Japan’s recent strategic maneuvering in Southeast Asia, particularly its deepening defense ties with Vietnam and the Philippines, has stirred notable unease in Beijing. These developments represent a significant shift in the regional security landscape, raising questions about the implications for China’s regional ambitions, especially in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The strengthening…
In a marked escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines has sharply rebuked China for what it terms “dangerous and provocative” actions by the Chinese air force. This latest incident involves an encounter between aircraft from both nations over the contested Scarborough Shoal, a site that has become emblematic of the deepening…
The Philippines has commenced the construction of an airport on Pag-asa Island, a strategic development aimed at reinforcing its territorial claims in the highly contested South China Sea. This move comes amidst escalating tensions with Beijing, as Manila seeks to solidify its presence and assert sovereignty over the disputed waters. Historical Context and Current Disputes…
In the wake of transformative historical events, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence and Japan’s post-World War II reconstruction, both nations have carved unique paths to economic prosperity. Vietnam’s journey from the Đổi Mới reforms of the late 1980s to its current status as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world showcases its dynamic shift…
In a significant display of military unity, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines conducted joint air and naval drills on Wednesday in the contested waters of the South China Sea. This move, aimed at promoting adherence to international law, comes as China continues to assert its expansive territorial claims in the region. Reacting…
In the decades since its establishment on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok by the original five member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—ASEAN has seen significant advancements in military modernization across its member states. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. After…
The Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands in Chinese and the Hoàng Sa Archipelago in Vietnamese, are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. This group of around 130 tiny coral islands and reefs, categorized into the Crescent Group and the Amphitrite Group, covers a land area of approximately 7.75 square kilometers…
The post-World War II international order is unraveling as conflicts emerge across the globe. We are witnessing the rapid formation of a multipolar world, characterized by power struggles and geopolitical realignments. One of the most volatile flashpoints in this new global landscape is the South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor fraught with escalating tensions…
The Indo-Pacific region is the world’s new center of gravity. Spanning from Africa’s eastern coast to the Americas, this vast expanse is home to more than half of humanity and drives global economic growth. Its shores cradle giants like China, India, and Japan, whose economies together dwarf those of many Western nations. The region is…
Bangladesh is reeling from a seismic shift in its political landscape. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who held the reins of power for 15 years, has stepped down amid violent protests and fled the capital, Dhaka, for India. Her departure marks the end of an era and plunges the country into uncertainty as demonstrators continue to…
