Tensions are continuing to escalate in the South China Sea, specifically with the Second Thomas Shoal dispute between the Philippines and China. And in response to China's actions, the Philippines' are shifting towards stronger defense ties with the U.S., including potential joint patrols and resupply missions. If careful diplomacy is not employed, there could be a potential crisis and risk of armed clashes in the South China Sea.

The rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) present a multitude of challenges that demand regulatory attention. And if the U.S. and China can’t reconcile some of their differences on AI regulation and safety, the whole world will suffer.

The Afghanistan regime’s problems have been compounded by a sharp reduction in foreign aid, a prolonged drought, famine and cultural factors. Its leaders are experienced on the battlefield but not with the details of governance. The country has been largely forgotten by the international community.

On July 25, the U.S. House passed the “Taiwan International Solidarity Act” (H.R. 1176) or TISA by voice vote. The legislation must now be passed by the Senate and signed by the president to become law. Is this law necessary? Will the president sign it? If so, will the legislation accomplish anything? Numerous questions have been raised.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Biden administration orchestrated a significant breakthrough by fostering closer relations between South Korea and Japan. This shift is underscored by a recent trilateral summit involving the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, where leaders addressed shared challenges posed by China and North Korea. This collaboration signifies a critical step towards regional security, economic resilience, and a unified approach to navigating the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.

The deepening trilateral collaboration of the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea is undermining stability on the Korean Peninsula, and recent provocative actions, will only serve to escalate tensions further. In addition, harsh rhetoric erodes the fragile trust of nations and could result in a generalized sense of insecurity.

Russia’s suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had allowed Ukrainian grain to reach the market, has exacerbated the food crisis facing the global South. While the conference excluded Russia, it provided an opportunity for China to step forward.

At the recent international security gathering, China made clear that it opposes military hegemony — where a superpower seeks to settle disputes by force. China, by contrast is working to bring the international community together to shape a new order that is more just and reasonable.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, its impact on international stability also increases. China and the U.S. should draw from historical arms treaties and adopt a cooperative approach to regulating AI to prevent conflict and promote global stability.

The common interests of China, Japan and South Korea far outweigh their differences. They share highly integrated economic networks and industrial chains, and so there is an urgent need to prevent the window of opportunity for dialogue from closing. The United States is not making it easy.