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-(The Heritage Foundation) Empowering a New Era in the United States–Philippines Security Alliance, by Renato De Castro, Walter Lohman

Abstract: The Philippines occupies a strategic location on the edge of China’s “first island chain of defense” and has been subjected to persistent and assertive Chinese claims to disputed territory in the South China Sea. These Chinese claims threaten not only the Philippines and the other claimants to the territory, but also the ability of the U.S. to conduct naval operations in open seas and, ultimately, the security of the sea-lanes through which much of the world’s trade passes. To manage growing Chinese power, the U.S. needs a reliable, adequately equipped, like-minded partner on the South China Sea. The Philippines needs American leadership and assistance to fully develop its capacity for territorial defense. To protect both U.S. and Philippine interests in the region, the U.S. should assist the Philippines in building a credible ability to support its sovereign claims.

- (YaleGlobal , 29 June 2010) Beijing: A Global Leader With 'China First' Policy by David Shambaugh

Observers have long hoped for new openness and cooperation from a confident China. They scan every international event, from the majestic Beijing Olympics of summer 2008 to the recent G-20 summit in Toronto, for indications of China’s policy direction. If any clear trend is visible, it is that the world’s second largest economy largely continues with a narrow, fluctuating foreign-policy approach. “On global issues, Beijing appears to act with an odd combination of hesitancy and truculence,” explains David Shambaugh, director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University. To be fair, China steps into many global systems that were not of its design, with operating values that don’t always mesh with its own political system. Shambaugh anticipates that China will continue with its cautious ways in the global arena, emphasizing domestic and regional priorities, selecting partnerships on a case-by-case basis while being wary of too many global obligations or entanglements. – YaleGlobal