Throughout history, naval dominance has played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape, with the British Royal Navy’s supremacy during the 19th century serving as a prime example. By controlling key sea routes and ensuring maritime security, the British Empire expanded its influence, protected its trade interests, and maintained global stability. In Southeast Asia,…
The recent submission by the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) to formally recognize the extent of its undersea continental shelf has sparked controversy. Malaysia has opposed this submission, stating that it is projected from the baselines of Sabah. This opposition was formally communicated to UN Secretary General António Guterres on June 27, through a…
Blockchain technology, first conceptualized by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, has revolutionized the way we think about digital transactions and data security. Initially associated primarily with Bitcoin, blockchain has since evolved into a versatile technology underpinning a wide array of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. Over the past decade, its usage has…
“The Study of History lies at the foundation of all sound Military Conclusion & practice” (Alfred Thayer Mahan) Alfred Thayer Mahan, a U.S. naval officer and historian, was hailed by John Keegan as “the most important American strategist of the nineteenth century.” His seminal work, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, garnered immediate…
As the sun rises over Ho Chi Minh City, the streets are already alive with activity. In a vast, bustling factory, hundreds of workers skillfully piece together electronics, garments, and machinery that will soon be shipped around the world. This scene is strikingly similar to what one might have witnessed in Shenzhen during the early…
In 2012, the United Nations recognized Benham Rise, located off the east coast of the Philippines, as part of the country’s extended continental shelf. This recognition was uncontested by China. Fast forward to today, the Philippines has submitted a new claim to the United Nations for an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the South China…
Japan is engaging in a significant strategic endeavor: constructing artificial islands. This island nation, long shaped by the tectonic forces at the convergent plate boundary, is now using human ingenuity to enhance its geopolitical and economic standing. The move is not just about expanding territory but also about fortifying its position in a region rife…
The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, are currently underway in Hawaii. With over 25,000 personnel from 29 countries, RIMPAC aims to bolster multilateral relations and enhance military preparedness, promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” This year’s iteration, which began on June 27 and will continue until August, highlights…
The Philippines’ complex and often turbulent relationship with the United States, particularly regarding the South China Sea dispute, has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The recent incidents, including a clash with Chinese maritime forces that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers, have once again brought the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between…
In the early 20th century, the Anglo-Japanese Alliance marked a significant shift in East Asian geopolitics, reflecting a strategic partnership designed to counterbalance regional threats and maintain stability. Fast forward to the present day, a similar realignment is unfolding in Southeast Asia as senior defense and foreign affairs officials from Japan and the Philippines prepare…
