ARTICLES

25 Nov 2021

China and Second Thomas Shoal: For They Say, But Do Not

Ian Storey

China’s expressed desire to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea rings hollow when one examines its recent actions around Second Thomas Shoal.

China-Philippine Relations South China Sea

24 Nov 2021

What is China Bringing to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN

Joanne Lin

Last Monday, ASEAN member states met formally with China’s top leader Xi Jinping for the first time to commemorate 30 years of dialogue partnership.

8 Nov 2021

Why US Rivalry with China Will Endure: Implications for Southeast Asia

Robert Sutter

Despite the Biden government’s efforts to improve relations with Southeast Asia, considerable domestic constraints hinder Washington from joining multilateral economic groups or de-emphasising human rights concerns to compete more effectively with China in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN China China-U.S. Relations Cold War South China Sea Southeast Asia U.S.

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.

ASEAN Unity AUKUS Australia China Quad South China Sea Southeast Asia U.S.

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