South China Sea

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

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

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

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

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

What the new US national security strategy means for China

From the latest US National Security Strategy document released by the Trump administration, it is clear that the US is intent on excluding China, limiting its global influence, not least in its own backyard of the western hemisphere. Commentator Deng Yuwen gives his take. 

Deng Yuwen

11 Dec 2025

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

Japan without America: Navigating a new Asian order

Japan faces a new geopolitical reality as the US-led order falters. From navigating the Trump administration to countering China’s assertiveness, Tokyo’s strategic choices will ripple across East Asia, shaping alliances, trade, and regional security for years to come, says Japanese academic Nobuhiko Tamaki.

Nobuhiko Tamaki

10 Nov 2025

Malaysia’s high-stakes ASEAN chairmanship amid global turmoil

All eyes are on Malaysia as it approaches the climax of its ASEAN chairmanship in late October, marked by the second ASEAN summit of 2025 and a series of key meetings, including the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Plus Three. These events could draw some of the world’s most prominent leaders. Malaysian academic Ngeow Chow Bing gives an assessment of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship thus far. 

Ngeow Chow Bing

07 Oct 2025

Inside Xi Jinping’s push to reshape global governance

China’s recently unveiled Global Governance Initiative (GGI) differs from earlier calls to reform the global order in terms of the scope and drive for change. Beijing now seeks a leading role on the world stage either with the US playing a diminished role or without the US. But global reception to the GGI hinges on Beijing matching its words with action.

Lye Liang Fook

19 Sep 2025

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

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