IMOA
-
As Western nations back away from Duterte and his drug war, China steps up as key ally for Philippines
“Hounds follow those who feed them,” remarked the great Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck, underscoring the centrality of patronage to political influence. Something very similar has been taking place in the realm of geopolitics amid mutual estrangement between the West and the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte. The United States has even threatened withdrawal […]
-
China threat: Xi is creating a perfectly formed new-age totalitarian state warns expert
Under current President, Xi Jinping, China has begun to increase its use of social surveillance but has also rolled out a new-age form of policing its citizens. Used in the north-west region of Xinjiang, the social credit system aims to collect the data of its public in order to produce a self-governed society. Speaking […]
-
Why Has China Recently Stepped Up Pressure On Its Rival Claimants In South China Sea? – Analysis
China has significantly increased its soft power in the region over the past decade and stands to lose a lot if its aggressive behavior in the South China Sea continues. But instead of softening its approach, it has recently stepped up its kinetic pressure on several of its rival claimants in the South China […]
-
China promised Duterte US$9 billion. He’s had only US$924 million in loans and grants. Why?
China and the Philippines signed six deals last week that boosted Beijing’s funding for the Southeast Asian nation to a total of US$924 million, but the amount is a long way from the US$9 billion pledged in 2016. The discrepancy has left critics asking what Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has to show for his […]
-
Trump and Xi in war of words as China accuses US of ‘arrogance’ and ‘slander’
DONALD TRUMP has seen his ongoing trade war with China provoke a shocking rant from China President Xi Jinping’s administration as Beijing goes on the verbal offensive referring to Washington as “arrogant” and accusing the White House of “slander”. China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the US should focus on its own domestic […]
-
60-40 resource sharing between PH, China ‘fair,’ says Esperon
MANILA — Sharing resources in the West Philippine Sea with China is only “fair” as long as Manila gets the bigger cut, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said Friday. The 60-40 sharing agreement, in favor of the Philippines, gives the country an “upper hand” against China since the latter would be spending for the […]
-
Making Asean matter
Days before the 2019 Asean Summit and Related Summits in Thailand, it is fitting to reflect on the relevance and responsiveness of Asean to its more than 650 million people in Southeast Asia. Amid all its geoeconomic and geopolitical challenges in the region, Asean remains the best platform to settle differences and unite on […]
-
South China Sea: China humiliated in Vietnam withdrawal as Philippines boost defences
CHINA has been left humiliated after aggressive water grabs and persistent bickering with Asian neighbours has only resulted in a withdrawal from Vietnamese waters, and their status as top dog could be further challenged as the Philippines look to bolster the defence of their own waters amid escalating tension. A Chinese oil survey vessel […]
-
South China Sea fury: Xi’s grip on region loosens as Vietnam issues another critical blow
SOUTH CHINA SEA tensions continue to soar as Vietnam has issued another devastating attack on Beijing. The two nations have clashed recently, as China looks to increase its territorial gains in the region. With China looking to claim territory under its nine-dash line policy, Beijing has come into conflict with several nations within the […]
-
China’s Superpower Status At Risk As Energy Nightmare Intensifies
China has set its sights high – very high – in terms of economic development, aiming to become not just one of the world’s superpowers by 2049 (the 100 year anniversary of the People’s Republic of China) but the leading superpower worldwide. With such lofty goals China has barreled full-speed ahead toward the future, and […]