Asia Unscripted
The US-Asia Institute podcast series Asia Unscripted features diverse experts with firsthand knowledge of Asia, who introduce key stories of the day in 20-30 minutes. The series covers issues in East Asia and the Asia Pacific, with episodes on China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and the 10 countries of ASEAN. Please be reminded that the US-Asia Institute is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization with no policy agenda. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the US-Asia Institute.
Asia Unscripted
Harvesting the Waves: Environmental Peacebuilding in the South China Sea
This episode features Mr. James Borton, who is a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He has spent more than 30 years reporting from Southeast Asia, establishing himself as a leading voice on environmental policy in the South China Sea. Mr. Borton is a seasoned editor and commentator, frequently contributing op-eds and analysis to major publications including The Washington Times, South China Morning Post, and more. His editorial credits include Venture Japan, The South China Sea: Challenges and Promises (2015) and Islands and Rocks in the South China Sea: Post Hague Ruling (2017). His most recent book, Harvesting the Waves: How Blue Parks Shape Policy, Politics, and Peacebuilding in the South China Sea, released in May 2025. The book delves into the emerging role of marine protected areas — so-called "Blue Parks" — in regional diplomacy, environmental stewardship and conflict resolution.
Mr. Borton speaks to Saniya about the growing importance of ecological diplomacy as well as the risks and rewards associated with its application to the South China Sea region.