The Quad At A Crossroads
When the Quad was first conceived as a strategic coalition of the Indo-Pacific’s four leading democracies, many doubted that it would amount to much.
US “To Respond” If China Puts Base On Solomons
United States (US) officials visiting the strategic Solomon Islands on Friday warned of serious repercussions if China were to establish a permanent military presence there after the Pacific nation signed a defence pact with Beijing.A White House delegation in the capital Honiara delivered the stern warning on the same day that China's ambassador attended an event with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare – a sign of the importance both nations are according to the small island state.The US
ASEAN’s Diplomatic ‘Dance’ With US, China
In Greek mythology, Icarus – in trying to escape a bad situation – became reckless and flew too close to the sun, plunged into the sea and perished. This ancient parable has current relevance in Southeast Asia.
Defence and security cooperation in ASEAN
Now more than ever, Southeast Asia has to be united on all fronts, with cooperation in defence and security a pivotal cog in the machinery that is ASEAN. Among the many concerns that have to be addressed are China’s persistent encroachment into the South China Sea, the creation of terrorist cells in the region, as well as the rise of cyber-attacks on ASEAN’s digital frontier. Although these apprehensions are not new, the threats to regional order from these worries are growing.
Strong ties between ASEAN and New Zealand
Since its inception in 1967, ASEAN’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. The economic, social, and political dimensions within the region have been refined, leveraging on nascent interest from other global players. New Zealand is just one of the players which have established rapport with the monolith that is ASEAN.The ASEAN-New Zealand bond is not new, with both parties having celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2015.
The ASEAN approach to counter-terrorism
On October 23, 2017, ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) defence ministers gathered in Manilla for the 11th ADMM (ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting) which focused on violence, extremism and transnational terrorism.