Japan, Philippines Agree to Sharply Boost Defense Ties

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to significantly enhance their defense cooperation in light of rising security challenges in the region.

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to sharply boost their defense ties, as the two countries seek to strengthen their security amid rising challenges in the region. During a meeting in Manila on Thursday, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, agreed to cooperate on various defense-related initiatives, including maritime security, […]

Japan considering overseas military aid amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific

Japan is considering providing military aid to countries in the Indo-Pacific region as part of its efforts to counter the growing influence of China in the region.

According to reports, the country is exploring ways to supply military equipment and technology to countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This move comes as Japan is looking to bolster its security ties with other countries in the region and contribute to the maintenance of regional stability. One of the primary goals of […]

Okinawa’s Soft Power Struggle: China and the US Battle for Influence

The island of Okinawa, located in southern Japan, is home to several military bases of both the United States and Japan. These bases have been a point of contention between the two superpowers for many years, with China now seeking to capitalize on the situation to expand its own influence in the region.

China has been ramping up its efforts to expand its influence in Asia and the Pacific, including the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Now, it is turning its attention to Okinawa, where it hopes to win hearts and minds through economic development and cultural exchange programs. The Chinese government has been pouring money […]

India raises concerns over Chinese spy post on remote Myanmar island

India has reportedly confronted Myanmar over a Chinese-built observation post on an island in the Bay of Bengal, which it claims could be used for spying. The post is located on Coco Island, which is around 18 km from India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India has expressed concerns about the potential security threat posed by the observation post to its naval assets and security interests in the region. The Indian government reportedly raised the issue with the Myanmar government during a meeting between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers in New Delhi. The Indian delegation is said to […]

Xi Shattered the Illusion of Control: Protests Revive Chinese Dissent

Chinese President Xi Jinping's policies have shattered the illusion of control and stability that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long tried to maintain both domestically and abroad. President Xi's policies have centralized power, suppressed dissent and curtailed civil liberties.

Despite the CCP’s efforts, protests continue to emerge across China, challenging the party’s authority and demonstrating the resilience of dissent. Protests have been spurred by a variety of issues such as environmental degradation, corruption and economic inequality. One notable example is the recent protests in the southwestern province of Yunnan. Local residents took to the […]

German Business Groups Call for Renegotiation of EU-China Investment Agreement Over Human Rights Concerns

The German government has not yet taken a position on the call for renegotiation, but the EU Parliament has already frozen the ratification of the agreement until China lifts sanctions on EU officials. The decision was made in response to China's sanctions on several EU officials and think tanks over their criticism of China's human rights record.

German business groups are calling for a renegotiation of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), citing concerns over China’s human rights record and lack of progress on labor and environmental standards. The agreement, which was signed in December 2020, aims to improve market access for European companies in China and promote fair competition. However, […]

EU Mulls Diplomatic Reach-Out to Sway Four Key Partners Away from Russia, China

China's President Xi Jinping has been working to expand the country's influence in Europe as part of his global strategy to counterbalance the United States. However, a recent diplomatic incident involving China's ambassador to France has caused a backlash against China in Europe and highlighted the challenges China faces in winning over European leaders and citizens.

In an op-ed published in a French newspaper, China’s ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, criticized Western attitudes towards China and accused French lawmakers of being “anti-China.” This caused swift condemnation from French officials, who accused Lu of meddling in France’s internal affairs and undermining the principles of free speech and democracy. The incident has drawn […]

Video Shows Suspect Accuse of Operating Secret Chinese Police Stations Mingling with Schumer, Adams

A video has surfaced of a Chinese national accused of operating secret police stations in the United States, mingling with prominent politicians, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Adams. The individual was arrested by the FBI last week for his alleged involvement in the operation of several Chinese police stations in the country.

The video, which was taken at a campaign event in New York City in 2022, shows the suspect standing near Schumer and Adams. Additionally, he was captured attending a fundraiser for a New York City mayoral candidate, where he took photos with various influential figures in attendance. These events have caused concern among US officials, […]

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expressed interest in procuring more ships from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expressed interest in procuring more ships from Japan to enhance their existing assets, the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702). This plan was discussed during a meeting with Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, and delegates from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Embassy. […]

China rows back after envoy denies sovereignty of former Soviet states

China has faced criticism after its ambassador to Kazakhstan, Zhang Xiao, made comments that appeared to question the sovereignty of several former Soviet states in Central Asia. Zhang's speech at a university in Kazakhstan earlier this month referred to the region as China's "ancient land" and suggested that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan were not truly independent nations.

The comments sparked backlash from officials in the region, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan all issuing statements defending their countries’ sovereignty. Russia’s foreign ministry also criticized Zhang’s remarks, saying they “do not correspond to the spirit of good neighborliness and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.” Following the criticism, China’s foreign ministry […]