While much of Asia, including the Philippines, would welcome the US reclaiming its global leadership role, regaining its position at the ‘head of the table’ is not going to be a cakewalk, says Lucio Blanco Pitlo III.

Manila is right to claim ownership of Sabah, argues Lucio Blanco Pitlo III. Malaysia cannot buy off the Philippines into dropping its claim any more than it can rewrite history.

Washington may dangle inducements to get regional backing for the sanctions, fuelled by the companies’ actions in the South China Sea. But it shouldn’t force countries to make tough choices, given that firms such as CCCC are already part of the region’s Belt and Road Initiative projects.

The US has acknowledged the 2016 tribunal ruling as it boosts its efforts to counter China’s attempts to consolidate its hold over the disputed waters.

The country’s fight against armed insurgents has for decades cost lives, hamstrung development and diverted military resources, but the bill’s overreliance on draconian measures could backfire.

A Philippine naval ship recently docked at a new port in the Spratly Islands, showing Manila’s resolve to defend its interests even as its ties with Beijing improve.

China’s renewed assertiveness may be driven by both domestic and external factors as Beijing seeks to bolster support at home for its tough security stance, while showing rival claimants and the US that maritime and sovereignty issues will not be sidelined amid the pandemic.

As China rises from the pandemic, it will seek to resume infrastructure projects, especially in Southeast Asia, albeit on a more subdued scale.

Amid the pandemic, Phnom Penh and Hanoi have deepened allegiances that have a bearing on great power rivalry in Asia.

Withdrawing from its military alliance with Washington could now see Manila move closer to Beijing – but there are other options it might follow.

Duterte’s threat to end the Philippines’ military agreement with Washington highlights the challenges of managing America’s alliances in the age of great power rivalry.

The first visit by a Chinese coastguard ship to Manila is a milestone moment. But if Beijing is serious about boosting cooperation, it must exercise greater restraint in the contested waters.

While Southeast Asia is a vital foothold for Washington, it must realise its regional partners are now sovereign actors with full agency and varied interests.

After his recent visits to China and Russia, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte must balance commitments to the United States – country’s traditional ally – without upsetting new partners.

The spike in Chinese offshore gambling operators has brought jobs and revenue but also problems. Manila must work with Beijing to crack down on human trafficking, fraud and illegal operators. Operators should also be encouraged to diversify investments in the Philippines.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Beijing later this month and resource cooperation might help the Philippines in its bid to get China to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling, writes Lucio Blanco Pitlo III.

An apology from the captain of the Chinese vessel, punishment for those found to be negligent and compensation for the Filipino fishermen would ease tensions. Meanwhile, the incident is a reminder of the need to conclude a regional maritime code of conduct.

From trade to the South China Sea and technology, the US and China increasingly find themselves at odds, with regional countries caught in the middle. Many smaller players are now realising the importance of staying friendly with both but beholden to neither.

The over 200 Chinese vessels surrounding a Philippine-occupied island may prompt a backlash against genuine fishing boats and push the Philippines, which has been edging closer to China, back into a tighter alliance with the US.

The belt and road is changing shape, making inroads into Europe, the Pacific and Latin America. Beijing is increasingly willing to fund projects that symbolise the country’s resurgence, but it should be wary of using economic might to sway policy.

While the death toll in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign has been the focus of international attention, the government’s massive rehabilitation effort and anti-corruption measures tend to be ignored.

Manila faces the dilemma of easing security concerns about foreign equity in crucial sectors without appearing to single out booming Chinese investment.

Continued dialogue and forums for discussing South China Sea issues are certainly welcome, but Beijing and Manila still have competing interests, and US-China rivalry looks set to play out in these waters

Sharing energy exploration rights in disputed areas can benefit both Manila and Beijing: the latter can hold onto its traditional claims and show it can be a good neighbour, while the former can maintain its energy security – provided domestic anger is kept in check.