Chinese Defense Minister’s Visit to Russia and Concerns from Outsiders

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu officially visited Russia from April 15th to April 17th, 2023. The visit was closely monitored by the West due to their belief that the increasingly closer relationship between China and Russia, both politically and militarily, may result in China’s decision to provide Russia with weapons for the war in Ukraine.

Chinese Survey Vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10’s Encroachment on Vietnam's Waters: Intention and Consequences

Trends in Southeast Asian people’s perception of the region in recent years: Results from the ISEAS’s surveys since 2019

The annual State of Southeast Asia Survey carried out by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) from Singapore is a survey about the recent geopolitical situation in Southeast Asia. After being published, the survey’ results are covered by many regional news outlets like the Borneo Bulletin, the Australian, and the Japan Times, etc.

11th Ocean Dialogue: “Hybrid Activities: Helping or Hindering Order at Sea”

The 11th Ocean Dialogue, themed “Hybrid Activities: Helping or Hindering Order at Sea”, took place in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 11.

Mauritius v. Maldives: One Judgement, Two Victors

On 28 April, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued its final Judgment on the dispute concerning the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, finally ending the dispute that had lasted for over three years. Both Mauritius and the Maldives have reasons to rejoice at this outcome.

The East Sea Institute participates in the CSIS’s 13th Annual South China Sea Conference

On June 28, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) organized the 13th annual South China Sea Conference in Washington, D.C., the United States. Assoc Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh, Director General of the East Sea Institute, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, was a panelist at the second session on “Legal Developments and Dispute Management”.

Reactions of the Parties on the 7th Anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award

On the 7th anniversary of the final ruling rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal in the arbitration between the Philippines and China concerning the South China Sea (July 12, 2016 - July 12, 2023), some countries, including claimants and non-claimants, issued statements expressing their positions regarding the Award in particular and the South China Sea in general.

Quick Takes on Lithuania's Indo-Pacific Strategy

On July 5, a week before hosting the 2023 NATO Summit, Lithuania released its own Indo-Pacific Strategy, becoming the 6th European country to devise such document (after France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the Czech Republic, if not including the EU). A few observations could be made from a quick look at this Strategy.

‘Transparentizing’ - A new tool for ‘information warfare’ in the South China Sea

Over the past few months, some stakeholders in the South China Sea - typically the Philippines, China and the US - have the tendency to “increase transparency” on the ground, especially with regard to activities of their rivals. This trend can provide the international community with more awareness of developments at sea, but can also be a tactic to gain public support.

U.S.-China Competition Presents Vietnam with Risks and Opportunities

Amid strategic rivalry, Vietnam wants peace and stability in the region so it can focus on economic development.