Progress has been made by the United States to institutionalize three-way strategic cooperation with the ROK and Japan. Under this framework, North Korea, China and Russia are all targeted as America attempts to counterbalance China collectively and comprehensively. The concept is doomed.

In a more perfect world, the Philippines proximity to China and relationship with the U.S. would be a net positive for the Southeast Asian power. Yet as things stand today, the situation leaves the Philippines walking a tightrope between the world’s preeminent superpowers.

As more relatively weak countries find themselves unable to stay out of the war, China must walk a careful path. It must avoid and mitigate risks, safeguard its national interests and put Ukraine on the road to peace at an early date. To this end, it needs a more flexible and pragmatic strategy.

The possibility of another Trump-style leader in the United States — perhaps even Donald Trump himself — has shaken Europe to its roots. Europe cannot replace American hegemony. Thus, its only course is to accelerate toward “strategic autonomy” to become less dependent on the U.S. security umbrella, which has been in place since World War II.

A New Cold War is not in the interest of either the U.S. or China, particularly given the volatility in the Middle East. In fact, the two nations share common interests in the region, and the threat of widespread conflict should inspire an element of strategic sobriety and tactical cooperation.

The ongoing war in Ukraine stands as the paramount geopolitical clash of the 21st century, heralding a definitive return to realpolitik in global governance.

China-Vietnam relations saw a strategic shift after President Xi Jinping's significant visit to Hanoi, resulting in 36 cooperation agreements. Vietnam's approach balances economic development, military modernization, and diplomatic ties with the U.S., Japan, and the EU, emphasizing managing relations with China from a position of strength for long-term stability and development.

Judging from the current international mood, neither an armistice nor peace talks will likely come about this year, and the war will continue to drag on between Russia and Ukraine. At some point, it will become politically untenable in the West and financially unsustainable in Russia.

Despite political warnings of Chinese power projection, China faces irrefutable geographical constraints on its naval power capabilities.

China and Russia’s maligned relationship looks on the surface to be a new axis of power against the U.S. - but by playing it safe, China seeks to reap the benefits of Russia’s favor without offending the West.