America is holding ASEAN countries back from a central role in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, but their self-confidence is growing. It’s not lost on anyone that Southeast Asia’s strategic position has not changed in the minds of U.S. decision-makers. Meanwhile, China offers welcome alternatives.

Fabricating a strategic architecture by uniting Japan, the Philippines and Australia with the United States will only accelerate the transformation of the region into opposing camps and drag the big powers into a dangerous Thucydides trap.

The doctrine of “assertive transparency” has dramatically escalated South China Sea tensions. Among other things, it has paved the way to the alignment of the U.S., Japan and Philippines in the impending April summit.

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.

America’s actions that are directly detrimental to China’s interests render China’s cooperation in some regions irrelevant. The good news is that China and the U.S. have agreed to strengthen cooperation. But to ensure concrete results, the U.S. needs to do more.

In 2024 and beyond, the two nations must strive to understand the other’s mindset. Concerted efforts will be needed to mitigate risks and enhance stability. Both should refrain from taking unilateral actions against the other worldwide based on perceptions of maritime security.

The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum covered all aspects of the Global Security Initiative, with official representatives and scholars from China and foreign countr

The United States and the Philippines are playing a dangerous game of brinksmanship with respect to Huangyan Dao and Ren’ai Jiao. They have already seriously undermined the stability of the region. For its part, China has been restrained, wanting to avoid a slide that would have serious and tragic consequences.

The United States has stayed focused on the South China Sea even as it deals with major international crises. In fact, it has intensified its maritime military activity and and even enlisted partners in the eastern Pacific region to create friction between China and its neighbors. It is playing with fire.

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.