Introduction

The Philippines and India are strengthening their defense and strategic ties as a result of growing tensions between the East Asian country and China over maritime issues in the South China Sea. To counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on April 19, 2024. The BrahMos missile system’s delivery to the Philippines is a major development in their defense cooperation and demonstrates India’s expanding defense sector and strategic alliance with the Philippines. The $375 million deal, signed in 2022, included not only the missiles but three missile batteries, launchers, and related materiel. This delivery signifies a major boost to the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities, particularly in the contested South China Sea region.

BrahMos

The BrahMos missile is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missile and is produced by a joint venture of India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM. With a speed of 2.8 Mach, the BrahMos missile can be launched from air, sea and land platforms. India’s successful testing and integration of the BrahMos missile system into its military has improved its defense capabilities. The BrahMos missile, with a range of 290 kilometers, combined with supersonic speed and spot-on accuracy, making it a powerful deterrent against potential threats. The missiles will be launched by the Philippine Marines, according to Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council.

Strategic Partnership Deepens

This missile transfer underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the Philippines as both countries share concerns about China’s assertive actions in South China Sea. The past year has seen an increase in tensions between the Philippines and China as Beijing advances its claims to territories inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone. This has resulted in clashes between the coastguards of the two nations and other vessels. China and India have also been engaged in a military standoff over past years along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian foreign minister reaffirmed India’s support for the Philippines’ national sovereignty during a visit to Manila last month. Enrique Manalo, his counterpart from the Philippines, asserted that both nations have a very deep interest in maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific Ocean and added that “we are having extensive discussions on defense cooperation, security cooperation on a regular basis in this region.”

A Chinese military WZ-7 Soaring Dragon Drone flew close to the Philippines before to the delivery of Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the country. This also occurred prior to the commencement of the “Balikatan 2024” exercises between the United States and the Philippines. The presence of the drone is considered to be China’s potential show of force in response to these events. To maintain stability in the South China Sea, all countries must prioritize de-escalation and commit to peaceful solutions. Establishing a framework for regional security cooperation is crucial for addressing issues and encouraging dialogue in order to prevent tensions from escalating into a larger conflict.

Introduction

Pakistan has been dealing with the effects of unusual heavy rains and thunderstorms which began on 12th April, 2024. The rate of rainfall in April has been almost twice as high as it has ever recorded. Pakistan normally experiences the monsoon season from June to September, therefore the region’s severe downpours at this time of year are unusual. The relentless downpour resulted in flash floods, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. According to official from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 71 people have died and 61 injured in four days in storm-related accidents in Pakistan, including at least 30 people that were killed by lightning. The Northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen the highest death toll, with 32 fatalities including 15 children and more than 1,300 houses damaged. The KP provincial government issued a flood emergency declaration in 14 districts in order to provide aid and reestablish water supplies and communication networks. Whereas, in Baluchistan, eight people were killed, eight injured and 22 houses and other structures were damaged. Due to the continuing rainfall, the provincial government declared an urban flood emergency in the Quetta district.

Climate Change: A Growing Challenge for Pakistan

Pakistan is among the countries that are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change, with increasing temperatures, variable rainfall patterns, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. Despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions that cause global warming, Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Pakistan has suffered significantly as the climate catastrophe exacerbates extreme weather and climate conditions, including record heat waves and disastrous floods. In 2022, Pakistan experienced one of the worst floods, affecting 33 million people, taking at least 1,700 lives, and submerging more than one-third of the nation. When U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited areas devastated by floods, he said that Pakistanis were “facing a monsoon on steroids the relentless impact of epochal levels of rain and flooding.” With greenhouse gas emissions from the world increasing, Guterres highlighted the lack of efforts regarding climate action. He said, “Let’s quit slumbering as we allow climate change to destroy our planet. It is Pakistan today. It might be your country tomorrow.”

Call for Action

Pakistan is experiencing severe effects from climate change, including altered weather patterns and devastating floods. Unfortunately, these impacts are projected to escalate. The climate issue in Pakistan serves as a clear message for all countries. Developing nations, despite contributing significantly less to greenhouse gas emissions, bear the brunt of its repercussions. Therefore, developed nations should make efforts to reduce emissions and assist underdeveloped countries. Moreover, to enhance resilience and mitigate future disasters, Pakistan urgently requires international assistance and climate financing. This funding would enable the government to establish adaptation measures, enhance infrastructure, and invest in systems capable of protecting its people and dealing with the ever-increasing challenges posed by climate change.

