Middle East and North Africa: Forcing China to Revisit Long-standing Policies
Synopsis
The fractious Middle East and North Africa is compelling China to rethink its long-standing principle of non-interventionism to protect its economic interests. It is also prompting it to articulate a Middle East policy that serves China’s interests without putting it at loggerheads with the United States.
South China Sea: Turning Reefs into Artificial Islands?
Synopsis
Large-scale reclamation work in the South China Sea using living coral reefs as building material is causing severe environmental damage. It is also against international law.
China’s Silk Road Economic Belt: Geopolitical Challenges in Central Asia
Synopsis
The Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) initiative faces huge geopolitical challenges in Central Asia. How will China respond to reduce the concerns of the Central Asia states as well as Russia?
South China Sea: Time for US-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation
Synopsis
China's accelerated construction activities in the South China Sea reveal the paucity of existing measures to manage the ongoing maritime disputes. It is high time to consider novel, decisive options, namely the proposal for the establishment of a multilateral peacekeeping force, composed of ASEAN members, with American backing.
New US Maritime Strategy: Why It Matters
Synopsis
The United States has just issued a new maritime strategy. It tells a good deal about Washington's current concerns in what it calls the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region and provides an agenda to which China and other countries in the region will have to respond.
Lee Kuan Yew’s Leadership: Model for China?
Synopsis
Singapore’s governance model is widely touted to be world-class. Much of it is due to the brand of its political leadership which is studied by many countries around the world, not least China.
China’s Maritime Silk Road: Emerging Domestic Debates
Synopsis
The emerging domestic debates over the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) show that China faces difficult questions in formulating and implementing effective policies, both internal and external.
China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative: New Round of Opening Up?
Synopsis
China’s “One Belt, One Road” Initiative has become a priority in Beijing’s foreign policy. Other countries, especially China’s neighbours, should not hesitate to capitalise on the opportunities it provides. But can China fulfil its ambition?
China’s Maritime Silk Road: The Politics of Routes
Synopsis
China has not effectively communicated its grand connectivity ideas to South and Southeast Asian countries. Beijing urgently needs to improve its communications with external parties and seek feedback so as to counter media speculations and to have a better understanding of regional needs.
More Nuanced than Just “Hedging”: Malaysia and the South China Sea Disputes
Synopsis
As ASEAN Chairman this year Malaysia has to tackle the South China Seas disputes. Malaysia’s supposed “hedging” stance should be viewed more comprehensively.