The South China Sea has seen an uptick in maritime showdown in recent months. The upshot is a dangerous, multifaceted Cold War just when the world needs maximum cooperation against COVID-19.

While other parts of the world struggle to manage the pandemic, East Asian leaders show dexterity and forward-thinking in recent pandemic responses and partnership summits.

The world still has networks of science and health interests that do not necessarily require political or diplomatic blessing by a sovereign state. These may provide a surer path to a less worrisome future.

The South China Sea has become even more hotly contested as Malaysia has begun to explore energy resources in areas previously claimed by Vietnam and China. The now-three-way naval standoff throws into uncertainty the future of the stability in the region.

The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani caused an already tense U.S.-Iran relationship to move further into disarray. Not spared from the chaos was China, whose diplomatic and economic agenda in South Asia is now in jeopardy.

Indonesia and China have notably maintained formidable bilateral relations in recent years. However, territorial disputes may prove to create fissions in their relationship as Indonesia grows increasingly critical of China’s claims in certain areas in Southeast Asia.

With Vietnam assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2020, and the US entering a contentious presidential election amid growing anti-China sentiment in Washington, Malaysia is betting on growing efforts to constrain Beijing’s maritime ambitions.

Hatred runs deep between the two countries. Thus, even if tensions recede, hostility is likely to remain, or even increase. In the end, it will benefit no one.

The role of small countries, whether in terms of moral influence, upholding free and open trade or promoting regional peace and stability, should not be underestimated.

As military navigation operations have become more diverse and widespread, America’s motives have become clear. It wants to drive wedges between countries and reinforce its Indo-Pacific strategy.