The tragic incident in Shangla District, northwestern Pakistan, where a suicide bomber targeted a vehicle carrying five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, underscores the ongoing and significant security challenges confronting international personnel in Pakistan. This recent attack is particularly disconcerting for stakeholders of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The targeted individuals were en route to a pivotal hydropower project, underscoring the essential nature of their contribution to the region’s energy and infrastructure development. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of attacks that have targeted CPEC projects and personnel in recent years.

The history of attacks on CPEC-related targets is alarming. In 2018, an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi by militants resulted in the death of four people, though consulate staff were spared. The attack was a bold statement against Chinese presence and investment in Pakistan. In another significant incident in 2020, militants stormed the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, a symbol of economic collaboration between China and Pakistan, leading to numerous fatalities. These incidents, coupled with the latest tragedy in Shangla, have cast a long shadow over the security measures in place for protecting the people integral to these infrastructural projects. In response to these recurring security breaches, Pakistan has taken several measures to reassess and reinforce the safety protocols for CPEC projects. The meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a Chinese investigative team following the Shangla attack highlights the concerted efforts to not just address immediate security concerns but also to devise long-term strategies to mitigate such risks. These discussions reflect a deep-seated commitment to safeguarding the interests of foreign nationals working on these critical projects and maintaining strong international partnerships. CPEC, with its promise of over $65 billion in Chinese investment, is pivotal for Pakistan’s economic revitalization and modernization. Spanning from Gwadar Port in the south to the northern borders, these projects aim to revolutionize connectivity within Pakistan and extend it to China, opening new avenues for trade and economic growth. However, the recurring threat from insurgent groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and others, who view these projects as encroachments on local rights or as exploitative, presents a significant challenge. The strategic importance of these projects, coupled with the security threats they face, calls for a robust and multifaceted security strategy. This not only involves bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan but also necessitates broader regional cooperation, potentially under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The SCO, with its focus on regional security, counter-terrorism, and fostering economic cooperation among member states, is well-positioned to play a vital role in enhancing the security landscape around CPEC projects. Enhanced collaboration within the SCO framework, leveraging intelligence sharing, joint counter-terrorism efforts, and regional stability initiatives, could provide a critical bolster to securing CPEC initiatives. This multilateral approach, complemented by bilateral security measures, is essential for mitigating the risks posed by non-state actors and insurgent groups.

The pattern of attacks targeting CPEC underscores the complex security dynamics in the region and the imperative for comprehensive, integrated security measures. Ensuring the safety of international personnel and securing the infrastructure under CPEC are paramount for the success of the Belt and Road Initiative and, by extension, for the socio-economic prosperity of the region. Collaborative efforts between China and Pakistan, bolstered by support from international and regional entities like the SCO, are critical in navigating the challenges posed by terrorism and separatism. Through a concerted commitment to security, collaboration, and development, the vision of a prosperous, interconnected region can be realized, mitigating the threats that have overshadowed these projects in the past. This ongoing commitment to enhancing security protocols and fostering a safe environment for all involved in CPEC projects is not just essential for the immediate success of these initiatives but also for the long-term stability and economic development of the region.

In order to forward the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, Australia is committed to further collaborate with the US and the UK. In recent development, Australia pledged $3 billion to help British industry build nuclear-powered submarines, in order to ensure the timely delivery of the country’s new fleet, as announced by the two countries on March 22, 2024. The nuclear-powered submarines will be developed under the historic agreement between the two nations, despite growing concerns about prices, capabilities, and other challenges. The two nations, together with the US have promised to bolster their military might in an effort to thwart China’s rise. As a major component of the AUKUS agreement, defense chiefs disclosed ambitious plans to arm Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. By the 2050s, Australia intends to have eight nuclear-powered vessels in the water; these will be a combination of Virginia-class vessels acquired from the US and new AUKUS-class submarines constructed domestically and in the UK. The new nuclear-powered Australian submarines will be able to deploy over great distances without coming to the surface, and they will be quiet and stealth than the country’s current diesel fleet.

The Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said, “The three governments involved here are working at pace to make this happen. This is going to happen and we need it to happen.” However, the defense minister of the United Kingdom, Grant Shapps, stated that the submarine program was both costly and necessary. After decades of relative peace, Shapps asserted the world is gradually transitioning from a post-war to a pre-war state. He said, “Nuclear-powered submarines are not cheap, but we live in a much more dangerous world where we are seeing a much more assertive region with China, a much more dangerous world all-around with what is happening in the Middle East and Europe.” He added, “Countries need to invest in making sure that adversaries see we are serious about our security, defending freedom of navigation, for example.”

The news of nuclear-powered submarines was made one day after Australia and the United Kingdom signed a defense and security agreement. The defense ministers of both countries stated that in order to tackle contemporary challenges and uphold a global rules-based system, this defense and security cooperation pact was necessary. Following yearly bilateral ministerial defense talks, the treaty was signed by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and his U.K. counterpart Grant Shapps.

In response, China has warned that AUKUS and the new nuclear-powered submarines, can result in a dangerous escalation that might trigger an arms race in Asia Pacific while threatening the regional stability. Additionally, China has also increased its military growth, which includes a modernized fleet and greater assertiveness in disputed areas such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. As AUKUS proceeds, tensions between China and the alliance of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are likely to rise.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has grown in importance in the geopolitics of Eurasia. The United States has been cautiously observing the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), especially in light of China’s and Russia’s positions in the organization. The major international powers, including China, Russia, and the US, are attempting to increase their political and economic influence in Central Asia. The Central Asian region’s energy resources, geostrategic value for security, and geographical location at crossroads are the primary drivers of this geopolitical confrontation between the major world powers. The United States’ interest in the region is growing considering the presence of China and Russia. The US’s engagement in the region is seen by both nations as a threat to their interests. These two countries consider the region to be exclusively inside their borders. The current political and economic order among the powers is perceived as being threatened by the United States’ presence in the region. The US is skeptical of their strong collaboration because US suspects that they can undermine US influence and further their own strategic goals.

The B5+1 Plan

The B5+1 concept was developed as an extension of Washington’s political interaction with the five Central Asian governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The B5 signifies the five Central Asian governments, B in the B5+1 stands for business, and +1 refers for the United governments as a facilitator. The states of Central Asia have expressed their early support for the B5+1 initiative. It is still in the early stages of development, and the support of local and private sector governments will be critical to its long-term viability. The United States may find the B5+1 proposal to be a useful instrument in bolstering its influence in Central Asia and navigating the dynamics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

This approach can serve to encourage economic integration among the B5 nations, allowing the United States to build a more appealing regional market, potentially competing with the SCO’s economic power. Moreover, the United States has made recommendations to boost transnational trade, including the creation of a standard digital CMR, or contractual documents in an electronic format that allows truck-borne commodities to cross borders smoothly.

The success of the B5+1 plan will most likely determine the United States’ future presence in Central Asia. If it can produce economic benefits, the United States can portray itself as a powerful regional development partner, promoting trade diversification and countering Russia and China’s influence. However, long-term commitment, negotiating regional dynamics, and dealing with challenges such as infrastructure development will be critical for the US to establish a lasting presence in Central Asia.

Introduction

According to Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, Russia and China are contemplating building a nuclear power plant on the moon between 2033 and 2035. This may potentially pave the way for the construction of lunar settlements in the future, as there are concerns over the limitations of solar panels in fulfilling the need. Borisov, a former deputy defense minister, said “Today we are seriously considering a project, somewhere at the turn of 2033-2035 to deliver and install a power unit on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues.” He added, Russia and China have been working together on a lunar program, and that Moscow will offer its nuclear space energy knowledge for the joint project. Earlier, Beijing and Moscow inked a deal in March 2021 to construct an international lunar research outpost. An unmanned Chang’e-6 probe is scheduled to launch in May 2024 as part of China’s lunar exploration mission to gather lunar material. Moreover, Chinese scientists unveiled plans in 2022 to create a nuclear energy system to suit the long-term energy needs of a lunar base.

Competition for Space Supremacy

The announcement of Russia-China’s joint nuclear power plant project on Moon came at a time when space exploration is becoming more competitive. In this new frontier, the United States, China, Russia, and other countries including India and France are also fighting it out for space supremacy. The U.S. will assess the development related to China-Russia joint venture closely given it has long concentrated on using solar power for its space missions. The U.S. space agency NASA has also proposed using nuclear reactors to power future lunar settlements. NASA said in 2022 that they will be selecting concept proposals for a nuclear power system that might be prepared for launch by the end of the decade, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy as a result contracts were given to three companies.

