Category: Asia-Pacific
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Asia-Pacific Geopolitical Risk 2026
This report evaluates geopolitical risks in Asia-Pacific in 2026, focusing on the rivalry between the United States and China.
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Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand: implications for Chinese interests in Southeast Asia
This report analyses the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting how it can impact Chinese regional interests and represents a growing element of instability in Southeast Asia.
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25th Anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia
This report provides an assessment and analysis of the 25th Anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the period of changing geopolitical environment in world politics.
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Sanae Takaichi’s New Cabinet and Japan’s Geostrategic Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region
Executive summary This report examines the political implications of Sanae Takaichi’s election as Prime Minister of Japan and its impact on regional security and international relations.
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Denuclearisation and regional security: the contrast between North Korea’s position and South Korea’s vision
This report presents the core findings concerning Kim Jong-un’s recent comments on North Korea’s nuclear policy, South Korea’s stance on phased arms control, and the potential impact on the United States, China, and overall regional stability.
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India-Central Asia’s Trade and Economic Performance Between Opportunities and Challenges
This report assesses the current scale, constraints and strategic implications of commerce between India and the Central Asian states, based on the recent findings published by the Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank.
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Protests and Political Crisis in Nepal: Intel Brief
This report examines the immediate economic and political consequences in Nepal stemming from youth-led protests across the country, which were sparked by the government’s social media ban, as well as wider issues of corruption and youth unemployment.
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Reconnecting India and Central Asia in a Changing Geopolitical Environment
This report provides an assessment and overview of India’s foreign relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) based on an established new kind of platform as well as special relations in security, climate change, ICT, and trans-terror.
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Russian–Chinese Naval Exercise “Maritime Interaction–2025” in Asia-Pacific
From 1 to 5 August 2025, the Russian Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) are conducting a bilateral naval exercise entitled Maritime Interaction – 2025 in the Sea of Japan/East Sea.
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Thailand-Cambodia Military Escalation: Intelligence Briefing
Thailand’s use of airstrikes against Cambodian military positions marks the most serious military escalation along the border in over a decade.
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North Korea’s Military Supplies to Russia Strengthen Its Economy and Geopolitical Standing
North Korea has significantly enhanced its economic position through unprecedented military and economic collaboration with the Russian Federation.
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France’s Agreement on the State of New Caledonia: Strategic Accommodation or Deferred Independence?
France and New Caledonia’s leaders reached a landmark agreement in July 2025 to create a “State of New Caledonia” within France, changing the territory’s political standing.
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Korean Peninsula: Strategic Crossroads in the Asia-Pacific Rivalry
This report assesses the geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the Korean Peninsula for China, the United States, and Russia within the strategic context of the northern Asia-Pacific.
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Geopolitics of China-Pakistan’s Relations
This report examines the evolution of bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, contextualising them within Beijing’s broader strategic interests in South Asia and the Arabian Sea.
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Dynamics and Geopolitical Interests in China-Nepal Relations
This report analyses the bilateral relations between China and Nepal, considering Beijing’s interests in South Asia according to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. We examine the economic and strategic dynamics defining cooperation between the two countries, assessing the impact of the PRC’s growing influence on Nepal’s domestic affairs.
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India-Pakistan’s Military Escalation Following Kashmir Terror Attack
India and Pakistan are engaged in their most severe military confrontation since 1971, triggered by a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. This report assesses the sequence of military actions, evaluates geopolitical implications, and outlines the risks of further escalation.
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North Korea’s Establishment of Research Centre 227: Cyber Warfare Enhancement
North Korea has established a new cyber warfare unit, Research Centre 227, under the General Staff Reconnaissance Bureau. The centre develops offensive hacking technology that employs artificial intelligence (AI) for cyber espionage, financial plundering, and network disruption
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The Kra Canal: A Controversial Infrastructure for The Asia-Pacific
This report aims to investigate the historical evolution of the Kra Canal, its impact on the economies of South East Asian countries and then identify the geopolitical risks associated with this infrastructure project.
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The Ukraine Conflict’s Impact on Russia-China Relations and Asia-Pacific Security Dynamics
This report analyses the influence of the Ukrainian conflict on Moscow and Beijing’s economic-military relations and their respective perspectives the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.
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India’s Balanced Foreign Policy in The Multipolar Era
This report analyses India’s developing geopolitical positioning, the affects of recent sanctions on Indian entities linked to Russian transactions, and the strategic implications for decision-makers.
