
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
President of Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, and Research Fellow at Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation
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.
Nov 14, 2022
China’s next move is the subject of much speculation and worry for observers and enemies. The current conditions of today’s geopolitical stage should lead China towards its Southeast Asian neighbors in what may be its next international outreach campaign.
Nov 09, 2022
The 20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China recently concluded, and with Xi Jinping entering his third term with a Politburo Standing Committee of allies, the stage is set for coherent leadership over the next five years.