Why China can’t replace the US as a financial superpower

Despite China's rapid growth and modernization, there are several reasons why it cannot replace the US as a financial superpower.

China’s rise as a global economic power has been nothing short of remarkable, with the country experiencing unprecedented growth and modernization over the past few decades. However, despite China’s impressive achievements, there are several reasons why it cannot replace the United States as a financial superpower. First and foremost, the US economy is still larger […]

Philippines Names Four Military Bases to Be Used by US Forces

The Philippine government has named four military bases that will be made available for use by the United States under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a pact that expands the American military presence in the country. The move comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations have overlapping territorial claims with China.

The four military bases are the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, the Basa Air Base in Pampanga, and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. These bases will serve as locations for the temporary stationing of US forces and equipment for maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster […]

A Tiny Blog Took on Big Surveillance in China, and Won

Hikvision, China's leading security camera company, is reportedly involved in a massive surveillance program across the country, according to a new report by video surveillance research firm IPVM. The report reveals that Hikvision has installed over 200 million cameras in China, many of which have facial recognition technology, to monitor public spaces and private businesses and homes.

The report also suggests that Hikvision collects data on citizens, including their movements and social connections, which the government uses to track and monitor individuals deemed to be a threat to national security. This has raised concerns among human rights groups and privacy advocates who argue that Hikvision’s technology is being used to violate the […]

The Philippine and United States armed forces are set to hold their biggest-ever joint military exercises this year

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the annual Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises, which will run from April 1 to 12, will involve around 15,000 troops, including 8,000 from the Philippines and 7,000 from the US. The drills will cover various scenarios, such as territorial defense, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The Balikatan exercises have been held since 1981 under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed in 1951 and remains the foundation of their defense alliance. The exercises were scaled down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but were still able to proceed in a smaller format. This year’s Balikatan exercises come amid […]

US Proposes to Reclassify China as a Developed Country, Raising Concerns and Criticism

The United States has proposed that China be reclassified as a developed country, a move that has sparked concerns and criticism from various stakeholders.

The proposal was presented at the World Trade Organization (WTO), where the US argued that China’s economic size and level of development justify its reclassification. If China is reclassified as a developed country, it would lose the special and differential treatment that developing countries currently enjoy under WTO rules. These benefits and exemptions include longer […]

China’s Cities are Buried in Debt, But They Keep Shoveling It

China's local governments have been taking on increasing levels of debt to fund infrastructure projects and development initiatives, despite concerns over the sustainability of the country's debt levels. According to a report by the National Institution for Finance and Development, local government debt in China has reached 51.4 trillion yuan ($7.9 trillion), equivalent to around 89% of GDP.

This situation raises concerns over financial instability and potential defaults in the future. While the Chinese government has been working to reform local government financing, progress has been slow, and many local governments continue to borrow heavily. Despite the risks, some analysts argue that China’s unique political and economic system may help to mitigate the […]

China Implements Crackdown on High Bride Prices to Curb Financial Burdens on Young Couples

China is cracking down on high bride prices, a traditional practice that has been escalating in recent years. The government's move is aimed at curbing financial burdens on young couples, which have been fueled by rising property prices and other economic pressures. The crackdown on bride prices is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to address social and economic issues, such as the aging population and a shrinking workforce.

Bride prices in some parts of China can reach tens of thousands or even millions of yuan, putting significant financial strain on families. The practice has also contributed to gender imbalances, as some families prioritize having sons who can fetch higher bride prices. Under the new rules, local authorities will set maximum limits on bride […]

US F-22s Land in Philippines to Boost Security Cooperation

Two United States Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters landed in the Philippines on Friday, as part of a joint military exercise between the two countries aimed at boosting security cooperation in the region.

The deployment of the F-22s, which are among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, is part of a larger operation between the US and Philippine armed forces, known as the Balikatan exercise. This annual exercise is designed to strengthen military ties and enhance interoperability between the two countries. The Balikatan exercise, which means […]

Protection of West Philippine Sea Advances Among Fisherfolk and NGOs with Science and Local Knowledge Backing

The West Philippine Sea, a region in the South China Sea that is claimed by the Philippines, has long been a source of tension due to competing territorial claims by neighboring countries. However, recent efforts to protect the area have gained ground among local fisherfolk and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who are using a combination of scientific research and traditional knowledge to promote sustainable use of the sea's resources.

One key initiative is the use of science to identify areas that are most critical to the health of the West Philippine Sea ecosystem. By conducting marine surveys and monitoring marine life populations, researchers are able to pinpoint which areas should be given priority protection, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds that serve as […]

The Philippines Is America’s New Star Ally in Asia

In recent years, the Philippines has emerged as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, especially when it comes to its alliance with the United States. The Philippines’ strategic location, combined with its growing economy and military capabilities, make it an important partner for the US in the region. One of the key factors that […]