Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands, holds a strategic position at the intersection of some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. However, despite its vast maritime domain and status as Southeast Asia’s largest country, It remains significantly under-resourced in naval defense. This leaves its economic and security interests exposed, especially in…
Who Own Pedra Branca? Territorial disputes, often driven by historical claims, strategic importance, and natural resources, are a global issue, as demonstrated by conflicts like the Senkaku-Diaoyu Islands dispute involving China, Japan, and Taiwan, and the Kuril Islands dispute between Japan and Russia. These islands, rich in resources and strategically located, are contested for both…
Territorial disputes can ignite tensions and reshape geopolitical landscapes, as seen in various high-stakes conflicts worldwide. For instance, the Pedra Branca case between Singapore and Malaysia concluded in an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that awarded the island to Singapore, while nearby Middle Rocks were granted to Malaysia. Similarly, the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands remain a…
In recent years, tensions in the South China Sea have continued to escalate, particularly as China becomes more assertive in its territorial claims. The Philippines, a key player in this geopolitical flashpoint, has repeatedly clashed with China over contested waters. This situation raises an important question: in the event of a serious confrontation between the…
Religious sites around the world have often found themselves at the heart of some of history’s most intense conflicts, where the convergence of faith, culture, history, and national identity fuels long-standing tensions. These sacred spaces, revered by various communities for their profound spiritual importance, frequently become contested symbols of heritage and power. The disputes surrounding…
The Cambodia-Vietnam maritime boundary dispute mirrors a global pattern of nations vying for control of strategic waters, echoing historical conflicts like the centuries-long disputes over the North Sea between Britain and Norway, or the centuries-long rivalry between Spain and Portugal over control of the Atlantic. These aren’t just lines on a map, but battles for…
Recently, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an internal probe following the leak of a classified diplomatic note sent by China, urging Malaysia to halt oil exploration activities in the South China Sea. The note, leaked by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, revealed China’s concerns over Malaysia’s drilling near the Luconia Shoals, an area claimed by…
The U.S.-Philippines relationship, spanning over a century, remains a cornerstone of both countries’ strategic and economic interests in Southeast Asia. The alliance, rooted in historical ties dating back to the American colonization of the Philippines in 1898, has evolved through different geopolitical eras, from the Cold War to the rise of China. Under former President…
The South China Sea (SCS) has long been a focal point of international geopolitical tension. A region that holds vast economic and strategic importance, it has seen competing claims from various nations. At the heart of this dispute lies China’s expansive territorial claims, which have been a source of friction with its neighbors, including Vietnam…
In the heart of Northern Mindanao, where strategic interests and regional security converge, lies a key installation often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts—Lumbia Air Base. This seemingly unremarkable airstrip has quietly evolved from its modest beginnings into a crucial hub for military operations in Mindanao. As tensions and conflicts shape the landscape of the…
