The doctrine of “assertive transparency” has dramatically escalated South China Sea tensions. Among other things, it has paved the way to the alignment of the U.S., Japan and Philippines in the impending April summit.

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.

The United States seeks to widen the technology gap with China as much as possible and thus will create more barriers for Chinese research and development. It may even try to push back some of the technological advancements China has made. China needs to prepare for greater pressure.

Reflections on Lessons from Davos for US, China, India & Beyond– When the global order seems to be shifting faster than ever, the need for committed partnerships between established and developing powers should be seen as necessary.

India wants to reduce China’s footprint in its industrial chains. China must deal with this by strengthening its own industrial and innovation chains. It must also improve its policy on industrial chain transfers. It should avoid contributing to India’s development at the cost of its own.

The Indo-Pacific aims to contain China's influence but struggles with unclear membership and diverse objectives. By contrast, the economic region of Pacific Asia, centered on China, emphasizes interdependence, but grapples with political uncertainties due to concerns about overreliance on China. The member states of both have agency and will pursue their own interests, but China’s behavior will likely determine which grouping has the greater strategic salience.

Southeast Asia’s geographic location and burgeoning economy puts them in the center of strategic plans by neighboring China, and rivalling U.S.-interests. The path forward for the region’s states will demand acute political maneuvering.

Through sincere efforts by the U.S. and China, it’s possible that the decline in trade will bottom out this year. Strong business relationships can once again serve as a stabilizing factor in the overall relationship, and inure to the benefit of our two peoples and the world.

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.

Excessive Sino-American rivalry could be averted if strategists from the U.S. and China make rational assessments about the other side’s capabilities and limits - and can restrain themselves from pouncing on misperceived weaknesses.