THE SOUTH CHINA SEA SITUATION IN 2023 AND 2024

In 2023, despite ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the South China Sea hotspot continued to grab international attention. It was increasingly seen as an indicator of the regional rule of law via a series of policy documents and statements by the US and its partners, especially in the face of the so-called “grey zone” activities. In 2024, China will still be the main factor determining...

Paracel Islands: 50 Years On

On this day, exactly 50 years ago, on January 19, 1974, the Chinese forces shelled the islands and launched fierce attacks, occupying islands in the Paracels. On the same day, the Republic of Vietnam's government condemned China's violation of Vietnam's territorial integrity. At that time, the Republic of Vietnam's observer at the United Nations requested the UN Security Council to address the issue....

Guidelines for Submission to The East Sea Studies

Key Drivers Behind South Korea and Japan's Rapprochement

Since 2022, amid an unusually complex security environment due to North Korea's unprecedented missile testing activities, the administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol has sought to create a breakthrough in improving bilateral cooperation with Japan. This effort culminated in the successful trilateral summit between the United States, Japan, and South Korea at Camp David, United States, in 2023, where...

China's “Grey Zone” Strategy in the South China Sea and the Philippines' Countermeasures

As one of the claimant states in the South China Sea, for many years the Philippines has had to deal with numerous law enforcement activities by China within the "nine-dash line," including the so-called "grey zone" tactics. This article aims to summarize and analyze China's “grey zone” activities targeting the Philippines and how the Philippines has responded to them so far, thereby drawing several...

Policy of Diversification Helps Vietnam Build Ties with the Indo-Pacific

Long-standing tradition enables Hanoi to navigate great-power competition and adapt to shifting geopolitics.

Vietnam in the Many Indo-Pacific Visions

From the COC to a Code of Conduct for Maritime Engagement in Southeast Asia

How to Help ASEAN Address South China Sea ‘Gray-zone’ Challenges

QUAD and EU ‘maritime domain awareness’ initiatives are a good start — but there is much to be improved on.

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.