Introduction If Vietnam were to allow US bases on its soil, it would represent a significant deepening of the security relationship between the two countries, in times of heightened tensions with China over maritime disputes. The prospect of US military presence in Vietnam would signal a strategic shift, reflecting both parties’ desire to enhance cooperation…
The Philippines and the United States are gearing up for their most ambitious joint military exercise to date due to escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea. This year’s Balikatan drills, set to commence from April 22 to May 10, will see more than 16,000 soldiers conducting joint naval exercises beyond the Philippines’…
Great powers—whether ancient empires, colonial juggernauts, or modern nation-states—have long recognized the strategic value of military outposts. These bastions serve multiple purposes: projecting force, safeguarding trade routes, asserting dominance, and maintaining a watchful eye on rivals. From the Roman legions stationed along Hadrian’s Wall to the British naval bases dotting the Indian Ocean, history is…
Introduction In recent global events, there’s been a significant message about strategic commitments and international relationships. The Middle East tensions highlighted that ‘Iron clad’ commitments and alliances like the one between the United States and its partners don’t guarantee complete safety from threats. Now, attention has shifted to the South China Sea, where the Philippines…
In a bold and unprecedented move, Iran has unleashed a massive barrage of over 200 drones and missiles targeting Israel, pushing regional tensions to perilous heights. This retaliatory strike, dubbed “Operation True Promise” by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), is in direct response to a deadly airstrike on its Damascus consular annexe earlier this…
Background This pledge was made during the first joint summit hosted by Biden with Manila and Tokyo, amid escalating tensions with Beijing. The US President described the defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines as ‘ironclad’. This summit follows a series of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed waterway, raising fears of…
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…
