More Chinese assertiveness and unilateralism are coming. Recently, worrying developments have emerged that oblige the United States to further challenge China to become a more responsible global stakeholder that contributes positively to the international system. Otherwise, passivity and acquiescence undermine the new U.S. National Security Strategy; reinforce Beijing’s growing belief that Washington is a declining […]

Many of us are familiar with the term “Stockholm Syndrome.” In 1973, four people were taken hostage in Stockholm. Despite their ordeal, the hostages spoke well of their captors and refused to testify against them in court. The term was eventually applied to victims of abuse who refuse to take action against their abusers. This […]

Imperial China had no Foreign Ministry; there was only the Ministry of Rituals. Its job was to judge the importance of the country seeking consideration and decide the level of kowtow – the elaborate show of obsequiousness, the series of bows, kneels, and touching the forehead to the floor, that would be required of its […]

March 8 — Malaysia should follow its neighbours’ example and unilaterally rename its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea to assert its sovereignty in the ongoing maritime territorial dispute, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer said yesterday. Abdul Muein Abadi who specialises in political science suggested that the name could be “Malaysia Raya […]

MANILA, Philippines – Military chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pushed for peace in the disputed South China Sea, as they also stressed the need to avoid moves “that may complicate the situation.” The military chiefs made this statement after the ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM) held in Singapore […]

With all the recent talk in the South China Sea, Malacañang has appealed for the public to unite to address the issue on the disputed waters. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement days after he revealed that there are ongoing talks between Filipino and Chinese firms on possible joint exploration in Service Contracts (SCs) […]

A national park in the South China Sea is needed to better preserve the marine ecology in the region, deputies from China’s top legislature said Tuesday on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Protection of unique and rich resources in the South China Sea has always been given great […]

The Philippines is close to accepting loans from China that are 1,100% more expensive than ones from Japan. The country’s chief economist said it will accept the loan as it needs “more friends,” as relations between the two countries warm after years of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The loan is part of […]

Roque: Arbitral ruling stands no matter what China does Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) — China and the Philippines are far from reaching a deal on joint exploration in the disputed South China Sea, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday. “We declared a moratorium on all exploration activities. Talks are ongoing, but we’re […]

The Philippines has identified two areas in the crowded waterway suitable for joint exploration and the two countries are seeking ways to tackle the diplomatic and legal headaches of jointly exploring in the waters, but without addressing the issue of sovereignty. Reed Bank is claimed by both sides, but international law says it falls within […]