https://www.scmp.com/rss/515823/feed Nathaniel Schochet is the programme administrator for the Indo-Pacific Security Programme at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). His work primarily focuses on China and Southeast Asia. He previously worked at CJPA Global Advisors. He received a BA in Asian studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and an MA in international affairs from the American University School of International Service. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Nathaniel Schochet Nathaniel Schochet Thailand has long been a key ally of the United States, with both nations seeking to continue to nurture strong military and economic relationships. However, since the military’s 2014 coup, Thailand has increasingly turned towards China for support. Despite Washington’s best efforts to lure Bangkok back into its orbit, Thailand’s recent domestic and international actions indicate that a realignment with the West is unlikely any time soon. Last year’s elections did present a glimmer of hope, when... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3274472/how-thailands-political-turmoil-complicates-ties-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3274472/how-thailands-political-turmoil-complicates-ties-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2024 08:30:08 +0000 As China’s contest with the US heats up, its Belt and Road Initiative investments are fuelling geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific. The hosting of the third belt and road forum last year was lauded by President Xi Jinping in his New Year address. The US, however, wants to keep the Indo-Pacific “free and open”, and questions Beijing’s intentions in pushing a China-led network of infrastructure projects throughout the Global South. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by Xi in 2013,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3248297/how-belt-and-road-fuelling-us-china-indo-pacific-contest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3248297/how-belt-and-road-fuelling-us-china-indo-pacific-contest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:30:15 +0000 With the Indo-Pacific becoming a hotbed of contention, recent events have raised the possibility of a flashpoint developing into a military conflict between the US and China. The collisions between Chinese and Filipino vessels over the past weeks are of particular concern as America and the Philippines have a Mutual Defence Treaty that mandates the US to take military action to defend a Philippines under attack. But this is not the only area with potential for escalation. There have also been... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240978/us-china-diplomatic-thaw-raises-hopes-military-dialogue-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240978/us-china-diplomatic-thaw-raises-hopes-military-dialogue-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:30:12 +0000 This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and this month China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. China has provided investment to countries worldwide in the past decade and tried to create a new platform for development and economic growth. According to the Foreign Ministry, the initiative encompasses more than three-quarters of the world’s nations, has generated nearly US$1 trillion in investment and created more than 420,000... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3237213/belt-and-road-chinas-strategic-shift-bodes-ill-developing-nations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3237213/belt-and-road-chinas-strategic-shift-bodes-ill-developing-nations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:30:10 +0000 The ongoing tensions between the United States and China have sparked a competitive race for influence in the Global South, with the Pacific islands emerging as a strategically significant region. The US has lagged behind in its efforts to actively engage Pacific island nations in recent decades, but recent action by the Biden administration has attempted to reverse this trend. The fact the US overlooked this geopolitically important region created a favourable opportunity for China, highlighted... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3222998/how-us-bolstering-its-pacific-islands-engagement-counter-chinas-influence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3222998/how-us-bolstering-its-pacific-islands-engagement-counter-chinas-influence?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:30:08 +0000