Washington is concerned about India’s ‘slide into illiberalism’, but it ‘doesn’t weaken [US-India ties], much less impact its future trajectory’, analysts say.

Only 14.2 per cent of respondents were confident India would ‘do the right thing’ and contribute to global stability, while 30.5 per cent had ‘little confidence’.

China has pledged to develop the Colombo International Airport and Hambantota port, and play a ‘positive role’ in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.

India’s foreign minister said New Delhi agrees with the Philippines ‘upholding its national sovereignty’ in the waterway, prompting China to call for ‘third countries’ not to ‘interfere’.

A new survey shows rising regional acceptance of the US-Japan-Australia-India grouping that’s been derided by Beijing as an anti-China ‘tool’. More tangible, visible projects will be needed to strengthen ties with Asean, however.

The US Navy has an edge over its Chinese counterparts in terms of firepower and access to its supply bases in the region, analysts say.

China and Russia were not invited to the summit, which was called a ‘clown show’ by a Chinese state-run newspaper.

South Korea is one option, observers say. But the Vietnamese military is stuck in its ways, which may make continued covert purchases from Russia more attractive – despite the risks.

Among the options are the co-production of submarines in Australia and the life extension of its Collins-class submarines, analysts say.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit comes amid a tilt by New Zealand towards US and Australian defence policy, and concerns that Wellington could join Aukus.

The port in Batanes could facilitate rapid troop deployment and serve as a transit point for supplies and evacuated Filipinos in the event of a conflict.

The demarcation could also be an “inevitable step” towards the disputed Spratly Islands being the next area where Beijing wants to set its lines.

Despite the Quad members’ different positions on some issues, the bloc is committed to boosting regional security to counter China’s influence.

Manila and Canberra’s interests are ‘intertwined’, President Marcos Jnr said in remarks seen as a subtle message to China it has the West’s security support if needed.

Chinese social media is rife with claims that visitors to Singapore could face penalties for singing in public, not flushing the toilet or feeding pigeons.

Strained bilateral ties and attempts to exclude Beijing from discussions could further complicate efforts to conclude a regional code of conduct, analysts say.

Analysts expect Canberra’s growing security and defence ties with neighbouring nations to be the focus of the summit with Southeast Asian leaders.

A ‘noisier’ approach could hurt its trade and economic interests, and cause ‘unbridled escalation’ in the disputed sea, analysts say.

Japan’s renewed focus on Pacific nations comes amid regional concern about Fukushima waste water discharge and as Chinese influence grows.

‘Tangible’ takeaways from a potential Japan-North Korea summit, especially on the abduction issue, are required if Kishida hopes to use foreign relation wins to boost his domestic approval, analysts say.

Despite their cost, experts say even a few submarines will have an ‘outsized effect’ on the battlefield – with three being the ‘magic number’.

While human rights mattered in both cases, they played second fiddle to strategic interests and ‘pragmatic diplomacy’ of each nation.

There is much attention on the changing “dynamics” in India-Maldives ties, but Maldivian leader Mohamed Muizzu has said the island nation still needs Delhi’s partnership.

New Zealand is sending a small defence team to the Middle East to join an international alliance against Houthi militants targeting civilian ships in the Red Sea.

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we attempt to keep up with the ever-evolving tensions in the South China Sea following a busy time in the disputed waterway.

Vietnam also has the ability to isolate maritime issues from bilateral ones, analysts say, ensuring fewer confrontations with China compared to the Philippines.

China recently accused Vietnam and the Philippines of forming a ‘clique’ over their South China Sea cooperation deal. It’s a term used by Beijing to accuse actors of harming its interests whenever it is called out for its behaviour.

A top Japanese business delegation has failed to get Beijing to address Tokyo’s concerns such as China’s anti-espionage law and seafood ban.

The mooted visit to the North Korean capital would be the Russian leader’s first in over two decades. Analysts said the trip would help Kim Jong-un signal to China that he ‘still has partners’.

The countries’ opposing ideologies amid clashing sovereignty claims could lead to years of militarisation and confrontation in the region if not contained, analysts warn.