Peng Nian
Assistant Fellow, National Institute for South China Sea Studies
Dec 15, 2020
The incoming U.S. administration’s policy positions will likely include moving quickly to restore America’s influence in the region. It will seek an edge over China at every opportunity and try to draw ASEAN closer.
Nov 03, 2020
At key points in his grand Indo-Pacific tour to drum up regional support for containing China, the U.S. secretary of state was rebuffed. India and Indonesia have their own ideas.
Feb 14, 2020
The rapid spread of false information about the novel coronavirus has been noted both inside and outside of China since the outbreak in Wuhan in December. It resulted in some panic and even fostered anti-Chinese sentiment in a few countries.
Jan 21, 2020
The most significant achievement of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Myanmar was the progress made on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor project. It will enhance bilateral ties, both economically and socially.
Aug 29, 2019
At President Xi Jinping’s invitation, President Duterte of the Philippines will visit China this month, as relations warm between the two countries. While opposition voices in the Philippines warn of undue Chinese influence, the visit offers both leaders an opportunity to continue to promote economic cooperation, stability and peace.
Aug 09, 2019
The negative consequences of U.S. involvement with Mekong countries are real but limited. The U.S. has the potential to continue to fuel tension over issues such as water resources in the region.
Jun 20, 2019
The US is stepping up its efforts to involve itself in the South China Sea by dispatching Coast Guard vessels and selling surveillance drones and other arms to Southeast Asian nations — involvement that only serves to destabilize the situation in these disputed waters.
May 21, 2019
Recent US Navy drills in the South China Sea invited old friends like Japan and the Philippines, but also new partners like India. An expanded US military presence in these disputed waters is part of America’s “Indo-Pacific Strategy” to block Chinese military expansion — and perhaps to apply pressure during ongoing trade talks.
Apr 24, 2019
Under Trump the US has abandoned its former strategy of engagement with China, instead adopting a hardline stance. But his “trade war” has not borne fruit, while a recent thaw in negotiations shows the possibilities for renewed Sino-US cooperation.