Introduction Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s 8th president inaugurated on October 20, 2024, marks a significant shift following a decade under Joko Widodo’s leadership. A former general and influential figure, Prabowo’s landslide victory with 59% of the popular vote reflects broad support, totaling over 96 million votes. His nationalist approach, honed during his tenure as Minister of…
What Task Force-Ayungin is Really About? Task Force-Ayungin is a joint U.S.-Philippine initiative designed to strengthen intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and enhance maritime domain awareness in the South China Sea. Named after the contested Second Thomas Shoal, or Ayungin Shoal in Filipino, this task force focuses on improving coordination and interoperability between the…
Overview of the Funan Techo Canal Project Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia has strongly refuted recent international media reports suggesting that the Funan Techo Canal (FTC) project is encountering financial difficulties due to diminishing support from China. During his speech at the closing ceremony of the ’32nd Monk General Assembly Nationwide,’ he emphasized that…
The recent signing of a military intelligence-sharing agreement between the Philippines and the United States marks a significant milestone in their defense partnership, enhancing their capacity to address shared security challenges within the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)…
Imagine a bustling market square, vibrant and full of life, where diverse voices come together to shape the community’s future. This square represents ASEAN, a coalition of ten nations rich in potential yet often constrained by the weight of dynastic politics. Just as some European democracies have successfully navigated similar challenges—think of countries like Germany…
The Philippine Navy launched its first locally assembled fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-M), the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), at the Naval Shipyard in Cavite City. This vessel launch is part of the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, which focuses on advancing domestic defense capabilities, particularly in shipbuilding. According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA),…
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…
As the first light of a humid morning in 2024 began to break, the faint outlines of warships emerged through the mist at Subic Bay, their silhouettes a testament to the area’s enduring strategic significance. Decades after American forces once cast their long shadows across these waters, Subic Bay Naval Base is experiencing a renaissance….
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…
Southeast Asia is booming with largescale infrastructure projects that aim to enhance economic growth, connectivity, and quality of life. From South Korea’s ecofriendly Songdo International Business District to Japan’s highspeed Chūō Shinkansen Maglev Line, and China’s vast SouthNorth Water Transfer Project addressing water scarcity. The Philippines’ New Clark City plans to decongest Metro Manila, while Malaysia’s Melaka Gateway is set to become a global trade hub. Vietnam’s Hanoi Pilot Metro Line reduces traffic, Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City replaces Jakarta with sustainability in mind, and Kuala Lumpur’s Tun Razak Exchange redefines financial landscapes. Singapore’s Gaia Timber Building highlights sustainable architecture, and China’s Suzhou Zhongnan Centre aspires to skyscraper heights despite challenges. Let’s get into the detail of this boom. Songdo International Business District (South Korea) Let us start from South Korea. Songdo International Business District (IBD) in South Korea stands as a pioneering example of a smart city designed to optimize urban living through advanced technology and sustainable practices. Located on 1,500 acres…