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South Korea: Analysis of the Recent Political and Institutional Crisis
On December 3rd, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law, citing threats to democratic institutions. This unprecedented action caused a major political and institutional crisis, leading to Yoon’s impeachment and arrest. The instability has raised concerns among key global actors, including the United States, the European Union, China, and Japan.
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Indonesia: Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities
By examining Indonesia’s geo-economic value and development policies, the report based on international, local sources, and previous SpecialEurasia’s monitoring activities, aims to outline prospects for further growth of the national economy.
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Myanmar’s Armed Groups and Criminal Enterprises: The Case of Shan State
This report, based on open sources and publicly available information (PAI), aims at analysing the geopolitical risk and criminal scenarios in Myanmar, particularly focusing on the Shan State.
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China’s Role and Influence in Myanmar’s Democratic Process
Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 49 Issue 1 Author: Antonio Graceffo For over seventy years, the people of Burma have fought relentlessly against successive military juntas that have ruled the country with an iron fist, striving for democratic change.
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Iran-Japan Relations: Potential Cooperation Amidst Regional Challenges
This report provides an analytical review of the developing relationship between Iran and Japan, focusing on areas of mutual interest and the strategic and diplomatic challenges that may affect this cooperation. The analysis also highlights complexities arising from Japan’s alignment with the United States and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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North Korea’s Troops Deployment to Russia: Analysis of Regional Security Risks and the Ukraine Conflict
North Korea’s choice to send troops to support Russia in Ukraine is a significant change in global dynamics that could affect security in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
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Myanmar War: China’s Support for Ethnic Armed Groups
China’s involvement in Myanmar (Burma), particularly in supporting ethnic military alliances, is a complex and evolving issue. China has strategic interests in Myanmar, including economic investments, infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and a desire to maintain stability in its neighboring country and trade partner.
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North Korea Sends Troops to Ukraine: Why Matters?
The recent defence pact established between Russia and North Korea represents a notable escalation in Eurasian geopolitical dynamics, carrying the potential for wide-ranging consequences. Following the signing of this agreement, according to Seoul’s sources, there is the eventuality that Pyongyang will deploy military engineering units to support Russian forces in the Ukrainian conflict.
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Intel Report: Vladimir Putin’s Visit to North Korea
On June 19th, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a landmark visit to Pyongyang, marking his first visit to North Korea in almost a quarter-century. This visit signifies a deepening of the already complex and strategic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, driven by mutual geopolitical interests and a shared opposition to U.S. influence.
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Intel Report: Russia-Iran-India Coal Export Initiative
Russia is bolstering its energy relations with India through a strategic partnership involving Iran for coal exports, leveraging the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to facilitate coal exports.
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South Korea-Africa Summit: A New Dawn in Bilateral Relations
The inaugural South Korea-Africa Summit, held on June 5-6, 2024, near Seoul, marks a historic shift in the economic and trade relations between South Korea and Africa.
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Japan-Kazakhstan Investment Assessment: Energy, Resources, and Beyond
This report explores the historical background influencing the current discussions between Kazakhstan and Japan. It then examines the potential economic benefits that could arise from this dialogue and explores the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for both nations.
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Geopolitics of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Since 2013, the People’s Republic of China has recognised the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) as a crucial territory for safeguarding interests in Southeast Asia, specifically addressing the concern of the Malacca dilemma. By evaluating the geographical and economic factors, the analysis seeks to grasp the geopolitical significance that Beijing places on the LPDR.
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The Geopolitical Dynamics of the Korean Peninsula in China-South Korea Relations
In the backdrop of a three-nation military exercise involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan in the East China Sea, this report delves into the intricate geopolitical landscape surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Analysing the growing relations between China and South Korea, we scrutinise the multifaceted factors influencing Beijing’s strategic calculus.
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Geopolitical Implications in Asia-Pacific of Nauru’s Diplomatic Shift Towards China
Nauru’s recent decision to transition diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China has far-reaching consequences, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape in the Pacific region. This strategic move aligns with the broader trend of nations prioritising economic ties with Beijing over historical diplomatic affiliations. As the number of nations recognising Taiwan dwindles, the dynamics of regional alliances and security structures are evolving.
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The role of Thailand in China’s strategy in the Asia-Pacific
This report delves into the intricate details of the China-Thailand collaboration, aiming to dissect the implications of their alliance and shed light on potential future strategies that China may employ to solidify its position in the Thai market. The evolving dynamics between these two nations hold implications not only for their bilateral relations but also for the broader geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Busan Economic Forum: Strengthening Trade Ties between South Korea and Central Asia
In an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world, the recent Busan Economic Forum has confirmed Seoul and the Central Asian republics’ interests to strengthen economic and trade relations, positioning South Korea amidst a dynamic landscape shaped by global powers as well as pivotal regional actors.
