China’s Belt and Road Runs Aground in the Philippines
Lacking the mega-projects seen in mainland Southeast Asia, Beijing’s infrastructure plans in the Philippines have been noticeably smaller in scale and focused more on local connectivity.
Duterte’s ‘Red-Tagging’ Risks Igniting the Philippines’ Maoist Insurgency
Will the violent crackdown against Maoists real and imagined ultimately prove counter-productive?
Vaccine Shortages in Focus as COVID-19 Surges in Southeast Asia
Tried and tested containment methods are failing against new COVID variants in Southeast Asia. It’s time for ASEAN to step in and overhaul the regional response.
US-Philippine Alliance: Duterte Demands US ‘Pay’ to Salvage Troop Deal
All of the recent frictions underpinning the US-Philippine alliance are on display in recent attempts to renegotiate the Visiting Forces Agreement.
South China Sea Dispute Flares Up at Whitsun Reef
Hundreds of vessels belonging to China’s maritime militia were spotted at the reef.
Resurgent COVID-19 Looms over Asia’s Economic Recovery
Asia is expected to lead the way in a post-COVID global economic recovery, but a new upsurge in COVID-19 cases highlights how the region is not out of the woods yet.
Decoding Duterte’s Shifting Stance on the South China Sea Dispute
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, often labeled ‘soft’ on Beijing, has recently adopted tougher rhetoric on the South China Sea. Yet though more critical of China, the tone has remained noticeably diplomatic.
Family Ties and New Recruits: Abu Sayyaf Proves Hard to Dislodge in the Philippines
It was hoped the defeat of Abu Sayyaf and their Maute allies in Marawi in October 2017 would extinguish the threat of Islamist militancy in the Philippines. Three years later, ISIS-affiliated groups remain active.
Examining Malaysia’s Evolving Policy toward the South China Sea
Malaysia’s note verbale on the South China Sea remains bland and watered down due to domestic issues. But the new Malaysian government has no choice but to embark into tumultuous diplomatic waters.
In Search of an Independent China Policy in Post-Duterte Philippines
A more holistic approach will be needed if the Philippines is to craft a China policy that’s actually fit for purpose.