Sajjad Ashraf
Former Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore
Sep 05, 2016
While the U.S. calls for respect of the given ruling under the Law of the Sea Convention, of which the U.S. is not a signatory, none of the predicted responses from China and the Philippines have come true. On the contrary, both have opted for ‘strategic restraint,’ choosing to use dialogue in order to find common ground.
Jul 20, 2016
Though The Hague ruling pertains to the Philippines-China dispute, it will bolster similar claims by other states against China’s nine-dash line; it will increase pressure on China to seek a negotiated resolution to the overlapping claims; and it will circumscribe China’s SCS claims. In response, China must assure the ASEAN states of its benign intentions, dispelling impressions of hegemonic intentions.
May 03, 2016
The U.S. military is back in the Philippines after a fourteen-year hiatus, sending the message that it will work with its allies to pushback on Beijing’s expanding presence in the disputed SCS, while also reinforcing belief amongst the Chinese and many others that U.S. is only raising military stakes to thwart China’s rise.
Feb 10, 2016
China now provides half of Pakistan’s military hardware and has demonstrated willingness to transfer technology to Pakistan. As geo-political alignments are changing, the mutuality of interests is drawing China and Pakistan closer.
Dec 29, 2015
Chinese leadership’s recent engagements points to their persistent pursuit of its vision of connectivity named One Belt One Road (OBOR). New areas are now being added to the list.
Jul 14, 2015
The new AIIB reflects China’s opportunity to assist the developing world, but how China cooperates with India, and U.S. interests in the Asia Pacific, will determine the effectiveness of the new Bank.
Jun 25, 2015
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor plans connect China to the Persian Gulf through the quickest route. This huge investment can be transformational for South and Central Asia if Pakistan can improve upon its lackluster performance in FDI absorption and transparent governance.