In his second State of the Nation address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr heralded the arrival of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), echoing his father’s vision of societal transformation. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is a prominent Filipino politician who has followed in the footsteps of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos. Born on September 13, 1957,…
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…
North Korea being a nation is an enigma, a mysterious nation masked in secrecy and isolation. Its political landscape is woven with threads of authoritarian rule, dynastic succession, and an unyielding pursuit of nuclear capabilities. Let us unravel the historical and political fabric of North Korea, delving into the birth of the Democratic People’s Republic…
China’s encroachment on South Korean waters in the Yellow Sea has been a point of contention for years. The Yellow Sea, bordered by China to the west and North Korea to the north, holds strategic importance for both South Korea and China due to its rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves. China’s…
Introduction The evolution of Indonesia’s economic and political landscape in the 21st century reflects a remarkable transformation similar to other nations like South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, India, and Chile, all of which have transitioned from varying degrees of economic development to positions of prominence on the global stage. South Korea’s journey from a war-torn nation…
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…
In the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the longstanding territorial dispute between the Philippines and China has reignited following a new confrontation at the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines has accused China of engaging in “dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” after the latter reinstated a barrier at the shoal, which China had seized from Manila…
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…
