Harvesting the Waves: Environmental Peacebuilding in the South China Sea

Dive into a conversation with Mr. James Borton, a seasoned journalist and non-resident senior fellow at Johns Hopkins SAIS, who has spent over 30 years reporting from Southeast Asia. In this episode, he shares insights from his decades of experience covering the South China Sea, where environmental policy, geopolitics, and diplomacy collide.

Join host Saniya as she delves into the promise and pitfalls of ecological diplomacy with Borton. From the potential of Blue Parks to foster cooperation, to the risks of leveraging environmental policy in such a contested region, this episode unpacks how environmental stewardship is emerging as a critical tool in the South China Sea’s future. Whether you follow regional affairs, environmental diplomacy, or the evolving role of Southeast Asia in global politics, this conversation offers a compelling listen.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

James Borton, Senior Fellow at FPI, joined the Asia Unscripted podcast on July 30, 2025, to discuss environmental peacebuilding in the South China Sea. He highlights how cooperation over shared marine resources can foster stability in the region.