Malaysia is intensifying its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, undeterred by the persistent presence of Chinese coast guard vessels operating near contested waters, according to a recent report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Coastal tracking data reveal that Chinese vessel patrol Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Luconia Shoals almost…
Imagine a single waterway that can tilt the balance of global power—a man-made marvel slicing through the Americas, saving ships weeks of travel and cutting costs by the billions. This is the Panama Canal: not just a link between two oceans but a lifeline for international trade and a cornerstone of U.S. strategic dominance. It’s…
In the bustling streets of Manila, where the vibrant energy of the city meets the challenges of a developing nation, the Philippine economy is showing signs of remarkable resilience. Despite global economic pressures, the Philippines ended 2023 as the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, with a growth rate of 5.6 percent. As 2024 unfolds, projections…
In the dimly lit war room of the Presidential Palace in Manila, the air was thick with tension. Outside, the city buzzed with its usual chaos, but inside, the weight of an imminent confrontation with a superpower loomed large. President Marcos stared at the map of the South China Sea, the blue waters marred by…
China and the Philippines share a history of complex interactions shaped by geography, trade, and politics. Centuries ago, these two nations engaged in vibrant trade along the South China Sea, with Chinese merchants frequenting Philippine shores. The tides of history shifted dramatically in the 20th century. Post-World War II, the Philippines emerged as a staunch…
In the chaos of war, even the mightiest weapons can become relics overnight. History offers no better example than World War II, when Japan’s once-dominant aircraft carriers were decimated, signaling the rise of a new era in naval warfare. Fast forward to today, and a similar transformation is taking place in the South China Sea,…
In the grand arena of global economics, two regions stand out for their undeniable influence: the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both are formidable power blocs, yet their origins, trajectories, and current challenges could not be more different. While the EU represents a legacy of post-war unity and industrial…
In a world teetering on the edge of uncertainty, one question has become the linchpin of global stability: Will China invade Taiwan? With tensions escalating at a pace unseen in decades, East Asia has become the focal point of a potential crisis that could ripple across continents, destabilizing economies, upending alliances, and potentially igniting a…
On a moonlit night in the Sulu Sea, a fisherman casts his net off the coast of Balabac Island, Palawan. The glow of his lantern reflects the pristine waters, but beneath this tranquil surface lies a story of immense strategic importance, one that ties this idyllic island to global geopolitics. Balabac Island, often called the…
The recent resupply mission by the Philippines, which took place from December 3-14, 2024, vividly captures the simmering tensions in the South China Sea. Delivering essential supplies and holiday care packages to soldiers stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, the mission drew an immediate response from China. The Chinese coast guard…