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Prospects and Pitfalls: The Road Ahead for Turkey-ASEAN Relations
Turkey’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has evolved into a strategic endeavour, marked by Ankara’s quest for deeper economic, diplomatic, and cultural connections.
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Unveiling the Shadows: Understanding the Ongoing Terrorism Threat in the Philippines
The recent counterterrorism operation conducted in the Lanao del Sur province of the Philippines has brought terrorism to the forefront in this Asian nation.
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Myanmar Conflict Implications for U.S. National Security
To counter a rising China, the U.S. should revise its definition of the Indian Ocean area of responsibility, and formulate a plan dedicated specifically to the Bay of Bengal and Myanmar.
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The Struggle to Save Japan’s Ageing Society
Japan has one of the fastest-declining fertility rates and one of the highest rates of ageing in the world. The Japanese government is trying to reduce this problem through social, economic, and demographic policies.
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India’s cultural diplomacy in Turkmenistan in the framework of Central Asian geopolitics
Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 29 Issue 8 Author: Guido Keller India and Turkmenistan discussed expanding cultural cooperation confirming New Delhi’s strategy in Central Asia and Ashgabat’s desire to diversify and enhance its collaboration and ties with regional actors.
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Vietnam and Uzbekistan seek to expand economic cooperation
Since Uzbekistan and Vietnam are expanding their economic cooperation and relations, Tashkent might promote its role in Central Asia as a regional interconnector. At the same time, Hanoi might support its foreign policy by establishing a strategic partnership with international and regional actors.
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Il ruolo della Cambogia nell’espansione cinese nel sud-est asiatico
Considerando la posizione geostrategica che la Cambogia detiene nella regione del Sud-Est Asia e il rapporto economico che lega Phnom Penh a Pechino, la Repubblica Popolare Cinese ha sviluppato una strategia volta a rafforzare i legami e trasformare lo Stato cambogiano in un elemento fondamentale della sua politica estera regionale.
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China – Indonesia relations and the Strait of Malacca: geopolitical analysis and risk assessment
Due to Malacca’s geopolitical centrality, China has strengthened economic-diplomatic dialogue and relations with Southeast Asian countries, especially Indonesia.
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The crisis on the Korean Peninsula and the effects on the geopolitical balance in the East China Sea
The current situation in the Korean Peninsula represents a severe threat to economic-strategic stability in the East China Sea geo-maritime space for the United States, the People’s Republic of China, and the Russian Federation.
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Xi Jinping and the 20th Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Congress
On October 16th, 2022, Xi Jinping opened the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in a speech lasting about two hours, outlining the main challenges that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will have to face in the coming years to pursue the China Dream policy design.
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The geopolitical value of Myanmar in China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Due to its geographical position in the Asia-Pacific, Myanmar plays a strategic role in China’s regional policy, especially in connection with the Malacca Dilemma.
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How can the United States and Japan strengthen their alliance against Russia and China?
The United States and Japan have intensified their military, commercial and diplomatic cooperation to counter Russia and China’s strategy in the Asia-Pacific and strengthen Washington’s foreign policy Pivot to Asia.
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The People’s Republic of China and the ‘Third Pole’ Water Resources Management
Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 23 Issue 2 – In recent years, the People’s Republic of China has heavily invested in renewable resources, particularly in the hydropower sector. Under the Xi Jinping administration, this energy sector has progressively assumed a role in sustaining part of the electricity demand of both the industrial and civil sectors.
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Eastern Economic Forum 2022 as a new stage in relations between Russia and India
In the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum 2022, we met Dr Shoaib Khan to analyse the current state of relations between Russia and India, key areas of cooperation and expectations from the Forum.
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Nancy Pelosi’s visit to South Korea confirmed the U.S. partnership with Seoul
Nancy Pelosi’s visit to South Korea highlighted Seoul’s role in Washington’s Asia-Pacific strategy to contrast North Korea’s military threat in the Korean Peninsula and, at the regional level, confront the rising Chinese presence.
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Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan: will the United States reinforce the Pivot to Asia policy?
Nanci Pelosi’s visit to Taipei and the U.S. military manoeuvres in the region confirmed Washington’s interests in the Asia-Pacific and the United States’ attempt to achieve political-strategic goals in an area which has experienced the rise of Chinese military and political presence.
