CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — A tropical storm has triggered widespread flooding and a landslide in the southern Philippines, resulting in at least eight deaths and displacing over 28,000 people, officials reported Friday. Storm’s Impact and Current Status Tropical Storm Penha made landfall in the southeastern province of Surigao del Sur late Thursday. As of … Read more
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration Wednesday announced plans to establish a critical minerals trading bloc with allies, aiming to counter China’s dominance in the supply of elements essential for technologies ranging from smartphones to fighter jets. The initiative seeks to stabilize prices and ensure access to these vital resources. Building a Counterbalance to China Vice … Read more
Gold and Silver: Navigating the New Normal in a Volatile World The recent swings in gold and silver prices – a dramatic surge followed by a sharp correction – have left investors questioning what’s next. While the initial rally was fueled by geopolitical uncertainty and a weakening dollar, the subsequent dip highlights the inherent volatility … Read more
The Cracks in the Dollar’s Foundation: How Trump’s Trade Wars Are Reshaping the Global Economy For decades, the U.S. dollar has reigned supreme as the world’s reserve currency. But a quiet revolution is underway, fueled by the unpredictable trade policies of recent years and a growing desire among nations to diversify away from American economic … Read more
Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign investment in its mineral-rich Balochistan province face significant headwinds following a surge in violence. In September, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, presented a display of minerals to United States President Donald Trump, signaling a willingness to open the country’s resources to US investment. However, recent … Read more
The Shifting Sands of Global Power: Why Allies Are Warming Up to China For decades, the geopolitical landscape was largely defined by a clear alignment: the United States and its allies versus China. But a fascinating shift is underway. As Western nations, including Canada, the UK, and Germany, actively pursue stronger ties with Beijing, the … Read more
Nipah Virus: Beyond the Current Outbreak – What the Future Holds The recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, triggering heightened health alerts across Asia, isn’t just a localized health crisis. It’s a stark reminder of the growing threat of zoonotic diseases and a preview of potential future challenges. While current concerns center on … Read more
Southeast Asian diplomats convened in Cebu, Philippines, this week facing mounting pressure to address two critical regional challenges: Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and the need for a binding agreement governing conduct in the South China Sea. Myanmar’s Protracted Crisis The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a bloc of 11 nations, has struggled to assert … Read more
The Panda Diplomacy Pause: What Japan’s Loss Signals for Global Soft Power The recent return of the last two pandas to China from Japan marks more than just the end of a 50-year era of cuddly diplomacy. It’s a stark illustration of how geopolitical tensions are reshaping the landscape of soft power, and a potential … Read more
South Korea’s Political Earthquake: A Look at the Future of Presidential Power and Political Scandals The recent sentencing of Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, to 20 months in prison for corruption, coupled with Yoon’s impending verdict on rebellion charges, marks a pivotal moment in South Korean politics. This … Read more