Background The visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Indonesia marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. Amidst the backdrop of global economic shifts and regional security concerns, this meeting was poised to shape the future of Sino-Indonesian cooperation. Over the years, Indonesia and China have shared a complex…
Background History Situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines finds itself at the heart of geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the South China Sea. The region’s overlapping territorial claims, especially with China, have prompted Manila to forge alliances to strengthen its defense capabilities and assert its sovereignty. Over the years, the Philippines has cultivated partnerships with key…
Background The BrahMos missile system, a collaborative endeavor between India and Russia, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and strategic foresight of both nations. Conceived in the late 1990s, the project aimed to develop a supersonic cruise missile capable of delivering precision strikes at incredible speeds. Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, it…
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…
Introduction The Iranian attack on Israel on April 1, 2024, involving direct drone and missile strikes, has ignited discussions about its broader implications for regional security and Israel’s diplomatic posture. This article delves into the implications of the attack and examines what Israel gained from this significant escalation in tensions. End of Isolation The attack…
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 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…
