Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Ukraine War Strains Putin's Grip as Public Complaints Mount
Russia's inability to secure a quick victory in Ukraine has sparked unusually harsh public criticism of President Vladimir Putin's leadershi
Trump's Iran War Claims Unravel as Reality Sets In
US officials now argue the Iran war ended in America's favor a month ago, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Trump's shifting goals an
Iran Uses Petroyuan Tariffs in Strait of Hormuz to Reshape Global Energy Trade
Iran is introducing tariffs in Chinese yuan for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, potentially generating $40-50 billion annually. Thi
Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing to Tackle Iran Oil, Taiwan, and Trade Tensions
The long-awaited Trump-Xi summit in Beijing will address Iranian oil sanctions, Taiwan arms sales, and trade tensions. US officials warn of
Drones and Ancient Revolutions: Lessons from the Chariot and Composite Bow
The drone revolution in modern warfare echoes ancient military innovations like the chariot and composite bow. These historical parallels of
Balikatan 2025: How Joint Drills in the Philippines Forge Hard and Psychological Power
Troops from seven nations train in the northern Philippines, an area critical to any potential Taiwan contingency. The drills also strengthe
US-Japan Missile Drills Turn Philippines Into Forward Base in Pacific Rivalry
US and Japanese forces fired live missiles from Philippine soil for the first time during Balikatan exercises. The drills underscore Manila'
Hormuz Crisis Accelerates Asia's Strategic Pivot to the Arctic
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is forcing Asian economies to rethink energy security, accelerating a pivot to Arctic routes. Japan and China le
Iran's Millennia of Resistance: A Civilization Unbowed by Foreign Threats
Iran has never been colonized, despite invasions from Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Western powers. This deep-rooted resilience shapes its res
Saudi Arabia's Cold Realism: Hedging as Strategy, Not Sentiment
Riyadh's hedging is not a phase but a deliberate strategy to diversify security and economic ties. The Iran war has vindicated, not reversed
Rubio's 'Economic Nuke' Warning Exposes Flaw in US Hormuz Strategy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio correctly identified Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as an 'economic nuclear weapon.' However, the
China's J-35AE Export to Pakistan Could Destabilize Nuclear Balance with India
China may supply Pakistan with the J-35AE stealth fighter, enhancing Islamabad's ability to strike deep into India. This move could unsettle