disagreements in troubled waters have ripple effects that lead to economic problems as well.

Mar 05, 2024

Amidst the India-Maldives dispute, the intricate dynamics of small island states emerge as pivotal players in the evolving maritime power play. As global powers vie for influence, the geopolitical spotlight shifts to these territories, whose strategic significance prompts a reassessment of traditional labels and fosters a newfound assertiveness in negotiating their roles in the international arena.

Nov 02, 2023

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a milestone project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project reflects China's emphasis on history and neighborhood diplomacy, underlining its role as a leader in the Global South. Additionally, there are challenges alternative initiatives face in competing with China's vast infrastructure endeavors, as Beijing prioritizes economics and geopolitics in its approach.

Aug 18, 2023

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave his second State of the Nation Address last month, where he briefly mentioned the country’s complex relationship with China. As elsewhere, China presents challenges and opportunities for the Philippines, and this should continue to inform Marcos’ evolving foreign policy.

Jul 05, 2023

The Philippines and the U.S. issued new Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which help modernize the alliance, but can’t replace diplomacy when addressing differences.

Apr 26, 2023

China has upped its international statesmanship, making waves by playing the middleman to a historic Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement. Working with other countries like India and Turkey, Beijing’s economic and diplomatic leverage can be a factor in bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.

Apr 18, 2023

AUKUS has laid out a plan for Australia to acquire its own SSN fleet. While the buildup of subs will take several years, submarine basing access and easing of constraints on the transfer of submarine parts and technologies to allies and partners mean that the program’s impact can be felt sooner in the Indo-Pacific, including on the Taiwan Straits hotspot.

Mar 24, 2023

The United States has gained expanded military access in the Philippines, including the renewal of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and potential joint patrols in the South China Sea, which has raised concerns from some Filipino lawmakers and questions about the country's independent foreign policy. Additionally, there are worries about the speed and transparency of the expansion, as well as its impact on domestic politics and foreign relations with China and beyond.

Jan 31, 2023

Hosting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the opening act for China’s diplomatic efforts this 2023. As the Lunar New Year dawns, it is worth reflecting on what the visit meant for both countries.

Jan 19, 2023

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Beijing may help set the tone for cordial bilateral ties with China, but could also stir wariness on the part of the country’s longstanding treaty ally, the United States. The Philippines must carefully navigate its position to avoid being seen as favoring either side.