In a marked escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines has sharply rebuked China for what it terms “dangerous and provocative” actions by the Chinese air force. This latest incident involves an encounter between aircraft from both nations over the contested Scarborough Shoal, a site that has become emblematic of the deepening…
The Philippines has commenced the construction of an airport on Pag-asa Island, a strategic development aimed at reinforcing its territorial claims in the highly contested South China Sea. This move comes amidst escalating tensions with Beijing, as Manila seeks to solidify its presence and assert sovereignty over the disputed waters. Historical Context and Current Disputes…
In the wake of transformative historical events, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence and Japan’s post-World War II reconstruction, both nations have carved unique paths to economic prosperity. Vietnam’s journey from the Đổi Mới reforms of the late 1980s to its current status as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world showcases its dynamic shift…
In a significant display of military unity, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines conducted joint air and naval drills on Wednesday in the contested waters of the South China Sea. This move, aimed at promoting adherence to international law, comes as China continues to assert its expansive territorial claims in the region. Reacting…
In the decades since its establishment on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok by the original five member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—ASEAN has seen significant advancements in military modernization across its member states. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. After…
The Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands in Chinese and the Hoàng Sa Archipelago in Vietnamese, are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. This group of around 130 tiny coral islands and reefs, categorized into the Crescent Group and the Amphitrite Group, covers a land area of approximately 7.75 square kilometers…
The post-World War II international order is unraveling as conflicts emerge across the globe. We are witnessing the rapid formation of a multipolar world, characterized by power struggles and geopolitical realignments. One of the most volatile flashpoints in this new global landscape is the South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor fraught with escalating tensions…
The Philippines and Germany have committed to finalize a defense cooperation agreement this year, reinforcing their dedication to uphold the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, made this commitment during Pistorius’s visit to Manila, the first by a German defense minister, marking the…
In Southeast Asia, the skies tell a story of power and precision. Imagine Indonesia’s Sukhoi jets roaring through the blue skies, embodying the nation’s formidable aerial might. In Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Air Force showcases sleek F-15s and F-16s, their advanced maneuvers reflecting strategic foresight and technological sophistication. Thailand’s skies are alive with F-16…
The navies of the Philippines and the United States conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Philippine armed forces. This exercise, held within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the interoperability and operational coordination between the two…
