Indo-Pacific

How Japan’s FOIP is reinforcing ASEAN’s strategic autonomy

The concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) was first proposed in 2016 by then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and now it has been updated under the Sanae Takaichi administration. Japanese academic Sukegawa Seiya notes that the FOIP is a channel for promoting regional cooperation with ASEAN, while respecting its autonomy.

Sukegawa Seiya

12 Jun 2026

Why the Philippines and Japan are preparing for a Taiwan contingency

As China’s maritime posture seems to be getting more muscular and the US’s intentions in the Indo-Pacific become less clear, the Philippines and Japan are seeking stronger security relations to safeguard all eventualities. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill explains.

Don McLain Gill

08 Jun 2026

Can India-Taiwan ties withstand backlash over Indian migrant workers?

While Taiwan looks for ways to diversify its labour pool with Indian workers high on that list, civil society and the opposition have come in with scaremongering tactics that may jeopardise Taiwan’s steady relations with India. Academic Ghulam Ali weighs in on the issue. 

Ghulam Ali

06 May 2026

China’s nuclear submarines and bombers could shift Asia’s balance

China’s military capabilities are back in the spotlight, as the US reports on the PLA Navy’s growing submarine fleet, and observers take notice of signals of the launch of new submarine types and strategic bombers. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the recent developments that have caught the world’s attention.

Yu Zeyuan

24 Mar 2026

Middle East turmoil: A surprising boost for China-US stability?

The current turmoil in the Middle East may not disrupt China-US relations, but instead stabilise it, as China will not underestimate US strength, and the US will continue to seek reciprocal gains in dealing with China. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei finds out from academics the impact of the Iran strike on China-US relations.

Sim Tze Wei

03 Mar 2026

Can India move beyond faltering US ties?

Amid a US-China detente, India finds itself in a serious pursuit of “multipolarity” in the international system. But this still needs to be underpinned by strong defence relations with the US. Indian analyst Rahul Jaybhay explores the issue.

Rahul Jaybhay

09 Feb 2026

Greater China-Russia strategic alignment links two ‘battlefields’ of Eurasia

Although the Russia-Ukraine war and Taiwan Strait situations are different, strategic alignment between China and Russia on issues involving Japan and the “one China” principle during critical moments means there is room for linkages and even mutual restraint between the two “battlefields” in Eurasia, observes Lianhe Zaobao’s associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei. 

Sim Tze Wei

04 Dec 2025

Malabar 2025: Proof that the Quad still works when the politics doesn’t

Despite political rifts among the Quad countries, the recent annual Malabar naval exercise which went ahead means that the Quad grouping is still relevant where it counts most: enhancing joint military interoperability and preparedness on both sides of the Indo-Pacific. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill shares his views. 

Don McLain Gill

28 Nov 2025

Left out of G2: India watches Washington and Beijing

An emerging US-India alliance, invigorated during the Biden administration, now hangs in the balance as Trump tellingly left Delhi out of his Asia tour. Indian researcher Rishi Gupta gives his take on the state of US-India relations.

Rishi Gupta

24 Nov 2025

Sanae Takaichi and the future of Japan’s security policy

Sanae Takaichi’s rise as Japan’s first female prime minister marks a historic moment — but not a sharp break. A loyal Abe protégé and firm US ally, Tokyo’s “Iron Lady” is set to preserve Japan’s security course while navigating new regional tensions, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.

Shin Kawashima

21 Oct 2025

How China’s COSCO is redrawing global shipping routes through Southeast Asia

China’s COSCO has launched a new direct shipping route linking Batam, Indonesia, and Yangpu, Hainan, enhancing regional trade, diversifying supply chains, and boosting Batam’s role amid growing US-China competition and shifting global maritime dynamics. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explores its implications. 

Genevieve Donnellon-May

16 Sep 2025

One theatre to bind them all? Japan’s security vision faces old frictions

Commenting on Japan’s “one-theatre” concept, Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill thinks that Japan alone will not be able to ensure the security of this strategic space; rather, this will depend on how actively involved the US, the Philippines, South Korea and Australia would be, given their geographical significance in both seas.

Don McLain Gill

16 Jul 2025