Tag: Asia Pacific
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Russia and China launch massive “Ocean-2024” drills amid rising U.S. tensions
Russia launched massive naval and air drills on September 10, 2024, known as “Ocean-2024,” involving over 400 naval vessels, at least 120 military aircraft, and upwards of 90,000 troops. The exercise includes forces from China and will run until September 16, with at least 15 countries invited to observe. Chinese…
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U.S. and Philippines conclude Tempest Wind 2024 counterterrorism exercise
The Philippines and the United States have successfully wrapped up the Tempest Wind 2024 (TW24) interagency counterterrorism exercise, held in the Philippines. Designed as a crisis action mission rehearsal, TW24 focused on contingency operations and assessed both nations’ ability to plan, coordinate, and execute counterterrorism strategies under current policies and…
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Chinese official urges U.S. to see its population as an asset during trade talks
During trade discussions on September 8, 2024, senior Chinese official Wang Shouwen emphasized that China’s substantial population should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the United States. Wang, the vice-minister of commerce, shared this perspective with Marisa Lago, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International…
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Indonesian police detain seven over foiled attack on Pope Francis
Indonesian police have detained seven people in connection with a failed plot to attack Pope Francis, who recently completed the first part of his Asia-Pacific tour. The arrests took place in Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi, West Sumatra, and the Bangka Belitung Islands. The detainees, found with items such as bows, arrows,…
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Bangladesh Chief Adviser calls for Sheikh Hasina’s return from India for trial
Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial for alleged atrocities. In a recent interview with the Press Trust of India released on September 5, 2024, Yunus highlighted the interim government’s determination to…
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U.S. is Losing Southeast Asia to China
The recent shift in perceptions among Southeast Asian countries highlights a growing preference for China over the United States. According to a 2024 survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, for the first time, more respondents from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries prefer aligning with China rather than the…
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Australia-Malaysia Defence Ties and Challenges
[Ananda Wong, Shongjog columnist] As Malaysia prepares for a significant year in 2025—taking over the Chair of ASEAN and celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations with Australia—it is an opportune moment to reflect on the enduring and multifaceted relationship between these two nations. A key pillar of this relationship is…
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South Asia’s Demographic Landscape: Population Trends, Diversity and Challenges
South Asia is home to a significant portion of the world’s population, with over two billion people as of recent estimates. This region includes some of the most populous countries on Earth. India India has the largest population in South Asia and is the second-most populous country in the world,…