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The Sino-Japanese dispute over energy resources in the East China Sea
China and Japan are competing in the East China Sea on the local energy resources considered fundamental in Beijing’s economic and foreign policy and Tokyo’s strategic approach to the Asia-Pacific.
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Rimpac 2022: the most important U.S. manoeuvre in the Pacific
Among the framework of Rimpac 2022, Washington has organised several training activities to enhance interoperability between the U.S. Navy, Amy, Marines and Airforce and the armed forces of allied countries part of the Asia-Pacific region and contrast the rising Chinese threat in the area.
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Vietnam: a disputed land between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
The People’s Republic of China and the United States have embarked on a foreign policy aimed at influencing political and economic dynamics in Vietnam, a republic in the Asia-Pacific which plays a strategic role thanks to its geographical position.
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The US Valiant Shield 22 exercise: a warning to Beijing
US Indo-Pacific Command coordinated the Valiant Shield exercise conducted near the second island chain and in the Philippine Sea to counter the Chinese presence in the Asia-Pacific.
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Hong Kong: The Fall of ‘One Country, Two Systems’
This analysis attempts to understand the Xi Jinping administration’s geopolitical vision for Hong Kong by examining the National security law and the economic-financial interaction between the PRC economy and Fragrant Harbour.
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Analysis of President Biden’s visits to Japan and South Korea
On May 20th-24th, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden paid diplomatic visits to Japan and South Korea to confirm the geopolitical importance the United States attaches to the Asia-Pacific region
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The Sino-American competition in the Pacific region: the case of the Solomon Islands
The United States and its allies will watch closer the growing partnership between China and the Solomon Islands monitoring whether Beijing will manage to build a military base in a country that plays a strategic role in the Pacific.
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The Russian Federation strengthens the Pacific Fleet
The Russian Federation outlined a programme to deploy the Pacific submarine flotilla as the Kremlin’s response to the growing geopolitical instability in the Northwest Asia-Pacific region. In this area, the Russian Federation identifies the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula as the main geostrategic areas
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Joe Biden-ASEAN summit: a U.S. soft power action?
On May 12th – 13th, 2022, President Biden held a summit in Washington with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to counter the political-economic expansionism of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Asia-Pacific region.
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China’s Polar Silk Road and geopolitics of the Arctic zone
Due to its strategic position and natural resources, China has elaborated a Polar Silk Road to play a leading role in the Arctic zone, attempting to develop joint projects with local actors, especially the Russian Federation, opening a new transit route for its goods.
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North Korea-China economic relations and the United Nations sanctions
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) expanded its atomic arsenal to defend its territory from possible aggression by the Republic of Korea, assisted by Washington and Tokyo. At the same time, North Korea has also faced complicated situations caused by United Nations sanctions eased by Chinese economic and geostrategic interests in the Korean Peninsula.
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North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a submarine
North Korea stretched its muscle by launching a short-range submarine ballistic missile, which confirmed that Pyongyang is a decisive military actor in Asia-Pacific that might threaten South Korea and contrast the U.S. presence in the region.
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New ships for the Chinese Navy confirm Beijing’s strategy in Asia-Pacific
On April 21st, 2022, China announced the launch of six new warships and two types of advanced vessel-based helicopters, confirming Beijing’s strategy to play a decisive role in the Asia-Pacific region and contrast U.S. military presence in the area.
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The People’s Republic of China will launch a third aircraft carrier
China showed on national television its military hardware such as the two aircraft carriers Shandong and Liaoning which might be deployed in the South China Sea to expand Beijing’s control and influence in the region.
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Beijing deployed J-20 fighter jets in the South China Sea
Beijing deployed J-20 fighter jets in the South China Sea, confirming its military strategy and geopolitical interests in the region and its will to counter any external military forces in the area.
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U.S. maritime military presence near the Korean peninsula
The U.S. military deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln near the Korean peninsula confirms Washington’s commitment to increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, contrasting North Korea’s threats and assuring its regional allies’ security.
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Russian Federation’s militarisation of the Northwest Asia-Pacific
In the political-strategic vision of the Russian Federation, the Northwest Asia-Pacific region represents a geo-maritime space of high strategic value for the defence of its national interests
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The U.S.-Philippines military exercise ‘Balikatan 2022’
The joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise ‘Balikatan 2022’ is a sign of Washington’s commitment and strategy in the Asia-Pacific to contrast further Chinese expansion in the region and strengthen military and political relations with Manila.
