ARTICLES

22 Oct 2021

Southeast Asian Responses to AUKUS: Arms Racing, Non-Proliferation and Regional Stability

William Choong|Ian Storey

AUKUS is a wake-up call to ASEAN that it needs to be more proactive on security issues and cannot take its centrality for granted.

14 Oct 2021

North Natuna Sea: Indonesia Needs More Than a Military Strategy

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

To deter Chinese activities in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesia needs to complement its military assets in the area with a strong civilian presence.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

6 Oct 2021

The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension

Jay L. Batongbacal

Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled.

China China-Philippine Relations Philippine South China Sea

29 Sep 2021

Wang Yi’s Visit to Vietnam: Reasserting Influence, Regaining Balance

Hoang Thi Ha|Le Hong Hiep

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Vietnam on 10-12 September was part of Beijing’s efforts to pull Hanoi back from its perceived ‘tilt’ towards Washington. More than ever, Vietnam’s foreign policy mantra, “firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics”, is being put to test.

China-Vietnam Relations South China Sea U.S.-Vietnam Relations

23 Sep 2021

After 70 Years, It’s Time to Modernise the US-Philippines Alliance

Ian Storey

The US-Philippines alliance is back on track. In an era where China has increasingly challenged Manila’s maritime rights in the South China Sea, however, Washington needs to contemplate an upgrade to their mutual defence treaty.

Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

22 Sep 2021

China’s Recent Foray into the North Natuna Sea is Problematic

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A Chinese survey ship was reported to be operating in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week. This is not new, but this time the survey ship was reportedly accompanied by at least six Chinese naval vessels. Jakarta should consider a firm response to Beijing.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

China's President Xi Jinping (L), Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin

10 Sep 2021

The Russia-China Strategic Partnership and Southeast Asia: Alignments and Divergences

Ian Storey

The Sino-Russian nexus has been strengthening against the backdrop of heightening US-Russia and US-China strategic rivalry. This has some implications for Southeast Asia as Russia and China continue to oppose US hegemony and work to undermine America’s alliances and partnerships.

China Defence Russia South China Sea Southeast Asia

28 Jul 2021

Why is Vietnam’s Military Modernisation Slowing?

Nguyen The Phuong

Security challenges presented by the South China Sea dispute led to Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its armed forces over the past two decades. However, after the fall of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2016, the procurement of major military assets has virtually ground to a halt.

Security South China Sea Vietnam Vietnamese Military

7 Jul 2021

Why the New Indonesia-US Maritime Training Centre is Strategically Important

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A new maritime training centre established by Indonesia and the United States is emblematic of sustained bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, and the ASEAN member state’s independent and active foreign policy.

Indo-Pacfic Indonesia South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

2 Jul 2021

After Black Sea Encounter, British FONOP in the South China Sea Quite Possible

Ian Storey

As a British Carrier Strike Group heads towards Southeast Asia, speculation is rife that a Royal Navy warship will conduct a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea. A recent incident in the Black Sea may shorten the odds of that happening.

China Russia South China Sea U.K. U.S.