On June 9, 2024, the 50-year-old petrodollar agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States quietly expired. For half a century, this pact had ensured that oil sales were conducted exclusively in US dollars, bolstering the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency and cementing its dominance in global trade. The potential end of this…
The South China Sea, a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, has long been a hotbed of geopolitical tension. It is surrounded by several nations, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, each with varying claims over its resources. The recent introduction of new coastguard rules by China has escalated these tensions,…
The Spratly Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea, stretch off the coasts of Malaysia, southern Vietnam, and the Philippines. This archipelago comprises of islands, islets, cays, and over 100 reefs, sometimes forming sunken ancient atolls. Despite covering an area of over 425,000 square kilo meters, the islands have less than 2 square…
Introduction The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member states: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. As of 2024, six ASEAN economies Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia rank among the world’s 50 largest economies. This analysis will delve into…
In a story emblematic of China’s strategy for territorial expansion, a frog placed in lukewarm water remains unaware as the water is slowly heated until it is boiled alive. This “boiling frog strategy” illustrates a cautious and incremental approach to extending influence and power, one that avoids significant backlash from the international community. Admiral John…
In a rare visit to Asia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila to rally support for a global peace summit on the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who had just spoken at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore, made an unexpected appearance in Manila under tight security. He was greeted…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. In today’s episode, we’re sailing into the heart of the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and rife with geopolitical tensions. As the renowned China military expert Oriana Skylar Mastro insightfully put it, ‘Even against this backdrop, China’s official position is that it remains committed to a peaceful…
In the grand chessboard of international politics, nations often find themselves as mere pieces, maneuvered by the strategic plays of global powerhouses. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a result of Russia’s assertive stance, serves as a chilling testament to the catastrophic fallout when superpowers draw and enforce their boundaries. Now, a parallel narrative is being…
Let us explore the Current State of Digital Competitiveness in the Philippines, Economic Potential of Digital Transformation, Government Initiatives and Funding and the challenges faced by the Philippines in digital transformation. We will delve into the urgency for the Philippines to fully embrace digitalization across government processes, businesses, and education systems and will highlight the…
In his second State of the Nation address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr heralded the arrival of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), echoing his father’s vision of societal transformation. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is a prominent Filipino politician who has followed in the footsteps of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos. Born on September 13, 1957,…
