Aries A Arugay

Aries A Arugay

Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

Dr Aries A. Arugay is Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. He is also Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr after their joint statement at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, on 3 November 2023. (Aaron Favila/Reuters)
Politics

First island chain strategy: Japan-Philippines security relationship deepens

By Aries A Arugay , By Mico A Galang 27 Nov 2023
While Japanese PM Kishida’s recent visit to Manila points to the upward momentum of the Japan-Philippines Strategic Partnership, it will also be a litmus test of Japan’s strategic goals in the rest of Southeast Asia.
A sailor stands on the deck of the USS America (LHA-6) amphibious assault ship docked at a port in Manila, Philippines, 21 March 2023. (Adrian Portugal/Reuters)
Politics

US and China fight for influence in strategic provinces of the Philippines

By Aries A Arugay 11 Apr 2023
The locus of superpower rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has gone down to the subnational level. The US and China are engaged in a power competition for influence within local governments in the Philippines, not least in the Cagayan area.