And strangely enough, it means China and the Philippines have traded positions.

The “salami slice” approach to island building in the South China Sea has worked well for China. The world risks seeing that same approach repeated in international law.

But pressure on the Philippines means that its key partners must step up more.

A provisional understanding is just that. Much now depends on China’s behaviour and its record is not encouraging.

Doubts linger regarding the longevity of Manila’s forward-leaning stance on regional security.

Though both nations recognise the indispensability of Washington, they are also hedging against future uncertainties.

A new order is telling of Beijing’s selective and ongoing effort to undermine the law of the sea.

The danger in deception.

The closer and growing defence ties between the countries doesn’t appear to have permeated the public mind yet.

India might not perfectly align with its partners in the minilateral group but its Indo-Pacific heft is much greater than that of the Philippines.

With China flexing its muscle in the South China Sea, a revised grouping that includes the Philippines strikes a new balance.

China is shaping the emerging digital landscape in Southeast Asia, reflecting a wider competition.

Drills will for the first time take place outside of the Philippines’ 12 nautical miles “territorial waters”, thus directly challenging China’s expansive claims across the South China Sea.

While Australia’s interests are clear, its contribution is ambiguous.

Revamped security groupings led by Washington, including with Manila and Tokyo, are the new normal.

Beijing’s assertiveness means hedging is a luxury Manila can no longer afford.

Regional problems are challenging enough without lumping them together.

Australia should support Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei in developing their maritime governance capacity to enhance their resilience against threats.

Manila should adopt a three-pronged response to Beijing's assertiveness.

It’s best to not only take populists seriously, but also literally, especially when they threaten mass murder.

Tokyo’s recent geopolitical assertiveness cements its position as a regional security and economic powerhouse.

The Chinese Communist Party-controlled Global Times is already forecasting “more serious collisions”.

Australia “recommitted” two months ago. The Philippines is waiting, China is watching – and so is the region.

Taiwan, the ten-dash line, and an ever-present US are driving a wedge between Manila and Beijing.

Canberra’s defence ties with Manila have gone from strength to strength. Now it’s time to step up economic linkages.

An old idea for a regional network might hold the answer for energy demand into the future.

The Philippines relies on remittances to prop up the local economy. But the reports of abuses cannot be ignored.

Barbie does her dash with Vietnam, showing how maps have meaning.

Backing the Philippines over the 2016 arbitration award doesn’t mean India is about to abandon caution in efforts to balance China.

An expanded US military presence will benefit efforts to stand up to China. But Filipinos are wary of the social cost.

Xi’s belligerence prompts classic balancing, an alignment among smaller states that would alone struggle to compete.

Manila has stood apart on Australia’s nuclear-powered subs deal as a sympathetic democracy seeking to balance China.

The 180-degree reversal in Manila’s foreign policy was a consequent evolution of the previous regime’ approach.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominated the year. But readers also wanted to know all about Southeast Asia’s elections.  

A visit by VP Kamala Harris has revitalised a military pact and shown how Bongbong Marcos views America’s regional role.

Manila can make its mark in the Indo-Pacific by choosing its friends, and its maritime deterrents, strategically.

After an easy election win, the Philippine president is facing challenges at home and abroad.

Strategic choices by Manila will matter to Washington and Beijing.

President Marcos’ decision not to participate in an international investigation is a setback for human rights.

The new president might talk up China ties, but relations with the United States appear to be on the mend.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted weaknesses in Thailand’s policymaking and prompted cartel behaviour … again.

Dealing with the deadly legacy of the Duterte and Marcos eras will become that much more complicated under “Bongbong”.

A policy-free campaign in Asia’s oldest democracy results in a guessing game in the region for where next.

How Beijing’s claims to the South China Sea have crept imperceptibly into global popular culture.

A significant polling lead for the late dictator’s son reveals a political resurrection and a fragile democracy.

In a country where the average age is 25, has collective memory been washed of the nation’s iron-fisted kleptocrat?

Any “minilateral” grouping among Southeast Asian nations must be mindful of its internal contradictions.

Filipino voters go to the polls to choose who will govern them but not necessarily how they will be governed.

The reporters most vulnerable to life-threatening harm are either low-profile or based in provinces – especially both.

Whether in relations with the United States or China, the Philippines remains a plaything in power politics.