In a display of commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security, the Philippines and the United States recently conducted a joint naval exercise in the West Philippine Sea. This bilateral sail activity signifies a shared dedication to enhancing interoperability and bolstering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The naval exercise featured the Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal …

China, under President Xi Jinping‘s leadership, has taken a surprising diplomatic turn that has raised eyebrows and concerns among its neighboring nations.  In response to the rejection of China’s contentious “made-in-China map” by neighboring countries, Xi Jinping has canceled multiple upcoming summit appearances, signaling a significant shift in China’s diplomatic strategy. A Diplomatic Disconnect: China’s Inflexibility China’s decision to withdraw …

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is likely to be in Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin. Discussion is likely to focus on the Kremlin acquiring military hardware from North Korea to bolster the Russian forces with weapons for the ongoing Ukraine war.  The White House has been closely monitoring talks between the two countries as arms negotiations …

Three Thai activists, Angkhana Neelapaijit, Puttanee Kangkun, and Thanaporn Saleephol, were recently cleared of criminal defamation charges in a decision that both praised the tenacity of human rights advocates and emphasised how oppressive Thailand’s defamation laws are. Their social media posts that exposed the difficult working conditions at a chicken farm run by the Thammakaset firm led to the allegations. …

The FIBA World Cup 2023 has proven to be more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a showcase of the Philippines’ exceptional hosting capabilities. As the Final Phase of the tournament, with eight teams remaining, prepares to take center stage at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, accolades pour in for the remarkable efforts behind the scenes. The …

The most recent ASEAN Summit is being hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and is rife with contentious issues that reflect the difficulties Southeast Asian leaders face. This article explores the summit’s main themes, the absence of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the effects of these developments on the geopolitics of the area, and the significance of ASEAN. Myanmar Crisis …

One of the most seminal moments in the Asian financial crisis unfolded in a nation that defied conventional wisdom and steered clear of a bailout. Malaysia’s bold experiment with economic policies challenged established norms, leaving a lasting impact on the world of finance. Twenty-five years on, the legacy of Malaysian capital controls continues to shape responses to rapid and disruptive …

Southeast Asian leaders have convened in Jakarta for the year’s final summit, hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The meeting, however, is plagued by a slew of difficult and complex topics that appear to have no clear resolution. These obstacles include Myanmar’s protracted civil war, increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea, and the United States’ long-standing rivalry with …

People in Taiwan woke up on Monday to persistent rainfall, floods and toppled trees as Typhoon Haikui made landfall and swept overnight across its central mountain ranges. Although Haikui had initially appeared to move through the island and out to sea, it made a second landfall early Monday in southwestern Kaohsiung – before it weakened to a severe storm. There …

In a recent ceremony at a mosque in Klang, Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim found himself at the center of a controversy that has raised questions about his approach to governance.  The event saw a young Hindu’s conversion to Islam, with Anwar assisting in the recitation of the shahada – the Muslim statement of faith. While his unplanned participation was intended to …