In a rare visit to Asia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila to rally support for a global peace summit on the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who had just spoken at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore, made an unexpected appearance in Manila under tight security. He was greeted…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. In today’s episode, we’re sailing into the heart of the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and rife with geopolitical tensions. As the renowned China military expert Oriana Skylar Mastro insightfully put it, ‘Even against this backdrop, China’s official position is that it remains committed to a peaceful…
In the grand chessboard of international politics, nations often find themselves as mere pieces, maneuvered by the strategic plays of global powerhouses. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a result of Russia’s assertive stance, serves as a chilling testament to the catastrophic fallout when superpowers draw and enforce their boundaries. Now, a parallel narrative is being…
The Philippines occupies a pivotal role as the Achilles’ heel in China’s strategic ambitions regarding Taiwan due to its strategic location and defense cooperation with the United States. Situated in close proximity to both Taiwan and the South China Sea, the Philippines serves as a critical barrier to China’s plans for any potential military action…
In a world where security threats are constantly evolving and geopolitical landscapes are shifting, the importance of strategic alliances cannot be overstated. One such alliance that stands out is the enduring partnership between Israel and the Philippines. This alliance, which has its roots dating back to 1957, has grown into a robust collaboration that is…
The Straits of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz, despite their troubled waters, stand as vital maritime corridors linking the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. These strategic routes are essential for global energy markets, facilitating the transport of oil and…
The solidarity displayed by China, Russia, and North Korea in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses significant risks to the strategic interests of the United States and its allies. China and North Korea supported Russia’s actions by providing crucial economic and military assistance, with Beijing increasing bilateral trade to offset international sanctions against Russia…
On April 11, 2024, the United States made a calculated move that likely unsettled Beijing. The US deployed a potent land-attack missile system, the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) launcher, to the Philippines. This is the first potential deployment of missiles with such a range since the expiration of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. While…
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…
Introduction Imagine the South China Sea as a modern-day amphitheater where the dramas of history, power, and diplomacy unfold on a global stage. This vast maritime expanse, steeped in centuries of territorial disputes and navigational heritage, has become a focal point of contemporary geopolitical debates. From ancient maritime trade routes that connected empires to present-day…