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The United States strengthens the Guam base
The United States has strengthened bases and military resources in Guam underlying the geopolitical and strategic role that the island has and Washington’s desire to counter the Chinese presence and strategies in Asia-Pacific.
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The new North Korean missile platforms and the strategic consequences in the Asia-Pacific.
The recent North Korean missile test alarmed the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrated that Pyongyang has the military infrastructure and hardware to pose a threat to the U.S. interests and military operations in the region.
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Russian-Japanese relations and the Sea of Japan
Due to the political-military instability in the Korean Peninsula, Moscow and Tokyo have increased their monitoring activities in the Sea of Japan to defend their respective geopolitical and strategic interests.
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Japan in the U.S. Pivot to Asia Policy
Since the Obama administration took office, the United States has identified Japan as a key ally to contrast the rapid economic and military growth of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the Asia-Pacific region.
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The Asian coast and its geopolitical influence in the China Dream
In the geopolitical project presented in 2013 by the Xi Jinping Presidency for the Asia-Pacific region called China Dream, Beijing attributed a high degree of geostrategic importance to the coastline of the Asian mainland.
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The Bering Strait, an area of Russian-US geostrategic interest
Within the North Pacific Area, the Bering Strait and the area surrounding are for the Russian Federation and the United States a geo-maritime space of vital importance inherent to the defence of their respective geopolitical interests.
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The Geostrategic Role of the Philippines in Supporting U.S. Interests in the Southwest Asia-Pacific Area
The strategic value attributed by the United States to the archipelago of the Philippines can be traced back to the geopolitical dispute between Washington and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), for the control of some geo-maritime areas between the eastern and southern sides of the China Sea.
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China in 2022: an economic overview
Although China’s economic growth has slowed in recent months due to several COVID-19 outbreaks, energy shortages and a regulatory crackdown in some sectors, the overall economic recovery is stable. Annual GDP growth is expected to reach 8% in 2021, down 0.1 from the July forecast.
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Australia’s Geostrategic Support for the U.S. Pivot to Asia Policy
Since its geostrategic position and military force and considering Washington’s Pivot to Asia policy, Australia is an essential U.S. ally for Chinese containment within the waters of the South China Sea.
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The centrality of the Senkaku Archipelago for geostrategic balances in the East China Sea
The geostrategic importance that the Japanese Senkaku archipelago has assumed in recent years can be traced back to the geopolitical priorities identified by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States recognisable as the two most militarily equipped countries in the north-west Asia-Pacific area.
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The geostrategic role of the Kuril Islands in the Russian foreign policy for the Asia-Pacific Northwest area
For the Russian Federation, since its conquest against the Japanese Empire at the end of World War II, the Kuril Islands have represented an island area of vital geostrategic importance for the defence of its interests in the Asia-Pacific Northwest.
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The geostrategic importance of the Island of Guam in the U.S. policy of containment of Chinese expansionism in the Asia-Pacific.
The Island of Guam in the Asia-Pacific region plays a decisive role for the U.S. military and geopolitical strategy in countering Chinese expansion and influence in the area.
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Chinese militarisation of the South China Sea: a geostrategic necessity?
With the installation of Xi Jinping as head of state in 2012, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has identified the South China Sea as an area of high geopolitical importance for pursuing its geophysical peculiarities of specific political-strategic priorities.
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Geostrategy and military competition in the Korean Peninsula
The political-strategic priorities of the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation and the United States had conferred high geostrategic value to the Korean Peninsula in the North-East Pacific Scenario. In this region, since the totalitarian regime of North Korea hardly coexists with a Western-type State of South Korea, military assets play a fundamental role.
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Geostrategy and military competition in the Pacific
The geostrategic importance that the Pacific Ocean has recently assumed can be traced back to the political-strategic priorities defined by the United States and China, the two most militarily active states within some regions of this Ocean.
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US strategy in Kazakhstan: more investments and economic partnership
According to the new US strategy in Central Asia, the White House is expanding trade partnerships and investments in Kazakhstan, which aspires to improve independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the so-called Stan Countries and strengthen Washington’s presence in one of the most strategic regions in the world.
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The EU strengthens its economic partnership with Vietnam looking to the ASEAN in the future
The European Parliament approved the EU – Vietnam free trade agreement as a sign of Brussels’ major involvement in the ASEAN market. This trade agreement demonstrates that Brussels is building its way to becoming one of the main geopolitical actors in the ASEAN.
24 January 2026 – Online Course in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
This course equips participants with a secure investigative environment, specialised operating systems, and practical case-driven methodologies.