Tag: China

World News

Fold or Call: Is the Philippines’ POGO Problem a National Security Threat?

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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.

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(Analysis) The Dragon’s Arsenal: China’s Nuclear Doctrine: Principles, Evolution, and Future Implications

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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.

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China’s Foothold in Peru’s Strategic Port Infrastructures

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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.

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(Analysis) China-North Korea: Brotherhood or Strategic Necessity? 

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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.

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China or the West? A Look into Fiji’s Foreign Policy

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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.

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The Golden Triangle’s City Built on Dirty Money

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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.

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Post – Security Law: The Dawn of Hong Kong Financial Hub?

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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.

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Inside the US TikTok Ban: Exploring the Implications of the Bill on US-China Relations

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This article explores the implications of the proposed bill to ban TikTok in the United States on broader US-China relations. China’s response to the ban is also an area of discussion.

World News

BRP Sierra Madre: The Waves of Uncertainty Surrounding the Sentry of the Second Thomas Shoal

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The BRP Sierra Madre acts as the Philippines’ stronghold over the Second Thomas Shoal against Chinese advances in the South China Sea. In the past year, tensions in the region have escalated, with both nations’ coast guard services engaged in heated confrontations. Due to the shoal’s strategic location, both countries employed risky strategies to pursue their goals of controlling this location. Hence, turning the shoal and the BRP Sierra Madre into the South China Sea’s new geopolitical flashpoint towards the boundaries of a possible conflict.

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Argentina’s Lithium Industry: Reforms and Radical Rhetoric

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President Javier Milei’s ultraliberal policies, including the radical deregulation plan signed into decree DNU 70/2023, aim to revitalize Argentina’s economy by reducing state involvement and promoting private sector growth. Argentina’s lithium industry, critical for the global energy sector, stands to be significantly impacted. The country, poised to outpace Chile as a top lithium producer by 2027, faces major changes under Milei’s governance which emphasizes alignments towards U.S. interests and potentially increases foreign investors’ power, raising concerns among local and Indigenous communities about sustainable development.