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…
The Philippines and the United States are gearing up for their most ambitious joint military exercise to date due to escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea. This year’s Balikatan drills, set to commence from April 22 to May 10, will see more than 16,000 soldiers conducting joint naval exercises beyond the Philippines’…
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…
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 Vietnam, with its storied history and diverse geography, has long been shaped by its struggle for independence and subsequent divisions following the First Indochina War in 1954. The Geneva Accords delineated the country along the 17th parallel, birthing North Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh’s communist regime and South Vietnam, supported by the United States….
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,…
Let’s spill the beans on why the Philippines is the hottest ticket in Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asian nation is attempting to negotiate a SOVFA-style agreement with Japan under Marcos Jr. and a trilateral Japan-Philippines-US security relationship, particularly given mounting fears about a possible Chinese invasion of nearby Taiwan. The Philippines, the only Southeast Asian…
Have you ever pondered why the Philippines stands out more in contrast to its neighbouring nations? The Filipino are globally recognized for their warm and hospitable demeanour. They embody hospitality to the fullest extent. Their smiles shine as brightly as their tropical sun, and their hearts are as vast as their archipelago. Within their communities,…
