Dec 03, 2019

The US’ absence at the recent East Asia Summit sent a powerful message to Southeast Asia, a region whose massive population, stellar economic growth, and strategic location would make it a crucial theater. The US may be able to recover, but it must act swiftly – and soon.

Oct 30, 2019

The Xiangshan forum presented an opportunity to allay fears attendant to China’s rise. More importantly, it also displayed Beijing’s poise to play ever greater security roles.

Oct 08, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly expressed to the world that the United States is pushing an increasingly nationalist agenda, much to the concern of many other nations. What are the implications of Trump’s message for the rest of the world?

Sep 02, 2019

The status of the conflict in the South China Sea has moved from concerning to critical, as reflected by the changing ASEAN rhetoric concerning the topic. The future of the South China Sea remains dependent on how China and other claimants proceed.

Jul 15, 2019

ASEAN realizes that geopolitical and geostrategic shifts taking place in the region will usher in both rewards and risks. But while being opportunistic, ASEAN knows the stakes are high should unbridled rivalry play out.

Jun 21, 2019

The US-China rivalry constitutes a new formidable challenge to Southeast Asia’s cohesion, so they should continue to engage all powers and reinforce consensus among themselves.

May 27, 2019

The second Belt and Road forum showed that despite persistent challenges, the initiative is an evolving one and will continue to gain international support. However, its success will depend on its ability to integrate and reconcile an increasing number of actors and interests.

May 08, 2019

Warming political ties over the past three years are beginning to produce economic and security dividends for both China and the Philippines. However, low public trust in China may not easily dissipate.

Apr 12, 2019

China’s increasing role in global economic, security and governance means that domestic reforms will have implications beyond its borders.

Apr 02, 2019

Continued friction may define US-China relations in the coming years. As such, balancing ties between the two major powers will constitute the greatest foreign policy test for successive Philippine administrations.