To understand, why the Pacific Ocean is centre of geopolitical gravity in the 21st century, we’ll have to take a holistic look at how things evolved in the past and how they impacted the seas, the oceans and broader littoral geographies. Let us delve into the detail of it. The invention of the wheel around…
Philippine President Enacts New Laws to Strengthen National Protection Imagine a bustling market in Manila, where merchants bargain over the price of fresh fish and exotic fruits. Amid the gossip and color, a news broadcast blares from a nearby stall. The headline? China has just formalized maritime baselines around Scarborough Shoal, a move that sends…
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…
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…
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…
From the Soviet Union’s vast geography repelling German forces during World War II to Israel’s control of the Golan Heights providing a defensive advantage, nations have relied on strategic depth to protect their territories throughout history. In the Philippines, Benito Ebuen Air Base on Mactan Island serves a similar purpose, offering the nation a crucial…
As the Philippines confronts an increasingly uncertain world, its armed forces are undergoing a transformative overhaul to meet evolving security challenges. With breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, the nation is strategically positioned in Southeast Asia, making its military upgrades crucial. Significant modernization and training efforts are in progress across all branches: the Army…
“The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war…
During the Cold War, the United States and its NATO allies significantly upgraded air bases in West Germany, such as Ramstein Air Base, to counter the Soviet Union’s military presence in Eastern Europe. These bases were modernized with enhanced runways, expanded facilities, and increased capacity to host various aircraft, enabling rapid deployment and sustained military…
By selecting four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations in the Philippines, the United States has made a bold and controversial move that has ignited debate about its broader geopolitical objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Beneath layers of diplomatic maneuvers and strategic secrecy, this decision has raised significant questions regarding the true motivations behind…
