Current Affairs
Supply Chain Disruption, International Trade, Economic Fissures
Ship owners face criminal charges for massive Philippine oil spill
On February 28, 2023, the oil tanker M/T Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, sank in Oriental Mindoro, causing extensive environmental damage
Make seafaring great again
An overwhelming 80 percent of global goods are transported by ships and this fact places the maritime industry at the center of global trade, connecting
Global trade takes heavy toll from geopolitical tension
In an era defined by interconnectedness and globalization, geopolitical tension has emerged as a significant force that negatively impacts numerous facets of human existence. The
Philippines probes Chinese cyanide fishing in disputed South China Sea waters
The Philippine government is currently investigating claims made by Filipino fishermen that foreign fishers were using cyanide to fish in
Filipino civilian-led West Philippine Sea supply mission defies Chinese blockade
The Atin Ito! coalition, in a historic mission on December 10, 2023, is the first civilian-led humanitarian convoy bearing daily
Fukushima treated water release in line with international safety standards, new IAEA report confirms
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Task Force conducting a safety review of Japan’s discharge of treated water
Defend free press in Philippines, activists tell UN
The freedom of expression is under attack in the Philippines and the United Nations is looking into it. In late January,
Disinformation tops global risks, says new research
China’s quest for global dominance continues to drive belligerent foreign policies
China, presently the world’s second-largest economy with the third most powerful military, under supreme leader Xi Jinping’s leadership, aims to position itself as the global
Taiwanese voters defy China’s threats, herald in new democratic era
In 2024, more than 40 countries around the world will hold elections, and Taiwan’s election in January, the first one, has garnered overwhelming global attention
China’s disinformation, coercion campaigns fail to convince Taiwan’s voters
On January 13, the world, particularly the U.S. and China, watched Taiwan’s election with bated breath. After a three-way race, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s presidential
Xi’s calls for peace following APEC summit at odd with China’s continued pugilism
On November 17, Chinese authoritarian leader Xi Jinping reinforced his country’s position in adhering to a path of development as he concluded his first visit
Upcoming Taiwan elections to decide on China ties
How much did China gain from Xi-Biden summit in San Francisco?
Rise of online disinformation amid Israeli-Hamas war
China flexes propaganda muscles to reshape global opinion
Muslim Filipinos urge ceasefire in Gaza
Long arm of China’s propaganda
Communist China fails to assure foreign investors
In early November, U.S. mutual fund giant Vanguard finalized its exit from the Chinese market. Vanguard is the latest foreign company to pull out of
Fears of China using central bank digital currencies for surveillance, persecution
On September 19, Florida governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis slammed central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as well as current U.S. leader Joe Biden
Former Filipino president Duterte issues death threat against lawmaker
In October, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte issued a death threat against progressive lawmaker France Castro, sparking outrage in the country. On October 24, Castro,
Advocates continue to oppose China-backed reclamation projects in Manila Bay
“Save Our Sunset, Save Manila Bay” This was the call of environmental groups that continue to oppose the reclamation projects in Manila Bay in Metro
China values nationalism over economic competitiveness
September was an eventful month for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Firstly, a leading university in northwest China, Xi’an Jiaotong University, removed English tests as
The China model is unable to deliver continued prosperity
China’s economy, which once seemed unstoppable and was feted by foreign governments and business leaders eager to get on the gravy train, is now plagued
Fashion that hurts. A look at China’s fragile hearts
Emotional offenses may soon be outlawed in Communist China. In September 2023, the legislature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) suggested revisions to a law
Free press safeguards democracy, ensures prosperity
While the impact of a free press on societal progress is multifaceted, chiefs among the major benefits are safeguarding democracy, and ensuring transparent, accurate and
A hell week for human rights in the Philippines
Yet again, Filipino military task force is accused of human rights abuses
China’s economy is crumbling but Xi still focuses on political control
Global upheavals in next six months due to geopolitical tensions, say chief risk officers
Having right values makes the world a better place
Toxic leadership: Poison in the office
85% of business leaders view social issues as urgent concerns, finds new survey
Filipinos oppose foreign ownership of vital industries
Currently, politicians and their allies are trying to amend the Philippine constitution to allow 100 percent foreign ownership of and
Disruptions in key shipping routes signal unprecedented challenges for global trade
According to The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s new report, attacks on Red Sea shipping have severely affected
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