ARTICLES

6 May 2024

Something Old, Something New: The Philippines’ Transparency Initiative in the South China Sea

Edcel John A. Ibarra|Aries A. Arugay

The Marcos Jr administration's measured transparency approach to Chinese grey zone activities in the South China Sea carries with it risks and challenges. It is not sufficient to protect and promote Philippines interests in the SCS. It needs to develop and articulate a clear maritime strategy for the security sector and the civilian bureaucracy.

25 Apr 2024

The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea: Has it Worked for China?

Lye Liang Fook

The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was established in May 2017 to discuss issues of mutual concern in the South China Sea and explore possible areas of cooperation. However, rising tensions in the SCS between China and the Philippines, compounded by the Taiwan issue, have hindered the BCM’s ability to fulfil its original objectives.

China China-Philippine Relations Philippine South China Sea

21 Mar 2024

The Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership in an Era of Geopolitical Realignment

Lowell Bautista

The recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Australia demonstrates the resolve of the Philippines to solidify its strategic partnerships with like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.

ASEAN Australia Philippine South China Sea

1 Feb 2024

Marcos’s Visit to Vietnam: When Manila’s Pivot Meets Hanoi’s Pragmatism

Hoang Thi Ha|Aries A. Arugay

Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. Digging deeper, however, the two countries are taking distinct approaches in countering the Chinese coercion in the maritime area.

Philippine South China Sea Vietnam

Protesters wave flags and hold placards in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila

29 Dec 2023

2023 Top 10

Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam and the Philippines have formed a strategic partnership in the South China Sea. By reinforcing their respective claims to the area, however, they are vulnerable to a wedge strategy by third parties such as China.

2023 Top 10 Misinformation Philippine South China Sea Vietnam

Philippine Coast Guard personnel are seen on Thitu Island

6 Dec 2023

No China Backlash, So Far: The Philippines’ New Assertive Transparency Policy in the South China Sea

Collin Koh

The Philippines’ assertive transparency in the South China Sea has so far not generated negative economic repercussions for the country.

China Philippine South China Sea

This photo taken on August 22, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship (L) shadowing Philippine coast guard ship BRP Cabra closely during the re-supply mission by a civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies to Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea.

6 Sep 2023

China’s Claim on the South China Sea: How Many Dashes Make a Line?

Bill Hayton

China’s new map depicting its claims to the South China Sea has provoked some fierce reactions from its neighbours. The fact is that the “new” map is anything but.

ASEAN-China Relations China South China Sea

24 Aug 2023

Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea

Phan Xuan Dung

Misinformation Philippine South China Sea Vietnam

20 Jul 2023

The Code of Conduct for the South China Sea: Movement in lieu of Progress

Ian Storey

Observers following the long saga surrounding negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea should not be faulted if they feel a sense of déjà vu.

ASEAN-China Relations South China Sea