In a story emblematic of China’s strategy for territorial expansion, a frog placed in lukewarm water remains unaware as the water is slowly heated until it is boiled alive. This “boiling frog strategy” illustrates a cautious and incremental approach to extending influence and power, one that avoids significant backlash from the international community. Admiral John…
Qatar’s economy is characterized by its substantial wealth and diversified sources of income, primarily driven by its vast reserves of natural gas and oil. In 2022, Qatar’s GDP was approximately $236 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.21%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipated a real GDP growth of 2.4% for 2023 and 2.2%…
In a rare visit to Asia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila to rally support for a global peace summit on the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who had just spoken at the Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore, made an unexpected appearance in Manila under tight security. He was greeted…
Switzerland, despite lacking native cocoa beans, has become a premier chocolate manufacturer globally. The transformation owes much to 19th-century Swiss confectioners and entrepreneurs who elevated chocolate into the iconic product it is today. Let’s dive deep into what makes Switzerland the billion dollars chocolate industry. Switzerland chocolate industry statistics In 2022, Switzerland solidified its position…
In a stark reminder of the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippine military reported on Tuesday that the Chinese coast guard seized one of four food packages dropped by a plane for Filipino navy personnel stationed at a contested outpost. General Romeo Brawner disclosed that the Chinese personnel might have suspected…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. In today’s episode, we’re sailing into the heart of the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and rife with geopolitical tensions. As the renowned China military expert Oriana Skylar Mastro insightfully put it, ‘Even against this backdrop, China’s official position is that it remains committed to a peaceful…
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has warned China that any fatal incident involving Filipino citizens in the South China Sea would be deemed close to “an act of war,” necessitating a significant response from the Philippines and likely invoking support from its treaty allies, particularly the United States. This stern warning came during the Shangri-La…
In the grand chessboard of international politics, nations often find themselves as mere pieces, maneuvered by the strategic plays of global powerhouses. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a result of Russia’s assertive stance, serves as a chilling testament to the catastrophic fallout when superpowers draw and enforce their boundaries. Now, a parallel narrative is being…
Let us explore the Current State of Digital Competitiveness in the Philippines, Economic Potential of Digital Transformation, Government Initiatives and Funding and the challenges faced by the Philippines in digital transformation. We will delve into the urgency for the Philippines to fully embrace digitalization across government processes, businesses, and education systems and will highlight the…
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,…
