Mr. Gregory Poling extended Mr. Ernest Bower’s position on EDCA with a security bent. He told that the agreement is critical to the national interests of both the Philippines and the US. Philippine national interest is the preservation of exclusivity of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). On the other hand, US national interest is threefold:… Read More

Mr. Ernest Bower explored the political economic underpinnings of EDCA. He recalled that, in the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s up to 2009, China responded positively to the region: it moved away from the ideological approach to foreign policy, constructively engaged its neighboring countries by boosting regional trade and investment,… Read More

In a nutshell, Professor Yakushiji discussed: the East Asian security landscape; recent developments in Japan’s bilateral relations with ASEAN, Russia, and the US; growing regional concern over China’s assertive actions in its near seas; and the necessity for collectively ensuring a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. With regard to China, Professor Yakushiji disclosed that, for most Japanese… Read More

Last June 7, the Albert del Rosario Institute hosted a forum entitled “Asia-Pacific perspective on implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement: Insights on the Bilateral Security Dialogue”. This event brought together participants from the Asia-Pacific region, with participating international representatives from the United States, Japan, Australia, alongside local representatives from the Diplomatic Corps and members… Read More

Last Monday, June 6, a luncheon was held with the “Asia-Pacific Perspectives on Implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement: Insights on the Bilateral Security Dialogue” Forum Speakers: Ernest Bower (Stratbase ADRi Trustee and Senior Adviser and Chair for Southeast Asia Studies at CSIS), Gregory Poling (Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and a fellow… Read More

Last June 9, the ADRi, in partnership with the TA Trade Advisory Group, conducted a roundtable discussion in light of the passage of the landmark legislation that seeks to spur market competition―Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act (PCA). The RTD was intended to provide the background and the policies behind the PCA, as… Read More