The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to bring international attention to what it claims are “aggressive” actions by Chinese ships in the South China Sea. The nation has adopted a visual strategy, releasing videos and images of multiple incidents involving Chinese vessels this year, as opposed to the previous administration’s preference for written protests. By taking this approach, the Philippines …

Chinese military action encircling the island has recently increased, according to Taiwan’s defense ministry, escalating already-existing tensions. This increased activity was seen on Friday, August 25, and it involved five ships performing battle readiness patrols nearby, as well as 13 planes flying into Taiwan’s designated “response” zone. China has been steadily stepping up its military pressure on Taiwan, which it …

The rivalry between the US and China has ruffled feathers in the Pacific Islands, with fears that the two superpowers are trying to polarize the region. Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka hopes US-China rivalry in the strategic region does not develop into a military conflict. He reminded the two countries that the Pacific Islands should be a “zone of peace”.  …

Starring Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh and numerous others, Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial ‘Gangubai Kathiyawadi’ has proved to be a major success at the 69th National Film Awards 2023. The winners were announced at 5 pm on Thursday, with Bhatt winning the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance …

Expressing deepening concerns over the risk of radioactive contamination, Chinese customs authorities announced on Thursday an immediate blanket ban on all aquatic products from Japan as Tokyo starts releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima power plant. The Japanese government signed off on the controversial release plan into the Pacific Ocean two years ago, with the UN nuclear watchdog greenlighting …

China’s state-owned Sinopec is among the interested parties considering the acquisition of Shell Plc’s iconic Bukom oil refinery in Singapore. Shell’s review of its refining and chemicals business has led to the consideration of divesting the Bukom refinery, a strategic asset, sparking interest from various quarters. Sources familiar with Sinopec’s internal discussions revealed that the Chinese refining giant is attracted …

Hun Manet, the newly endorsed prime minister of Cambodia, has unveiled grandiose ambitions to turn the country into a “high-income country” by 2050 in a move that symbolizes a dynastic transfer of power. Hun Manet underlined an emphasis on boosting food security, healthcare access, and economic growth while outlining his aims in his first cabinet meeting. The leader’s rise to …

As leaders gather in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS summit, the world is abuzz about the potential for a seismic shift in global geopolitics. BRICS is likely to challenge the long-standing US hegemony and contribute to reshaping the global order. The grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa embodies a unique convergence of geographically …

Three months into power, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin needs to step up to turn Thailand’s COVID pandemic-hit economy around. Even though the country’s economic growth rebounded in the first quarter of 2023 by 4.5 percent, it’s still trailing behind.  Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Thailand’s central bank chief, said the country is below the 3.1% expansion forecast by economists. “The picture is not …

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have solidified their commitment to maritime collaboration through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The pact, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation, was sealed during an official visit by PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu to India on August 22. The collaborative effort between PCG and ICG reflects their …