Ray Powell

Ray Powell, Director of the Sea Light Initiative at Stanford, and Edwin Shri Bimo, CGSP's Southeast Asia Editor, unpack the complexities of the South China Sea tensions. They discuss the recent near-collision incidents between the Philippines and China and how this strains regional dynamics. The conversation highlights the Philippines' military upgrades and U.S. commitment to its defense, contrasting with America’s stance on other allies. They also examine Indonesia's role in the territorial disputes and the historical context shaping these geopolitical anxieties.

Ray Powell, Director of the Sea Light Initiative at Stanford University, dives deep into the South China Sea's complexities, unpacking China's maritime gray-zone activities. He highlights the increasing tensions between China and the Philippines following near-collisions and discusses the implications of the Philippines' military modernization. Powell also examines the shifting dynamics of U.S. commitments in the region, exploring why the Philippines is treated differently compared to other allies. The conversation sheds light on the broader geopolitical landscape and challenges in the Indo-Pacific.