As Xi Jinping’s November visit to Brazil wrapped up, high-level talks between the two Global South giants expanded on a wide set of agreements. However, Xi’s visit also highlights a delicate and nuanced balancing game played by Brazil, fueled by domestic political struggles and the expectation of a second Trump tenure.
Beijing’s recent use of soft power to influence Taiwan has evolved to include a strategic focus on Taiwanese influencers, particularly those with a significant youth audience. While leveraging cultural events and celebrities for propaganda is not new, this approach represents a shift towards subtler, more pervasive tactics aimed at shaping the perceptions of Taiwan’s younger generation.
On July 24, 2024, a Sino-Russo bomber formation was patrolled in the Arctic Circle near Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone for the first time. While some might interpret the event as a move by the great powers to establish the Arctic’s military presence to contest future access to the Northern Sea Route and regional undersea resources amid climate change, the joint exercises reveal deeper security motivations. The findings show that the event is largely attributed to the intensifying military confrontations between global powers in other parts of the globe while also raising the risk of an arms race in the Arctic region. Future security studies warrant examining how great power struggles in non-Arctic regions might affect their military moves in the Arctic.
Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) have shaken the Philippines’ perception of its internal security amid allegations of linked violent crimes and espionage. For several months the ongoing situation created more questions than any of the country’s officials can answer. Such issues have led to calls to raise it as a national security threat. However, security agencies refuse to do so despite the issue’s overwhelming severity.
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal while simultaneously accelerating the development of advanced missile systems. This dramatic shift from the country’s long-standing policy of minimum nuclear deterrence is raising questions among global security experts. Analysts are scrambling to understand what’s driving Beijing’s new nuclear ambitions.
The development of key maritime infrastructures in Peru has been lately in the eye of the storm. The case of the construction of the Port of Chancay within the Belt and Road Initiative has been presented as an extremely strategic infrastructure for Peru, while serving Chinese aims to access key raw materials and agricultural commodities markets in the region. Yet, disputes over Chinese state-owned Cosco Shipping exclusivity right over operations in the port and the increasing Chinese presence and control in other infrastructures in Peru have been criticised by the US. The Chinese foothold in the country is indeed seen as a menace to Peru’s national security.
China and North Korea are often portrayed as close allies, bound by historical ties and mutual interests. However, beneath the surface lies a intricate game of strategy and maneuvering. This ‘cheese game’ reveals nuances and tensions that challenge the perception of an unbreakable bond. We will delve into the history, structural factors, and key incidents to uncover the true nature of the China-North Korea relationship—a relationship that may not be as steadfast as commonly believed.
This article explores Fiji’s foreign policy in the context of broader US-China competition in the Pacific region. Other areas of discussion include Fiji’s leadership role in the Pacific region, Pacific regionalism, and changes in Fiji’s foreign policy following the 2022 general election.
For decades, the Golden Triangle, a region wedged between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos along the Mekong River, has been synonymous with opium production, organised crime, and rebel militias. In recent years, in the northern part of Laos, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has come under the control of Chinese casino mogul Zhao Wei, since his Hong Kong registered company, Kings Romans, leased the land for 99 years.
Will Hong Kong retain its status as an international financial hub following the passing of the national security law? This article examines China’s economic goals, recent geopolitical shifts, and initiatives like the Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area, while assessing Hong Kong’s unique financial strengths and future.
