Before ASEAN’s formation, Southeast Asia saw the establishment of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954, a Western initiative aimed at containing communism that included the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and regional members like Thailand and the Philippines. However, SEATO’s internal divisions led to its dissolution in 1977. The earlier Malayan Emergency…
“The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war…
The South China Sea has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension, with its strategic significance and rich natural resources attracting competing claims. Historically, the South China Sea has been a vital maritime route, crucial for trade and communication among various civilizations. During the 15th century, the Ming Dynasty of China conducted naval expeditions…
The South China Sea, a crucial maritime region, is once again at the center of international attention as tensions between the Philippines and China escalate. On August 22, 2024, the Philippines accused China of deploying flares from Subi Reef, a China-occupied feature, while a Manila aircraft was conducting routine patrols. This incident, coupled with the…
The South China Sea, a critical maritime region, has long been a nexus of geopolitical tension. Among the various contested territories within this region, Sabina Shoal stands out as a flashpoint in the enduring conflict between China and the Philippines. This seemingly inconspicuous atoll has garnered significant strategic importance, making it a focal point of…
The British have long established a reputation as experts in discretion in a world where information flows more quickly than ever before and privacy appears to be more elusive than ever. Imagine the scene of a traditional British tea party: a setting where civil discourse is interspersed with hushed tones and discreet glances, and where…
Narendra Modi is a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his charismatic leadership and ambitious vision for the nation. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from…
Introduction In 1898, the aftermath of the Spanish-American War saw the Philippines ceded to the United States, sparking a complex relationship that began with colonial rule and evolved into a strategic partnership. This historical backdrop sets the stage for understanding the multifaceted ties between the two nations, which have been shaped by geopolitical, economic, and…
By selecting four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations in the Philippines, the United States has made a bold and controversial move that has ignited debate about its broader geopolitical objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Beneath layers of diplomatic maneuvers and strategic secrecy, this decision has raised significant questions regarding the true motivations behind…
Japan’s recent strategic maneuvering in Southeast Asia, particularly its deepening defense ties with Vietnam and the Philippines, has stirred notable unease in Beijing. These developments represent a significant shift in the regional security landscape, raising questions about the implications for China’s regional ambitions, especially in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The strengthening…
