Dec 13, 2024

ASEAN and BRICS are both international cooperative organizations, much like the G7 - except both are led by non-Western aligned nations. The addition of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam to BRICS raises the question of whether these groups can harmonize their goals without disrupting ASEAN's long-standing geopolitical orientation.

Nov 29, 2024

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade pact, integrates 15 diverse economies to revitalize globalization, enhance trade rules, and bolster ASEAN’s centrality in regional trade. Amid U.S.-China tensions, RCEP offers opportunities for supply chain shifts and industrial upgrades while positioning China to deepen ties with developing regions through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

Aug 21, 2024

The Philippines, ever aware of its strategic importance in Asia’s waters, is making moves to strengthen its positions in economy and defense, the latter area being of utmost importance to Manila when looking at the flurry of activity Manila has taken in recent months.

Jul 31, 2024

The U.S. and Philippine annual Balikatan military exercise is an opportunity for the alliance to show its strength, while China chooses the occasion to respond with its own brand of defiance. If the exercise can not deter incursions into Philippine territory, what might com e next?

Jun 12, 2024

The polemics over a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” between the Philippines and China to manage a bitter row over the South China Sea may confound future diplomatic efforts to handle the spat. China sees Philippine commitment as fleeting,

May 02, 2024

The U.S., the Philippines, and Japan recently met in Washington for a trilateral summit, where they discussed security, diplomacy, economics, and more. At the meeting, Manila also exemplified a strategic alignment with Washington and Tokyo, particularly in countering China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and pursuing economic diversification away from Chinese dependency.

Apr 05, 2024

Confrontations over the South China Sea are startling events that bring up the potential for heated conflict, but disagreements in troubled waters have ripple effects that lead to economic problems as well.

Mar 05, 2024

Amidst the India-Maldives dispute, the intricate dynamics of small island states emerge as pivotal players in the evolving maritime power play. As global powers vie for influence, the geopolitical spotlight shifts to these territories, whose strategic significance prompts a reassessment of traditional labels and fosters a newfound assertiveness in negotiating their roles in the international arena.

Nov 02, 2023

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a milestone project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project reflects China's emphasis on history and neighborhood diplomacy, underlining its role as a leader in the Global South. Additionally, there are challenges alternative initiatives face in competing with China's vast infrastructure endeavors, as Beijing prioritizes economics and geopolitics in its approach.

Aug 18, 2023

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave his second State of the Nation Address last month, where he briefly mentioned the country’s complex relationship with China. As elsewhere, China presents challenges and opportunities for the Philippines, and this should continue to inform Marcos’ evolving foreign policy.