Peng Nian
Director, Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies (RCAS)Articles by Peng Nian
Economy
Can the Gulf-South Asia corridor rewire global trade and energy flows?
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven alternative routes, strengthening energy supply chains and boosting cooperation across the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, while expanding cross-border trade — so the outlook is not entirely bleak despite disruption at Hormuz, says Chinese academic Peng Nian.
Peng Nian
24 Apr 2026
Politics
Why US-Philippines military exercises won’t stop China in the South China Sea
To achieve peaceful dispute management in the South China Sea, the Philippines requires immediate diplomatic engagement with China and regional actors through active diplomatic actions, says Chinese academic Peng Nian.
Peng Nian
29 Apr 2025
Politics
Connectivity overdrive: How hard and soft links boost China-ASEAN cooperation
Chinese academic Peng Nian observes that China’s plans to build greater connectivity with Southeast Asian countries are on track. The country is also working with the region to set common standards and rules, as well as build cross-border industrial chains in emerging fields.
Peng Nian
18 Nov 2024
Politics
ASEAN-China Summit in Laos: Focusing on cooperation amid global challenges
Chinese academic Peng Nian asserts that the recent ASEAN-China Summit in Laos reaffirmed strong bilateral ties. He believes that ASEAN countries will resist external pressures to choose sides, given the larger need to work with China to address common issues.
Peng Nian
16 Oct 2024
Politics
After Sabina Shoal: China-Philippines disputes in the South China Sea persist
While the Chinese may have gotten the Philippines to withdraw its vessel from Sabina Shoal (also known as Xianbin Jiao and Escoda Shoal) this time, this may just be the lull before the next storm, says Chinese academic Peng Nian.
Peng Nian
23 Sep 2024
Politics
Would Marcos's dialogue promises bring peace and stability to the South China Sea?
The joint military exercises that the Philippines has conducted with the US and its allies have not only failed to decrease China's "offensives" but also incited its "aggressiveness", says Chinese academic Peng Nian.
Peng Nian
11 Apr 2024
Politics
Philippine President Marcos Jr's visit to Vietnam: Creating a 'united front' over South China Sea issue?
President Marcos Jr's overtures to Vietnam during his recent visit to Hanoi seem to indicate that ASEAN claimant states are starting to "gang up" on China. But the picture is not so clear-cut, says Chinese academic Peng Nian, when one considers Vietnam's interests and relations with China.
Peng Nian
06 Feb 2024
Politics
Civil society should not get involved in the South China Sea disputes
Chinese academic Peng Nian notes that the Philippines is playing a dangerous game by stoking civil society sentiments in the South China sea disputes. It could end up being a lose-lose situation for bilateral relations.
Peng Nian
11 Dec 2023
Politics
Is Vietnam teaming up with the US against China?
While it seems that the port call of the USS Ronald Reagan in Vietnam recently signals a reinvigoration of US-Vietnam military cooperation, Vietnam will be circumspect in ensuring that it does not let the US interfere in its domestic affairs or jeopardise its relationship with China.
Peng Nian, Jia Yuanyuan
04 Jul 2023
Politics
Chinese academic: The Philippines' closer ties with US could cross China's bottom line
Chinese academic Peng Nian looks at the US expanding its access to new military bases in the Philippines, which China is particularly concerned with. He says that while the Philippines want to find a sweet spot in navigating China-US competition, it must be extra vigilant in dealing with security cooperation with the US in the South China Sea so as not to aggravate China-Philippines relations.
Peng Nian
21 Feb 2023
Politics
How China and ASEAN could help each other transition to the new normal
Researcher Peng Nian notes that China's efforts to strengthen its relations with ASEAN through building a "community with a shared future for mankind" could ramp up as its borders reopen. While it may take time for the ASEAN member states to open their arms again to China, progress is far from being at a standstill.
Peng Nian
11 Jan 2023