Monica Michiko Sato

Nice, timely analysis here from @_mmsato. 2026 will be a key year for the Philippines diplomacy, in ASEAN, and with external partners. Australia is inexplicably missing, though, which adds to my sense that there needs to be more public messaging from Canberra & Manila.

In her latest commentary, @_mmsato examines how Manila’s expanding defense partnerships reveal a pragmatic strategy that goes beyond ASEAN’s consensus-based diplomacy in the South China Sea. cs.is/4qLphyq

The International Criminal Court formally charges ex-PH pres Rodrigo Duterte with 3 counts of crimes vs humanity over 78 killings during the bloody drug war he waged from when he was Davao City mayor up to his presidency. Thousands died in Duterte’s drug war. @straits_times

China declares a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal—on an area of reef already devastated by Chinese clam harvesting. cs.is/3Vo4lPH

Washington is taking steps toward seabed mining in the Pacific. But, if it’s not careful, its efforts could lead to a more dangerous Indo-Pacific, argue AMTI’s Harrison Prétat and @_mmsato: cs.is/4lEIMF7

With the race for critical minerals accelerating, Washington is eyeing several paths toward deep sea mining—but each comes with normative and environmental risks. AMTI explores the state of seabed mining in the Pacific: cs.is/3Z9mNxL

AMTI’s @GregPoling and @_mmsato argue that, despite increasing tensions in the South China Sea last year, China has failed to deter other claimant states from improving their positions. See their latest commentary for @east_asia_forum: eastasiaforum.org/2025/03/12/bei…

Despite the China Coast Guard being as active as ever in the South China Sea in 2024, Beijing’s patrols have been largely unsuccessful in changing the behavior of other claimants. Read more in AMTI’s latest feature: cs.is/4jPzaYs

AMTI and @SoutheastAsiaDC Director @GregPoling argues that utilizing a UN General Assembly vote would expand the Philippines' options for arbitration on the South China Sea: cs.is/3PxpBjc

Awareness of China’s maritime militia and their confrontations with the Philippines has grown. Though their presence is known, details about their size and composition remain unclear. More from @AsiaMTI on militia activities in the South China Sea: amti.csis.org/behind-the-cur…

AMTI has expanded its list of known and suspected Hainan-based maritime militia from 69 to 152. Read more about our latest feature: cs.is/4gqZBBX

After three months of research, I'm happy to share that AMTI's new feature is finally out!

Another update from our team on Vietnam's island building activities in the Spratly Islands:

Satellite imagery and AIS data show that the China Coast Guard has been shadowing an Indonesian gas survey in the South China Sea since October 16 and remains on site, despite the efforts of Indonesian navy and law enforcement: cs.is/4hr0xHo

The Philippines’ fragile energy outlook threatens to undermine its strategic autonomy, but Washington has options to turn this vulnerability into a source of allied strength. Read the full report on energy security and the U.S.-Philippine alliance: cs.is/4f8Sxsm

Shifts in tactics by Chinese coast guard and militia in 2024 have led to more damage being sustained by Philippine vessels, more injuries to Philippine personnel, and a higher risk of escalation at Second Thomas Shoal: cs.is/4fOOa77

If you're interested in maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific, my team is hiring a full-time intern for the coming fall! Apply here: careers.csis.org/opportunities/…

New #PacificAirwaves episode! Join AMTI's @_mmsato and @SoutheastAsiaDC's @a_natalegawa as they discuss the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting, sovereign risks in the Pacific, U.S., Chinese, and NZ engagements in the region, and more: cs.is/3yx0esC

Opportunity alert! AMTI is looking for a full-time intern for Fall 2024. If you are passionate about maritime security issues in the Asia Pacific, motivated, and have strong research and writing skills, this is your chance. Apply now: careers.csis.org/opportunities/…

Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.