Geo Politics

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country that has a tense and complex relationship with China, its neighbor and largest trading partner. The Philippines and China have been involved in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, where both countries claim sovereignty and rights over islands, reefs, and waters that are rich in natural resources and strategic importance.  The …

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country with a population of about 110 million and a GDP of about 376 billion USD. The country is a former colony of Spain and the United States, and has a close and strategic alliance with the latter. The country is also a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and …

The feud between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte has been escalating since the 2023 presidential election, which Marcos won by a narrow margin. Duterte, who had endorsed his daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio as his successor, refused to concede and accused Marcos of fraud and cheating. He also launched a series of legal and political challenges to …

Japan is a East Asian country with a population of about 126 million and a GDP of about $5 trillion. The country is known for its advanced technology, rich culture, and pacifist constitution. The country is a close ally of the U.S. and a member of the G7, the UN, and other international organizations. China is a neighboring country of …

Vietnam has expressed its support for the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China over the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich waterway that is claimed by several countries in the region.  Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Le Thi Thu Hang, said on Tuesday that Vietnam “respects and supports” the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea issue, and that …

Russia has accused the United States, South Korea, and Japan of forming a military alliance that is preparing for war with North Korea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the allegation at a UN press conference on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, where he criticized the increased military activity and exercises of the three countries in the region. Lavrov said that …

The US has accused North Korea of supplying ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia, which has been using them to attack Ukraine in violation of UN sanctions.  The US says this move shows the desperation and isolation of Russia, and the danger and defiance of North Korea. The US also says this move has implications for the ongoing negotiations with …

Tibet, also known as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), is a vast and mountainous region in western China, bordering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Tibet has been under China’s control since 1950, when the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) invaded and occupied the former independent kingdom. Tibet has been a source of tension and conflict between China and India, as well …

The Philippines and China have a long-standing and complicated relationship, marked by both cooperation and conflict. The two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, and have worked together on various issues, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the ASEAN-China dialogue.  However, the two countries have also clashed over the South China Sea, where they …

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is a self-governing island that split from mainland China in 1949 after a civil war. However, China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), considers Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.  China has never renounced the use of military …