Geo Politics

China is willing to address its trade disputes with the European Union in a constructive way and seek to build “strategic trust” with the bloc, analysts said ahead of the 24th China-EU summit in Beijing on Thursday. The summit, which comes after a five-year hiatus, will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, European Council President Charles …

The recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a space launch center in the Russian Far East has raised concerns among the US and its allies about the growing cooperation between the two countries.  The summit, which took place on September 13, 2023, was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders …

In a revelation that rings alarm bells, the Asia Observatory (AO), an astute regional think tank specializing in security issues, has unveiled a report unveiling China’s alleged covert maneuvers employing information operations to sow seeds of discord among Filipinos.  The report, intriguingly titled “China’s Information Warfare in the Philippines: A Strategic Analysis,” navigates through a complex web of tactics orchestrated …

In the heart of escalating tensions, Japan faces a delicate conundrum, with its neighbors, China and North Korea, posing intricate security challenges. The test of Japan’s enduring commitment to pacifism and the intricate dance with its alliance with the United States become increasingly pronounced. China’s bold strides in both military and economic domains reverberate across Japan. Asserting sovereignty over disputed …

In a significant development, the Philippines has officially entered into negotiations for a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, ushering in a new chapter in regional dynamics.  Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. confirmed the deployment of a formal negotiating team led by Department of National Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, which set off for Japan on Monday. While the exact timeline …

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 …