Addressing the thorn in the region’s flesh
China cannot stand to gain from continuous exploitation of ASEAN’s apparent frailties.
China cannot stand to gain from continuous exploitation of ASEAN’s apparent frailties.
Brunei’s delicate balancing act epitomises how states can ensure national interests are met, by relying on bilateral ties with opposing greater powers.
In light of prevailing economic and political interests, ASEAN countries are most likely to follow the Philippines’ example. This could mean overlooking a ruling in their favour even if it is handed to them.
What transpired over the four days at the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila.
There will always be a mix of rivalry and cooperation between the US and China.
A summary of leading stories between November 6-12, 2017 across Southeast Asia.
The South China Sea dispute will be a key item on the agenda during the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
The apparent reversal comes at a time of improving relations between China and the Philippines, which until recently had bitterly contested their overlapping claims to the sea.
China, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao and Brunei took part, with Vietnam notably absent.
The United States Energy Information Agency (EIA) estimates there to be 11 billion barrels of oil reserves and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves in the disputed region.