As the Philippines looks for allies outside Asean to support its South China stance against Beijing, Southeast Asia risks becoming a theatre of war. Asean must act to to de-escalate tensions and ensure regional peace and prosperity.
Prioritising ‘strategic autonomy’ will let Europe engage with China on its own terms and avoid being held hostage to fluctuations in American leadership. Internal divisions within Europe, budget constraints and geopolitical challenges must be overcome to realise a new path forward.