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.
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.
Central Asia is a vast and resource-rich region situated between three major centers of influence. Formerly part of both the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, its nations have only recently gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They continue to be influenced by Moscow, although they have made some significant strides towards autonomy in their own right. The Russian military’s actions in Ukraine have continuously eroded the credibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance. This, coupled with a significant loss of soft power in the countries of the post- Soviet space, which traditionally formed part of its sphere of influence, could create an opening for other influential actors to emerge as real alternative partners. The European Union wishes to consider an even more proactive role in Central Asia, given the young nations’ of Central Asia newfound pragmatism in foreign policy and its potential to enhance EU interests.
Italy’s BRI engagement economic promises fell short. Italy’s reassessing aligns with US priorities. Taiwan’s ties could help distancing from China but strain relations. Balancing interests, alliances, and economics, Italy navigates a complex situation. Exiting the BRI may offer security assurances while maintaining diplomatic and economic hedging with the US and China.
The BRICS – a loose association of developing nations – have been the focus of global attention in recent weeks, for the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. While the goal is to establish a more multipolar economic order, the existing geostrategic differences between India and China risk hampering the organisation’s ability to reach its full potential over the medium and long term.
Historically rivals on both geopolitical and sectarian grounds, the tripartite agreement between Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic and China is a diplomatic coup that could offer prospects for growth and stability in the Arabian Peninsula over the long term.
Against a precarious strategic environment, Australia’s new defense doctrine – The Defence Strategic Review – calls for strengthening the island nation’s military capabilities.
The political crisis in Georgia is a complex issue with a mix of domestic and foreign policy implications. It challenges its pro-Western foreign policy and relations with the West, triggering debates on the possibility of Tbilisi’s shift toward Moscow, turning a blind eye to the need for democratic reforms and falling into authoritarianism.
The ousting of former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani is a step forward for China as it seeks to strengthen its political and economic influence in the Solomon Islands.
China’s President Xi Jiinping met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin remotely via video link on Friday, Dec. 30 – the Kremlin’s latest effort to deepen defense ties as Russia’s isolation with the West stretches.
