TCSS Security Commentaries #025 On May 16, both Finland and Sweden officialized their adhesion process to join NATO. It is a historical step in ending both countries' non-alignment policies. Lina Laur, Sciences Po Paris Moscow violated the Budapest Memorandum of Understanding (1994) by invading Ukraine and violating its territorial integrity. It also triggered Finland and … Continue reading Finland and Sweden joining NATO reshapes European geopolitical landscape
Inaugural Japan-Philippines “2+2” meeting reaffirms commitment to Free and Open Indo-Pacific
TCSS Security Commentaries #025 With the inaugural "2+2" meeting, Japan and the Philippines took a step forward to foster greater security cooperation and demonstrate Japan's willingness to commit to a more vital role in the region. Angelo Brian T. Castro, Taiwan Center for Security Studies (Source: Ministry of Defense, Japan) In April, the Japanese Minister … Continue reading Inaugural Japan-Philippines “2+2” meeting reaffirms commitment to Free and Open Indo-Pacific
In Vietnam, the New “Four Pillars” and the Desire for National Prosperity
Security Commentaries #012 This time, the party leadership team will propel Vietnam towards a more prominent role and position within the regional geopolitical fabric. Thuong Nguyen From left to right: National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Source: Vietnam News Agency. … Continue reading In Vietnam, the New “Four Pillars” and the Desire for National Prosperity
Chief U.S. Gasoline Pipeline Struck Down by “Darkside”
Ransomware strike closes down major U.S. pipeline- Colonial Pipeline delivers 45% of the fuel consumed on the East Coast. Aswini Kumar and Thuong Nguyen Earlier last month, the Colonial Pipeline Company in Linden, New Jersey, which provides the primary source of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for half of the U.S. eastern coast, became the … Continue reading Chief U.S. Gasoline Pipeline Struck Down by “Darkside”
Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting 2021
The Council approves ten years strategic plan and the incoming Russian chairmanship. Evgenii Iastrubinskii A ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council took place on May 20, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Ministers and Representatives of eight Arctic States and six indigenous Permanent Participant organizations discussed issues relating to international cooperation on sustainable development of the Arctic and … Continue reading Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting 2021
“Shutting The Stable Door After The Horse Has Bolted”: The Surge of Covid Crisis in India
Just months ago, India avowed an endgame to the pandemic, COVID-19 infections were dropping. The health minister heaped praise on the Prime Minister as well as the export of vaccines to developing nations Aswini Kumar From statistics and observations in the past months, the transmission has increased profusely, the new strain has so many variations … Continue reading “Shutting The Stable Door After The Horse Has Bolted”: The Surge of Covid Crisis in India
Taiwan and Global Health: Challenges to International Membership
President Tsai-Ing Wen expresses gratitude for Taiwan supporters despite another failed attempt to be included in WHA meeting. Angelo Brian T. Castro Source: Tsai-Ing Wen’s Social Media Post (@iingwen) Since 2019, Taiwan was declared by Numbeo’s Health Care Index, the world's largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, as the best healthcare … Continue reading Taiwan and Global Health: Challenges to International Membership
BRICS and Quad: India’s Strategic Autonomy to Balance China
A CONTINUED BEIJING’S BELLIGERENCE AGAINST INDIA MAY FURTHER TILT NEW DELHI TOWARDS QUAD, WHILE NOT COMPLETELY ABANDONING THE BRICS SPACE FOR BEIJING. Veeresh Kanduri On June 1, the Foreign Ministers of BRICS—a grouping of five nations spread over four continents including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—held the annual meeting virtually online, as it is … Continue reading BRICS and Quad: India’s Strategic Autonomy to Balance China
Adding Colors to the Gray-Zone: The Philippines’ changing views on the South China Sea
The Philippines gradually finds its way back in asserting its rights to the disputed sea as more countries send their forces to patrol the area. Angelo Brian T. Castro Source: CNN Philippines The month of May has been a rollercoaster ride to the watchers of the South China Sea and the disputed areas in regional … Continue reading Adding Colors to the Gray-Zone: The Philippines’ changing views on the South China Sea
The Achilles Heel of NATO’s New Horizon: Sino-Turkish Rapprochement
The NATO Summit in Brussel represents a milestone in several ways. The US firmly attempts to reassure its allies, and the Alliance expanded its political agenda to address threats emanating from growing China. However, China-Turkey rapprochement will likely be the Achilles' heels of the new agenda. Harun Talha Ayanoğlu Out of Brussels this week from … Continue reading The Achilles Heel of NATO’s New Horizon: Sino-Turkish Rapprochement
Taiwan Center for Security Studies 