Geo Politics

In Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, the North Natuna Sea is renowned for its crystalline, azure seas, which project an air of serenity and tranquillity. Peace and stability, however, have become a distant memory for the local fishermen who depend on these waterways for their livelihoods. Their fishing areas have been invaded by foreign ships, particularly those from Vietnam, China, and …

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, highlighted the potentially disastrous worldwide repercussions of a Chinese invasion of the island in a recent interview with AFP. Wu emphasised Taiwan’s importance as a significant participant in the semiconductor sector and a central node for international shipping routes. As Taiwan gets ready for its presidential election next year, China, which claims the island as …

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned the coup leaders to return Niger to its democratically elected government or face possible military intervention. Members of ECOWAS, led by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, gave Niger’s junta leaders a week’s ultimatum to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.  “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one …

Japan has called for a new security strategy amidst growing military ties between Russia, China and North Korea. It raised concerns over China’s assertiveness in the region.  According to the 2023 edition of Japan’s defense white paper, China, Russia and North Korea contribute to the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. It says …

The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a potential theatre of confrontation between global powers as international relations experience considerable transformations and geopolitical developments. Taiwan has strengthened its defensive capabilities after continued hostilities between the US and China over the island. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System 2 (NASAMS 2) will be purchased from the United States, according to Taiwan’s Defense …

The Pinglu Canal, a 135km long project in the southwestern border region of Guangxi, highlights China’s state-of-the-art construction techniques and strategic thinking amid a fast changing geopolitical landscape.  Gao Zhendong, a consultant who helps Chinese firms explore investment opportunities in Southeast Asian countries, believes the practical value of this project is worth looking forward to. He says its equivalent to …

In the high-stakes world of politics, some issues are like the infamous third rail, electrified with potential danger. Politicians who touch them risk losing their jobs and being overthrown by enraged voters. The same may be said for controversial topics like Social Security in the US or lèse-majesté in Thailand. Pita Limjaroenrat, the progressive Move Forward Party’s candidate for prime …

In the span of June – July, two American diplomats have tried to make breakthroughs in China with talks of commitment and progress, but Washington remains steadfast with its hawkish policy stance towards Beijing.  U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken tried to steer relations with China back on track in June with both countries agreeing to stabilize the bilateral relationship. …

Black Sea grain deal, which has allowed the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine, is set to expire at the end of Monday if Russia does not agree to extend the agreement. Last year, the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization, and the Republic of Turkey brokered the Black Sea grain agreement in order to combat a global food …

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), established in May 2023, has drawn much interest since it aims to improve supply chain resilience in the area. A discussion about this agreement’s viability has arisen as academics and commentators analyse its potential effects. The IPEF Supply Chain Agreement’s key components are examined in this article, along with several implementation scenarios and their economic …