Jun 09, 2023

After years of distrust, Vietnam and the Philippines may finally have the opportunity to establish a truly consequential strategic partnership amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in the South China Sea.

May 16, 2023

The U.S. and the Philippines held their first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington, D.C. in seven years, with the aim to strengthen strategic cooperation and mark a new era of partnership. Discussions included the ongoing Taiwan crisis and the Philippines' announcement of opening four additional bases to U.S. troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that these bases will not be used for offensive purposes in the event of a Sino-American conflict over Taiwan, despite concerns of dependence and geopolitical provocation.

Apr 04, 2023

The U.S. and China’s growing rivalry was bound to affect global relationships on multiple levels. Already having established the AUKUS program, the U.S. is also pursuing an adjacent Japan-Philippine-U.S. alliance which will add another security barrier in the Pacific, a difficult fence to raise in a region where many countries rely heavily on China for trade.

Mar 24, 2023

As the Philippines shifts its foreign policy strategy, it has become a pivotal player in both the Indo-Pacific and the West. While India has diverged from its Western partners, the Philippines is moving in the opposite direction, not taking “sides” by building stronger relations with other countries and seeking a strong positioning and cooperation with key nations.

Feb 28, 2023

Japan seeks to further develop its partnerships with ASEAN countries and neighboring states to reassess its place globally amidst tensions between the U.S. and China.

Jan 31, 2023

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to China set the tone for stronger Philippine-China relations in the upcoming years. However, the future of this bilateral relationship might encounter tensions in the face of developments in the Philippine-U.S. relationship and defense cooperation.

Jan 11, 2023

Geopolitical tensions unleashed by the war in Ukraine continue to influence Sino-American relations and the reshaping of state relationships in Southeast Asia.

Dec 02, 2022

Despite tensions between the U.S. and China on the economic and political fronts, leaders from both countries found some common ground during their recent meeting in Bali. Presidents Biden and Xi have reiterated their commitment to work together to address transnational challenges, avoid conflict with each other, and maintain open communication.

Nov 11, 2022

There are growing indications that Washington has embraced a new era of great power competition with China, and the recent security documents released by the Pentagon identified China as the most significant threat to America. But without a diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations, it’s possible the superpowers are heading towards a “New Cold War,” which is threatening decades of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Oct 14, 2022

The Phillipines geographic location has long made it a close trading partner to China, but a colonial history with the U.S. has left strong bonds with its century-old ally to this day. Now, as China and the U.S. talk themselves into more hostile territory, how the Philippines will navigate two of its most consequential relationships will be crucial to surviving any sort of escalation.