Chen Zinan, Assistant Researcher, Maritime Strategy Studies, CICIR
Feb 25, 2020
On Feb. 12, the government of the Philippines issued a notice to the United States embassy to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement, or VFA. Under the agreeme
Adnan Aamir, Journalist and Researcher, Islamabad, Pakistan
Feb 25, 2020
The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani caused an already tense U.S.-Iran relationship to move further into disarray. Not spared from the chaos was China, whose diplomatic and economic agenda in South Asia is now in jeopardy.
Richard Javad Heydarian, Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Feb 12, 2020
Indonesia and China have notably maintained formidable bilateral relations in recent years. However, territorial disputes may prove to create fissions in their relationship as Indonesia grows increasingly critical of China’s claims in certain areas in Southeast Asia.
Richard Javad Heydarian, Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Feb 04, 2020
With Vietnam assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2020, and the US entering a contentious presidential election amid growing anti-China sentiment in Washington, Malaysia is betting on growing efforts to constrain Beijing’s maritime ambitions.
Peng Nian, Director of Research Centre for Asian Studies, China
Jan 21, 2020
The most significant achievement of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Myanmar was the progress made on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor project. It will enhance bilateral ties, both economically and socially.
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, President of Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, and Research Fellow at Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation
Jan 17, 2020
Beneath the surface of improving political ties lie persistent concerns over Chinese strategic investments in the Philippines.
Lye Liang Fook, Senior Fellow, Regional Strategic and Political Studies, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Dec 17, 2019
The role of small countries, whether in terms of moral influence, upholding free and open trade or promoting regional peace and stability, should not be underestimated.
Patrick Mendis, Visiting Professor of Global Affairs, National Chengchi University
Itgelt Bat-ochir , Student of International Relations, University of Pecs in Hungary
Dec 12, 2019
Mongolia has recently tried to extend its diplomacy to fellow democratic nations India and the United States. However, making faraway friends may prove difficult as it faces economic pressure from its communist neighbor to the south – China.
Richard Javad Heydarian, Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Dec 03, 2019
Since the Philippines has shifted its loyalty to Beijing, Vietnam has stepped up as Southeast Asia’s primary opposition to Chinese intervention in the disputed South China Sea. Whether or not Vietnam will apply legal pressure on China remains to be seen.
Zhai Kun, Professor at School of International Studies; Deputy Director of Institute of Area Studies, Peking University
Nov 27, 2019
The ASEAN Summit this year delivered an inclusive and progressive road map for further cooperation. Six macro-level upgrades were presented.