Exploring the history, composition, and tactics of the ‘little blue men’ of China’s littoral waters – the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia.

Amid growing calls for a new approach to the challenged posed by China, President Biden has initiated a policy rethink. Here’s what the new US posture might look like.

Chronicling the events that led to the present low point in China-Australia relations.

Recent comments by the US president-elect suggest that Beijing will soon need to grapple with its worst-case scenario.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, often labeled ‘soft’ on Beijing, has recently adopted tougher rhetoric on the South China Sea. Yet though more critical of China, the tone has remained noticeably diplomatic.

A President Biden would be unlikely to hit the ‘reset’ button in US-China relations, which suggests progress in Washington’s partnership with Hanoi.

Vietnam is one of few nations expecting positive GDP growth in 2020. Given its apt handling of COVID-19 and ongoing US-China tensions, the country is now well placed to lead Southeast Asia’s economic recovery.

With increasing overlap in their defense and trade interests, it only makes sense that Vietnam and Australia take the next step in their bilateral relationship.

Is Washington’s newfound assertiveness on the South China Sea dispute a matter of long-term statecraft, or short-term electioneering?

Over the second half of 2020, Vietnam should focus on integrating the informal economy with the formal economy and resuming negotiations for a code of conduct in the South China Sea.