In strengthening economic ties with China and expanding defence ties with the US while maintaining South China Sea claims, Manila shows the region how to actively balance, not passively hedge, relations with the great powers.

As Myanmar’s junta government is squeezed by internal opposition and external isolation, the fear is that it will take yet more drastic measures to stay in power. To avoid a deepening of the crisis, the junta must show a willingness to end all violence and cooperate with other regional leaders.

Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area’s most important economies, both face serious water issues, which could impact business and daily life. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data could provide solutions to the area’s water supply management problems.

Increasing water scarcity across Asia will exacerbate geopolitical competition and conflicts over resources while creating impediments to growth. Excessive groundwater extraction is the top threat to sustainability, with China and India the biggest culprits.

Japan has made great strides in becoming one of the most favoured countries by Southeast Asian nations, thanks to its financial assistance and investment. Nations in the region trying to balance between China and the US might do well to consider diversifying towards Japan.