A major aim of China’s aggressive actions is to derail demands at the United Nations for independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. This has led to muscle-flexing all over, writes Lt Gen P. C. Katoch (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Great Nicobar Project: Balancing National Security and Environmental Responsibility in Face of Looming Chinese Presence
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a natural strategic advantage. Often described as “unsinkable aircraft carriers,” they provide an ideal platform for surveillance, deterrence, and force projection across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. With modern aircraft, naval assets, and refuelling capabilities, India can monitor vast maritime spaces from these islands.
UAE's OPEC Exit: Pivoting of China-Centric Energy Diplomacy and Changing Global Order
The exit suits the relative aspirations of both nations. UAE with its world-class port infrastructure, financial centers, and geographical position linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, is uniquely positioned to give a push to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This newfound independence of UAE makes it a perfect match for China’s preference for flexible bilateral relations over the rigid multilateral regional forums.
How Myanmar’s State has Hollowed Out: Need for Engagement With Nonstate Actors
Myanmar’s unfolding reality demands a fundamental shift in how it is perceived and addressed by the international community. Treating the country as a unified state under a single authority is no longer tenable, and policies built on that assumption will continue to fall short. The challenge now lies in adapting to a fragmented political order while seeking pathways toward stability and eventual reconciliation.
Myanmar Election: Lack of Consolidated Initiative Leads to Return of Military Rule
The external support by China and Russia lent support to the Tatmadaw, especially during the elections, and while ASEAN and western powers have refused to accept the legitimacy of the election, many of the immediate neighbours like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand prefer what they see as stability under the military, given their cross-border concerns.
More on Indo Pacific - China Watch
'Wuhan Diary' releases in India in ebook format
The much-talked-about 'Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City' by well-known Chinese literary writer Fang Fang, has released in India in the ebook format
China rejects India’s objection to dam in Gilgit-Baltistan
China on Friday rejected India’s objection to the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam in the Gilgit-Baltistan region - whose sovereignty is contested by India - saying that the economic cooperation between China and Pakistan was aimed at promoting development and improving the well-being of the local population
Time to strengthen Quad to counter China’s influence
There is a geopolitical dimension to the COVID-19 tsunami that continues to leave in its wake thousands of deaths across the world
China offers to restart development work in Sri Lanka
Chinese President Xi Jinping is suggesting that China and Sri Lanka gradually resume practical cooperation in various fields, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua has reported
Pakistan's WAPDA signs Rs442b deal with Power China-FWO
An agreement worth Rs442 billion with a joint venture of Power China and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) was signed on Wednesday for the construction of a diversion system, main dam, access bridge and 21-megawatt Tangir hydroelectric power project
Chinese People’s Liberation Army provides protective material to Sri Lankan army fighting COVID-19 pandemic
At the request of Sri Lanka, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has sent an Air Force aircraft carrying a consignment of required personal protective clothing and other supplies for COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control to the Sri Lanka Army
China reiterates support for Afghanistan peace, development
The Chinese ambassador to Kabul, Mr. Wang Yu, has assured his country’s support to a stable and developed Afghanistan
Chinese chopper spotted near LAC, India rushes fighters to border
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday scrambled fighter jets along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China in Ladakh, after China flew military choppers close to the LAC
Lessons to be learned from China's COVID-19 handling
The bottom line is this: China has been less than truthful, manipulated messages, behaved autocratically, turned the pandemic into a geopolitical football game of blame and shame, and not been forthcoming about how the novel coronavirus started nor accepted any responsibility for its consequences, writes Frank F Islam for South Asia Monitor
Pakistani students stranded in Wuhan to begin flying back
Pakistan has decided to bring back via special flights its students stuck in Wuhan, China, ground zero of the novel coronavirus
Chinese Nationals In Nepal Should Follow Nepali Laws: Chinese Embassy
The Chinese embassy in Nepal has instructed Chinese nationals in Nepal to strictly abide by the laws and regulations and the lockdown measures adopted in Nepal
China-based Afghan traders, students assist health facilities
Afghan traders and university students residing and studying in China, have donated medical equipment cost some one million dollars to the ministry of public health, the ministry said
Sri Lanka to get another stock of test kits, medical supplies from China
China will be sending by air another stock of medical supplies, including test kits, to Sri Lanka tomorrow in response to the urgent need of the government, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said
Can Beijing absorb the blowback of Wuhan Virus?
With the magnitude of deaths inflicted by the Wuhan Virus worldwide, a response is inevitable in due course of time in whatever form, writes Lt Gen P. C. Katoch (retd). for South Asia Monitor
