Ray Powell and Jim Carouso discuss the recent tense and sometimes violent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines with Southeast Asia expert Greg Poling, author of "On Dangerous Ground: America's Century in the South China Sea". They consider what these developments mean for America's long-standing alliance commitment to the Philippines, which Greg asserts is finally being treated like a "real ally" on equivalent footing with more developed countries like Japan.

The U.S. could be drawn into a conflict between China and the Philippines that's been roiling the South China Sea.

In the South China Sea, the Chinese leadership is intent on controlling all the rocks, reefs, and resources in the waters encompassed by what has become known as the ‘nine-dash’ or ‘U-shaped’ line. This line, which first appeared on an official map published by the Republic of China (ROC) in 1948, has no legal or historical basis. It is the product of misunderstandings and mistranslations by officials and private individuals in China during the 1930s. Unfortunately, this line is the basis for ongoing confrontations and escalating geopolitical tension between the People’s Republic of China (PRC), its Southeast Asian neighbours and other countries.

Filipino fishermen from Zambales speak out and tell us their experiences with the China Coast Guard and maritime militia, which continue to encroach on the West Philippine Sea.

Jim Carouso and Ray Powell interview the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, about China's continuing harassment of Philippine ships at a time when the mist of the previous day's water-cannoning near Scarborough Shoal was still dissipating. They discuss the importance of countering Chinese aggression and protecting the international rules-based order. They ask Jay to weigh the benefits of the Philippines' transparency campaign against its risks, and to comment on ASEAN's reluctance to publicly back Manila in its maritime struggles and its inability to produce a South China Sea Code of Conduct.

Well-produced Wendover Productions overview of the South China Sea dispute.

Infographic of China's artificial islands in the South China Sea overlaid with the Philippines' rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Join hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into the crucial issues defining the 21st century's pivotal region--one that spans from Hollywood to Bollywood. Learn to navigate its most important geopolitical, economic, military, environmental and cultural challenges, with a practical emphasis on why it matters. Hosted by seasoned diplomatic and national security practitioners, each episode offers insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions. From bustling cities like Beijing, Mumbai and Tokyo, through the diverse countries of Southeast Asia, down to the Australian Outback and the pristine islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help Jim and Ray explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories. Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China strategic competition against the interests of rapidly emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of regional alliances old and new like ASEAN, AUKUS and "the Quad". Understand the forces driving hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the China-India border ... and most importantly, why we should care.

Philippine vlogger and journalist Richard Heydarian talks to SeaLight Director Ray Powell about ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Managing Chinese Gray Zone Activity in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region

The United States’ defense chief may have revealed the existence of a “US Task Force Ayungin” in a social media post, following his visit to the Western Command headquarters in Palawan province on Tuesday.

The presence of a Chinese cable-laying ship near the Subic Bay Naval Base in Zambales has raised concerns among security experts and United States officials.

Philippine leaders say they can turn their attention to the South China Sea because they’ve secured peace with separatist rebels. But the situation is precarious.

Two 541-foot vessels expand branch’s role as enforcer of Beijing’s claims from South China Sea to Taiwan

Philippine President Marcos passed two maritime laws last week in a move that Manila says will strengthen its sovereignty over waters within the country’s archipelago and the South China Sea.

Over the weekend, the two nations signed a joint development agreement that refers to “overlapping claims” in the disputed waterway.

China has published baselines for a contested shoal in the South China Sea it had seized from the Philippines, a move that’s likely to increase tensions over overlapping territorial claims.

France is set to provide 40 patrol vessels and logistical support to the Philippine Coast Guard following the approval of a $438 million aid project to enhance Manila’s maritime security capabilities across the country’s waters.

The Philippine military opened two weeks of combat drills Monday that would include seizing an island in the disputed South China Sea and likely be frowned upon by China.

The Philippines has tried a new tactic of preventive deployment at Sabina Shoal but more must be done.