In a significant move aimed at addressing China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea, the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines have announced plans to conduct joint naval and air drills on April 7, 2024. This coordinated effort, named the “Maritime Cooperative Activity,” will be held within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone…
Introduction Vietnam, with its storied history and diverse geography, has long been shaped by its struggle for independence and subsequent divisions following the First Indochina War in 1954. The Geneva Accords delineated the country along the 17th parallel, birthing North Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh’s communist regime and South Vietnam, supported by the United States….
Introduction In the pages of history, Masada stands as a fortress of bravery, much like the Sierra Madre in the South China Sea—a symbol of resilience. Built by King Herod the Great around 30 BCE in the Judean Desert, Masada became a refuge for Jewish rebels during the First Jewish-Roman War. Against overwhelming Roman forces,…
Introduction The Falklands Islands Conflict in 1982 saw Argentina and the United Kingdom fighting over ownership of the islands, known as the “Malvinas” to Argentina. After Argentina invaded, the UK sent ships to reclaim them, leading to a war with casualties and strained relations. Similarly, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to resist China’s…
Throughout history, the rise and fall of empires have shaped the course of international relations, leaving indelible marks on the global landscape. From the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the mighty Roman and Mongol empires, the quest for power, territory, and resources has been a driving force behind geopolitical maneuvering. These historical examples…
Let’s spill the beans on why the Philippines is the hottest ticket in Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asian nation is attempting to negotiate a SOVFA-style agreement with Japan under Marcos Jr. and a trilateral Japan-Philippines-US security relationship, particularly given mounting fears about a possible Chinese invasion of nearby Taiwan. The Philippines, the only Southeast Asian…
In a resolute move against perceived aggression, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to confront what he deems as “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard in the tumultuous waters of the South China Sea. This bold assertion of Philippine sovereignty highlights a firm commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity and asserting…
Have you ever pondered why the Philippines stands out more in contrast to its neighbouring nations? The Filipino are globally recognized for their warm and hospitable demeanour. They embody hospitality to the fullest extent. Their smiles shine as brightly as their tropical sun, and their hearts are as vast as their archipelago. Within their communities,…
This year, over 80 countries, including some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful nations and the most populous, autocratic, and unstable ones, will be allowed to vote. It appears that this year will put even the most resilient democracies to the test and give those in positions of authority more power. How the presidential…
So, here’s the scoop: the Philippines’ Fisheries Bureau is pointing fingers at Chinese fishing boats, accusing them of using cyanide to mess with Scarborough Shoal, a hotspot of fish in the South China Sea that both Manila and Beijing claim. According to Nazario Briguera, a spokesperson for the Bureau, “Yes, those Chinese fishermen are using…
