The Philippines needs to start investing in a credible deterrence strategy if it wants to secure its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Category Archives: Commentaries
2024: What Difference a Year Makes, and Goodbye (for Now)
There will be a publishing break for Fulcrum between Christmas and the New Year. We will resume publication on 2 January 2025.
Chinese Migrants and the Philippines: The Need to Plug Legal Loopholes
The Philippines’ immigration laws have failed to keep pace with a growing influx of new Chinese immigrants. The laws need to be reviewed to curb corruption in the system.
ASEAN Needs a Common Position on Myanmar
After years of intractability, the regional organisation needs to move as one to make any headway on Myanmar. It is not clear this can be done without inclusive conversations.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and Supply Chain Bifurcation: A Lose-Lose Proposition
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.
China’s Pop Fiction Boom Poses a Dilemma for the Party
The export of Chinese pop fiction has found ready markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand. But some undesirable genres pose a dilemma for China’s soft power.
Politically Proofing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone for Credibility and Durability
There is positive sentiment on both sides of the Causeway about the proposed special economic zone in Johor. However, the project needs to be future-proofed against potential political complications up north.
Locating Theravāda Buddhism in Maritime Southeast Asia
Theravāda Buddhist communities across maritime Southeast Asia have long adapted to local conditions. Even today, believers are finding new ways of transmitting the faith to younger adherents.
Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence
The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.