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.

As military navigation operations have become more diverse and widespread, America’s motives have become clear. It wants to drive wedges between countries and reinforce its Indo-Pacific strategy.

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.

A “China Plan” would help, starting with consideration of the interests of the Syrians themselves, who have suffered mightily in the seemingly endless conflict. A solution imposed by outsiders won’t work.

The ASEAN Summit this year delivered an inclusive and progressive road map for further cooperation. Six macro-level upgrades were presented.

While ASEAN countries remain reliant on the United States for defense, they don’t want to be part of any U.S.-led encirclement of China because they fear their interests could be harmed and their neutrality challenged.

Since 9/11, domestic terrorism has been on the rise, supplemented by racial hatred and anti-Semitism. The Trump administration is heading in the wrong direction.

The international community should exert its influence to re-establish and maintain minimal regional order. China, which enjoys considerable prestige in the region, could play a constructive role.

Several valuable lessons can be drawn from the incident, including the importance of remaining calm and focusing on solutions. But more formal mechanisms are needed.

Increasing cooperation between the Philippines and Russia suggests that there is a burgeoning relationship in the East that may lessen the Philippines’ dependency on the United States. Such a relationship also has implications for China’s involvement in the disputed South China Sea.