February 28, 2024
Wherever They May Roam: China’s Militia in 2023
China’s maritime militia, once a shadowy and ill-understood actor in the South China Sea disputes, has become visible to international observers in a very tangible way over the last year. Increasing numbers of militia vessels have been involved in collisions and tensions with the Philippines at…
February 13, 2024
Assessing Indonesia’s potential presidents’ South China Sea strategies
The South China Sea strategy of Indonesia's presidential candidates became a focal topic in a recent debate, with the three participants proposing different approaches to this major security issue involving China. Ganjar Pranowo suggested Indonesia should take provisional measures based on the…
February 10, 2024
What Does China Think About India’s Increased Anti-Piracy Patrols Amid the Red Sea Crisis?
India has deployed a beefed-up naval presence to the western Indian Ocean in response to threats to global shipping. China is not happy about it.
February 4, 2024
Is Vietnam’s restrained approach to maritime issues the key to fewer, muted confrontations with China?
Vietnam also has the ability to isolate maritime issues from bilateral ones, analysts say, ensuring fewer confrontations compared to the Philippines. Chinese vessels patrol near Vietnam’s oil and gas fields in the South China Sea but this hasn’t resulted in high-profile confrontations
February 1, 2024
The United States Should Establish an Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance Center of Excellence
It is no secret that the Indo-Pacific suffers from a maritime security shortfall. Natural disasters, criminal activities, and interstate tensions all endanger seafarers, undermine the well-being of coastal communities, and threaten regional calamity. While the risk of conflict in the South China…
January 31, 2024
Philippines, Vietnam agree to cooperate in South China Sea amid a more assertive Beijing
The Philippines and Vietnam on Jan 30 forged deals to bolster their maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, shoring up trust between the two nations as they continue to face a more assertive Beijing.
January 18, 2024
Muscle and mediation set to continue in the South China Sea
In 2023, tensions between the Philippines and China heightened, marked by hostile encounters in the South China Sea. Regional tensions were compounded by nations – including Japan, US and Australia – advancing their defence strategies in the region. Yet ASEAN are doing their classic strategic…
January 2, 2024
Marcos’ new code of conduct for the South China Sea is a non-starter
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is seeking to establish a separate code of conduct with Vietnam and Malaysia in the South China Sea. But both these nations are reluctant to provoke China and aim to maintain warm diplomatic relations. Marcos’ call for a new arrangement is unlikely to win…
December 6, 2023
Anchoring the U.S.-Philippines Alliance
The U.S.- Philippine Alliance has advanced significantly over the past two years. The period of transition, from Duterte to Marcos, and the renewed American commitment to the Indo-Pacific under Joe Biden were key determinants. Institutionalizing this progress in ways that allow the alliance to…