Minilateralism on the South China Sea Dispute: The ASEAN Minus “X” Plus 1 Equation

This policy paper discusses the growing tensions in the SCS, juxtaposed against the strategic competition between the United States and China. Secondly, it outlines three possible configurations for minilateral arrangements, considering their merits for, and impediments against, effective cooperation. The emphasis is placed on the potential role that the Philippines could play in advocating such an initiative.

The UP CIDS Policy Brief Series features short reports, analyses, and commentaries on issues of national significance and aims to provide research-based inputs for public policy. The views and opinions expressed in this policy brief are those of the author/s and neither reflect nor represent those of the University of the Philippines or the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies. UP CIDS policy briefs are not for quotation or reprinting without permission from the author/s and the Center.

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