Jul 18, 2016

All eyes are on the Philippines and China to see how these two states will behave now that a milestone decision on the three-year landmark dispute case has been rendered. From the Philippines’ side, it is important to decouple national interests from great power rivalry or from abstract principles like freedom of navigation. The arbitration decision may not compel China to action in the immediate term, but will contribute to lingering suspicions about China’s real intentions in its near seas.

Apr 19, 2016

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III compares China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative with the U.S.'s Rebalance to Asia, ultimately advising that for the U.S. to be seen as not reacting to China's growing regional influence, it would need a better appreciation of the security needs, growing aspirations, and economic demands of rising powers.

Mar 09, 2016

With its thriving economy, accelerating integration and evolving challenges to the security environment, ASEAN is destined to become an increasingly important region of the world. Its population is bigger than the combined population of the U.S. and Japan, and it represents a major frontier market.

Dec 21, 2015

Legal fixation on West Philippine Sea islands limits Philippine action and fails to take into account evolving realities and dynamics, notably increasing U.S.-China competition that blurs and shifts alliances, compelling smaller powers to be more cautious and contributing to overall regional anxiety and instability.

Nov 16, 2015

The Philippine’s theme of this year's APEC Summit is “Building Inclusive Economies, Building A Better World.” Like the case for China's 2014 hosting, this 2015 agenda reflects clear Philippine domestic imperatives. As a major labor exporter, the Philippines will work well with the topic of investments in human capital development.

Sep 11, 2015

National security concerns in the U.S. and China have been used to bar certain types of foreign investments. Subjecting a legitimate commercial deal to arbitrary and protectionist exercises may only invite a similar action by the affected state, thus creating a potential spiral adverse to foreign investments.

Aug 31, 2015

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III analyzes the historical and political contexts that have increased the strategic importance of the South China Sea (SCS) for the Philippines and China. Despite the obvious clashes in the SCS positions of the two countries, avenues for collaboration remain open.

Aug 05, 2015

Without strict maritime law to monitor fishing activities in common waters, over exploitation and diplomatic wrangling can ensue. The Philippines and China can adopt informal mechanisms, which can even serve as the bedrock for more robust cooperation.

Jul 20, 2015

The upcoming 2016 Philippine Presidential election will have significant bearing on the future of infrastructure development and relations in the South China Sea. The next Philippines president may push closer to the U.S., while some want greater economic and humanitarian aid from China.

May 15, 2015

Philippine efforts to revisit the historical value of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade (MAGT) and China's revival of the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) can be seen as national projects aimed at rekindling a deep historical relationship with the sea. Growing Sino-Latin American trade may encourage an extension of the MSR across the Pacific and also reignite the importance of MAGT.