ARTICLES

30 Jul 2024

ASEAN’s Unity Under the Microscope

Joanne Lin|Sharon Seah

Laos, the current chair of ASEAN, has found that it has to grapple with increasingly contentious geopolitical issues.

19 Jul 2024

China-Philippines Talks: A Sliver of Hope to Reduce Tensions?

Lye Liang Fook

Although China and the Philippines have resumed bilateral talks, they are far from addressing their differences over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

China China-Philippine Relations International Relations Philippine South China Sea

17 Jul 2024

Philippine-China Standoff Over Second Thomas Shoal: There Are Three Others

Marites Dañguilan Vitug|Camille Elemia

The Second Thomas Shoal is the centre of attention in the standoff between China and the Philippines. But there are three other features in the South China Sea that warrant examination.

China-Philippine Relations International Relations Philippine South China Sea

19 Jun 2024

The Shangri-La Dialogue’s Coming of Age – A Conversation with Veerle Nouwens

Veerle Nouwens

Fulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the recent Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) and the significance of two decades of the SLD with IISS Executive Director, Veerle Nouwens.

China Defence Dialogues at Fulcrum South China Sea U.S.

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.

China-Philippine Relations Philippine South China Sea

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