Geo Politics

The foreign ministers of China and Japan are in South Korea to lay the foundation for a trilateral leaders’ summit, their first in-person talks since 2019. They are set to discuss a wide range of issues, including the People’s Liberation Army’s growing regional military assertiveness and Japan-South Korea’s deepening security ties with the United States. Sunday’s three-way talks will also …

In a strong rebuke to China’s accusations of the Philippines “stirring up trouble” after joint patrols with the United States, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. labeled Beijing’s claims as “lies” and a “reversal of truth.”  Speaking at the Department of National Defense anniversary, Teodoro asserted, “Sino ba ang nananakop? (Who is the invader?) It is China. The Philippines is not …

In a pivotal move, South Korea declared a partial freeze on the 2018 inter-Korean agreement following North Korea’s assertion of a triumphant launch of a spy satellite. The North’s actions have sent tensions soaring, prompting Seoul to underscore its commitment to national security. The declaration came in the wake of North Korea‘s announcement about placing its military reconnaissance satellite, named …

In a recent twist of events, Japan strongly denounced the hijacking of a cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, operated by Nippon Yusen, in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Tensions escalated as the Yemeni militia initially claimed the ship was Israeli, sparking concerns over regional stability. The Galaxy Leader, en route to India, was unlawfully boarded near Hodeida, Yemen, …

In a significant diplomatic move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened during the APEC Summit in San Francisco, with a focus on de-escalating tensions in the contested South China Sea. The leaders aimed to explore mechanisms to ease tensions, prioritize open sea lanes, and address concerns of Filipino fishermen navigating their exclusive economic zone. Speaking …

In a diplomatic dance of shared aspirations, President Joe Biden and his Indonesian counterpart, President Joko Widodo, recently unveiled a comprehensive strategic partnership during their White House rendezvous on November 13. While the outcomes may not have matched the grandeur of expectations, the leaders meticulously explored avenues for deepening economic ties, enhancing educational collaboration, and tackling regional challenges. Among the …

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to address the alleged illicit arms deal between North Korea and Russia during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. Yoon emphasizes the security implications of this purported deal and plans to discuss the international response. Amid concerns that North Korea may miscalculate and take aggressive actions during global focus …

In a latest episode of simmering tensions, the Philippines has strongly criticized China’s coast guard actions in the South China Sea. The contentious event involved what the Philippines characterized as “unprovoked coercion and risky maneuvers,” including the use of a water cannon against a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission near Second Thomas Shoal. Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin …

In the heart of Hong Kong, a unique forum seeks to set the stage for optimism in the realm of international relations. The Hong Kong Forum on US-China Relations, a two-day gathering, aspires to sculpt a constructive atmosphere in the lead-up to the prestigious Apec summit in San Francisco. With an impressive lineup featuring video addresses by esteemed diplomats, political …

In a nuanced maneuver responding to recent South China Sea tensions, the Philippines subtly reevaluates its stance on Chinese-affiliated infrastructure projects, marking a pivotal shift within the complex world of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Amidst a backdrop of escalating events, the Philippines’ Department of Transportation discreetly unveils the “full termination” of significant infrastructure undertakings that were previously in …