Chinese Carrier Passes Near Philippines Amid Rising Tensions in South China Sea

Chinese Carrier Passes Near Philippines Amid Rising Tensions in South China Sea

Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong passed close to the northern Philippines en route to military drills in the Pacific, Taiwan’s defense minister reported on Wednesday. The maneuver came as tensions between Beijing and Manila over territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to escalate. Taiwan, vigilant about Chinese movements due to frequent military activities around…

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Whose Navy is strongest in ASEAN?

Whose Navy is strongest in ASEAN?

Throughout history, naval dominance has played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape, with the British Royal Navy’s supremacy during the 19th century serving as a prime example. By controlling key sea routes and ensuring maritime security, the British Empire expanded its influence, protected its trade interests, and maintained global stability. In Southeast Asia,…

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Naval Strategy of Alfred Thayer Mahan in the South China Sea Dispute

Naval Strategy of Alfred Thayer Mahan in the South China Sea Dispute

“The Study of History lies at the foundation of all sound Military Conclusion & practice” (Alfred Thayer Mahan)  Alfred Thayer Mahan, a U.S. naval officer and historian, was hailed by John Keegan as “the most important American strategist of the nineteenth century.” His seminal work, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, garnered immediate…

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Why Is Japan is Building Island shelters near Taiwan?

Why Japan is Building Island shelters near Taiwan?

Japan is engaging in a significant strategic endeavor: constructing artificial islands. This island nation, long shaped by the tectonic forces at the convergent plate boundary, is now using human ingenuity to enhance its geopolitical and economic standing. The move is not just about expanding territory but also about fortifying its position in a region rife…

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RIMPAC 2024 Highlights International Naval Collaboration to Counter China Threat

RIMPAC 2024 Highlights International Naval Collaboration to Counter China Threat

The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, are currently underway in Hawaii. With over 25,000 personnel from 29 countries, RIMPAC aims to bolster multilateral relations and enhance military preparedness, promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” This year’s iteration, which began on June 27 and will continue until August, highlights…

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Can the Philippines Rely on the US with Mutual Defense Treaty?

Can the Philippines Rely on the US with Mutual Defense Treaty?

The Philippines’ complex and often turbulent relationship with the United States, particularly regarding the South China Sea dispute, has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The recent incidents, including a clash with Chinese maritime forces that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers, have once again brought the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between…

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The South China Sea Dispute A Deep Dive into the New Coastguard Rules

The South China Sea Dispute: A Deep Dive into the New Coastguard Rules

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,…

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The Boiling Frog Strategy: China's Methodical Expansion in the South China Sea

The Boiling Frog Strategy: China’s Methodical Expansion in the South China Sea

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…

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