Philippines
Politics
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
Politics
Japan and Philippines harden stance against China amid US-China detente
As Washington softens its tone on Beijing, Japan and the Philippines are tightening defence ties to counter China, forging a potent middle-power coalition in Asian waters. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.
Han Yong Hong
05 Jun 2026
Politics
Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit
China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.
Lye Liang Fook
06 May 2026
Politics
Between distrust and engagement: Manila’s China paradox
Well into the second half of Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s presidency, academic Aaron Rabena analyses that the perceived distancing of Philippines-China relations is not so clear-cut. In fact, at the state and sub-state levels, there seems to be engagement on some fronts and caution in others.
Aaron Jed Rabena
24 Apr 2026
Politics
Planes, missiles, submarines: Southeast Asia’s quiet arms race?
A slew of arms procurement deals in Southeast Asia has raised eyebrows on whether the region is engaged in an arms race. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Claudia Liao finds out from academics that these military upgrades may have more to do with prestige than capability.
Claudia Liao
25 Mar 2026
Politics
The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship comes at a perilous time
As the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship kicks off, all eyes are on its approach to three major issues: the South China Sea dispute, the situation in Myanmar and the volatile peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill gives his assessment.
Don McLain Gill
10 Feb 2026
Politics
Can the Philippines deter China without US backing?
Chinese water cannon attacks on Filipino fishermen at Escoda Shoal mark a dangerous escalation. Sustaining deterrence in the South China Sea now depends on US support and the Philippines’ resolve, says Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill.
Don McLain Gill
22 Dec 2025
Politics
Can the Philippines as ASEAN chair 2026 navigate South China Sea tensions?
As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chair in 2026, can it balance China relations, US alliances and regional trust-building through trade, green energy and security cooperation? Researcher Muhammad Faizal gives his take.
Muhammad Faizal
20 Nov 2025
Politics
Scarborough Shoal: Is China’s ‘nature reserve’ a military outpost in disguise?
China’s plans to establish a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal serves more than just the purpose of environmental protection. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that this strategy leverages environmental protection for strategic purposes, creating a crucial outpost that affects the US and the Philippines.
Yu Zeyuan
17 Sep 2025
Politics
Between law and power: The Philippines, China, and the future of Scarborough Shoal
China recently declared a national nature reserve at the Scarborough Shoal, despite the shoal being within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill notes that the declaration is a continuation of China’s “grey zone” tactics to expand its control and normalise its presence in disputed areas.
Don McLain Gill
17 Sep 2025
Politics
Scarborough Shoal incident: A test for ASEAN, China and regional stability
A recent incident between the Philippine Coast Guard and China’s maritime forces could presage a change in tactics by the latter. If this is so, tensions in the disputed area might head north.
Ian Storey, Aries A Arugay
25 Aug 2025