The ghost of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal stand-off

Dr. Renato de Castro, Trustee and Convenor of the National Security and East Asian Affairs Program, Stratbase ADR Institute Once again, the enigmatic and massive presence of Chinese fishing vessels that are believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia are in the Philippine Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), particularly in the Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun… Read More

ADRi vTHD: “Maintaining A Rules-Based Maritime Order”

The Indo-Pacific region is in the middle of a pivotal moment in geopolitics where uncertainties continue to emanate from the changing power dynamics among states and evolving complex security threats. This has also prominently highlighted that the interdependence of states is no longer a government affair alone but has elevated the relevance of non-state actors… Read More

ADRi Statement: “Fighting for the West Philippine Sea and the Filipino People”

The recent Chinese incursion in the Julian Felipe Reef has been strongly condemned not only by the Philippine government, but by the full spectrum of Philippine society. It is clear that the sentiment of the Filipino people is for our government to be resolute in protecting our sovereign rights and territorial integrity. The persistent and… Read More

China’s gray zone operation in the making?: A commentary on Julian Felipe Reef crisis

Dr. Renato de Castro, Trustee and Convenor of the National Security and East Asian Affairs Program, Stratbase ADR Institute On March 20, 2021, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana officially informed the Filipino nation about the presence of around 220-blue hulled Chinese fishing vessels moored in line formation at Julian Felipe Reef (international name… Read More

Private sector drive for strong, inclusive recovery

Dindo Manhit, President, Stratbase ADR Institute The year 2020 was a great disruption that reversed the Philippine economy’s growth with a full-year contraction of 9.5 percent, the country’s worst economic performance in 73 years. This was also the steepest decline recorded in Southeast Asia last year. Likewise a record was the country’s annual unemployment rate… Read More