In September, ASEAN countries are planning to hold the first-ever joint naval exercise in the Natuna Sea which is an extended part of the South China Sea even though Myanmar and Cambodia have not yet given their assent to participation in the joint drills as they fear the move could rile China, the East Asian country that lays claims over 90% area of this waterbody of the Western Pacific Ocean.
As the wheel of Maldivian politics turns towards another critical juncture, the presidential elections slated for 9 September 2023, the national political landscape is abuzz with anticipations and preparations.
Seventy five years ago they were one, but 52 years ago Bangladesh gained Independence from Pakistan. The contrast in the countries' development couldn’t be more stark.
Is China's bark worse than its bite? China’s efforts to punish Australia through economic coercion appear to have failed. The trade ban Beijing imposed three years ago did not affect Australia much. This Insight examines the impact of China's trade ban with Australia and the current state of play of relations between the two countries.
As tensions in the region ratchet up, the USA and China continue their "transit diplomacy" with matching high level visits doing nothing to ease the situation.
China and India are not only very powerful global powers, they are also neighbours and have a lot to learn from each other.
Whilst the country is facing an acute economic crisis, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has increased its terror attacks in the country, with a vow to take control of its tribal areas and give them autonomy.
In January, China announced for the first time, a decline in its population. What does this "demographic retreat" mean for China, its economy and geopolitics in the region and beyond?
The Indo-Pacific region is turning out to become amongst the areas where China’s assertive behaviour is expected to play out in its full capacity. In its attempt to legitimize its dominance, Beijing has already begun shaping its strategy by generating territorial disputes that have resulted in many of its neighbours reassessing their stances with respect to their bilateral relations with China.
Despite strong resistance, the military junta are still in control in Myanmar two years after the coup d’état when it took over. With support from China, both diplomatically and militarily, Myanmar has a very strong ally at its side.
Taiwan's application to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a significant commercial partnership made up of 11 nations, has been blocked by China. Canada, and other countries, could be powerful proponents for Taiwan but so far they've resisted pushing for Taiwan's inclusion in the bloc.
In the discussions around climate change, remoter areas are too often sidelined. Focus of global initiatives, as well as funding should seek to address the specific issues of these areas such as the growing emergency in the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau.