Countries in the group are playing an increasingly vital role in international affairs and have become an integral part of existing international multilateral mechanisms. Now the group is expanding to include even more.

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.

The ongoing Second Thomas Shoal incident could trigger misjudgments and a wider conflict. Keeping the peace will require a comprehensive approach to crisis management, especially where foundational principles are involved.

Washington’s economic re-engagement with the global south is largely driven by its desire to counter Beijing’s growing clout. Trade between China and other developing countries has flourished, and Chinese investment in other developing countries has multiplied. All this has caused serious concerns in Washington.

With stepped up military cooperation, the Philippines has joined the “first team” of U.S. allies working to restrict and subdue China. Yet others, such as Indonesia, have applied the brakes.

Renewed talks between the U.S. and China have led to a flurry of speculation on what the near future holds, but perhaps no one is watching as closely as China’s neighbors who would prefer de-escalated tensions sooner than later, especially if it means avoiding crossfire between the two rivals.

India wants to maintain cordial relations with multiple entities on the international stage, while the United States seeks a tighter alignment. Despite U.S. inducements, India is not likely to abandon its fundamental diplomatic philosophy of strategic autonomy.

The recent G7 summit in Hiroshima and the subsequent G20 tourism meeting in Kashmir underscored the stark contrast between the two groups’ rhetoric. While

After years of distrust, Vietnam and the Philippines may finally have the opportunity to establish a truly consequential strategic partnership amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in the South China Sea.

China recently hosted the Central Asia summit, while Japan simultaneously held a meeting between G7 leaders. Both summits were successful on their own terms, and both teach us something about the geographic and political realities of the two respective host countries.