Vietexplorer2024

Emphasizing mutual respect and trust, China and India are taking steps to improve their bilateral relations. During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China is ready to work with India to implement important common understandings, strengthen mutual trust, and properly settle differences. This positive development comes ahead of the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives, which will be held between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The talks are expected to focus on border issues and finding a mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question. According to India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the disengagement between the two countries in Eastern Ladakh has been fully achieved, and peace and tranquility in the border areas are crucial for the development of their relationship. In October 2023, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along...

According to the Financial Post, the IMF predicts China’s growth rate to reach 4.5% in 2025, despite several measures taken to boost the country’s economy, such as increased net exports and additional funds. China’s challenges extend beyond its borders, as its ongoing trade war with the United States has resulted in new tariffs imposed by both nations, creating economic repercussions worldwide. IMF Deputy Director Gita Gopinath has drawn attention to the US-China tensions and their global impact. “We are observing geopolitically driven trade shifts worldwide,” she noted during a media briefing, adding that “while overall trade to GDP remains stable, the dynamics of who trades with whom are definitely changing.” In 2024, the number of trade tariffs between China, the EU, and the US has increased. Both the EU and the US have cited unfair trade practices and overmanufacturing by China as reasons for imposing higher tariffs, as local industry players feel disadvantaged. China h...

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Hanoi commenced with a meeting with General Secretary and President To Lam at the Party Central Committee Headquarters. The two leaders agreed to strengthen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership through party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and cultural exchanges. Peace and stability in the East Sea were also highlighted as mutual priorities. Premier Li emphasized China’s commitment to developing strong relations with Vietnam, stating that it is a priority in their neighborhood diplomacy. He affirmed China’s consistent support for Vietnam’s renewal, development, and socialist ideals. On October 13, Premier Li and his delegation paid their respects to President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted an official welcoming ceremony for Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the same day. During their talks, the two prime ministers announced the openi...

Japan has asserted its intention to counter Chinese military aggression, signaling a tougher stance on regional security matters. This shift in policy comes as no surprise given the increasing incursions by Chinese naval vessels, aircraft, and spy planes into Japanese territory, which Tokyo deems a severe threat to its sovereignty. The Japanese government, led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, recognizes the urgency of addressing China’s military trends. In a statement, Hayashi conveyed a strong sense of crisis regarding China’s series of incursions into Japanese airspace and territorial waters. Japan is committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its interests and contribute to regional stability. This assertive approach aligns with the broader international support for ‘freedom of navigation’ and a rules-based international order. Bec Strating, an international relations expert, observes that Japan’s actions are consistent with a growing trend amon...

A Chinese military helicopter soars through the skies in this photo from April 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Greg Baker/AFP) On Monday, a Chinese military helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft, the Philippine National Security Council (NSC) reported. Despite this incident, the Philippine aircraft was able to complete its mission successfully. This encounter adds to a series of air and sea confrontations between the two nations, centered around disputed areas in the South China Sea. One of the most contentious features is the Scarborough Shoal, located about 200km off the Philippine coast within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It has been occupied by China’s coast guard for over a decade due to its rich fishing grounds and breathtaking turquoise lagoon. China’s claim to the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, is based on its interpretation of ancient maps. However, a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that China’s clai...

Japan Cruise to Victory Over China in World Cup Qualifier Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma gave Japan a comfortable lead in their Group C clash against China, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Endo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a corner opportunity after Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei denied Ritsu Doan’s header moments earlier. The Liverpool midfielder, unmarked on the play, made no mistake with a clinical header off a well-placed ball from Takefusa Kubo. Japan continued to press and create chances. Doan came close to adding a second in the 33rd minute, and Hidemasa Morita hit the side-netting just before halftime. Kaoru Mitoma, just before the break, doubled the lead with a clever header, meeting Doan’s curling center and leaving Wang helpless. The second half saw Japan continue to assert their dominance. Takumi Minamino, set free by Mitoma’s pass, extended their lead in the 52nd minute with a beautiful strike that beat Wang. Minamino secured his brac...

New Zealand’s intelligence agency, the Security Intelligence Service (SIS), has released a report detailing the country’s security threats, specifically calling out foreign interference and cyber-attacks as significant concerns. The report, “New Zealand’s Security Threat Environment,” highlights malicious activities by several nations, with a particular focus on the sophisticated nature of certain attempts that pose a risk to the country’s sovereignty. As a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, alongside the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, New Zealand finds itself entangled in the escalating rivalry between the West and China. The timing of the report’s release coincides with the country’s ongoing discussions on navigating the complexities of this geopolitical competition. While acknowledging the global nature of foreign interference, the report and New Zealand’s Director General of Security, Andrew Hampton, emphasize the difficulty in tracing such activities...