According to some reports, the United States has concerns that Moscow is working on a space nuclear weapon, the explosion of which could destroy the satellites supporting vital U.S. infrastructure, such as mobile phone services and military communications. Borisov denied the charges and backed with President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia is against deploying nuclear weapons in space. In February 2024, the Russian President rejected the American charges, claiming that it is an attempt to force Russia to enter armament talks on the terms set up by the West. To conclude, the race for space dominance among the United States, Russia, and China is expected to intensify further. Each country has unique strengths and constraints in space development. As the competition unfolds, international cooperation is critical in navigating this complicated landscape, responsible resource management and ensuring peaceful exploration.

On March 4, 2024, India and France conducted a bilateral dialogue in New Delhi. According to a statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry, “The two countries discussed about developments in disarmament and non-proliferation relating to the nuclear, chemical, and biological domains, as well as outer space security, conventional weapons including AI in the military domain and Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, and multilateral export control regimes.”

India-France Relations

France has been India’s trusted Western partner. France and India agreed to form a strategic alliance in 1998, focusing on defense, space collaboration, and civil nuclear cooperation. India and France have cordial and friendly ties, the two countries celebrated 25 years of strategic partnership in 2023. The Indian Embassy in Paris said that for the first time, the entire value of trade for the fiscal year 2022–2023 crossed $13 billion, with exports from India surpassing $7 billion.

The two countries have a strong and long-standing defense alliance that is a fundamental component of their strategic partnership. Over the last decade, France has emerged as India’s second major arms supplier after Russia, while simultaneously officially backing India’s bid for permanent membership in the Security Council and UN reforms. In 2021, India accounted for around half of France’s total arms exports, while France provided for about 47% of India’s arms imports. In January 2024, following talks between the French President and the Prime Minister of India, the two countries signed various accords, including a “defense industrial roadmap” to collaborate on defense production, military weapons design, and space cooperation.

Conclusion

The defense and strategic relationship between France and India is expected to strengthen further. As India and France look into AI for military uses, they should prioritize responsible development being key actors in the global arms race. AI is rapidly making changes in many industries, and militaries around the world are actively researching its possible applications. AI has the potential to change warfare by improving battlefield logistics and intelligence collection, as well as developing autonomous weapon systems. For that matter, international cooperation in this particular area is important to establish regulations and prevent an uncontrolled arms race. It is true that artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the military domain but it is critical to examine ethical considerations, transparency and precautions surrounding AI-powered weaponry in order to avoid unforeseen outcomes and promote responsible development..

Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces Conduct Joint Exercises

On 20th February, 2024, the Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces conducted a combined military drill at Muzaffargarh. Both forces participated in the drills, which included Combined Battle PT, small scale operations, room clearance, close marksmanship, firing and repelling. Cobra helicopters were also a part of these exercises. The troops received intense training to master helicopter mounting and dismounting in view of terrorism. The joint exercises provided both countries’ armed forces with an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiment to strengthen their military capabilities.

Saudi-Pakistani Business Forum

Apart from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s close defense ties and cooperative bilateral security measures, the two countries share cordial ties and economic relations. In order to explore expanding bilateral cooperation and collaborations across all domains, a joint defense forum between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan convened last month. On 21st February, 2024, the Saudi-Pakistani Business Forum commenced in Riyadh which was attended by prominent Saudi and Pakistani representatives. Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, Gohar Ejaz, expressed his commitment to improve the business environment, and support the private sector in order to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations. This is particularly important since Pakistan offers Saudi investors a sizable market and opportunity. In addition, Saudi Arabia is home to roughly 2.7 million Pakistani expats, making it the leading remittance destination for Pakistan.

To conclude, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong economic and security relations, which bodes well for their future. The joint military exercises strengthen their military cooperation and strategic partnership, whereas investments and worker remittances drive economic growth. Despite some differences, both countries have a bright future because of their commitment to stability and shared interests.

The United Kingdom

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy entered a technical recession in the second half of 2023. Following a period of weak growth and rising costs, this is a significant setback for the economy. The GDP decreased by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023, following a 0.1% decline in the previous quarter. The two consecutive quarters of economic contraction are typically used to characterize a technical recession. There are multiple reasons behind the current economic downturn. An uncertain economic environment has been brought about by the impacts of COVID-19, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and interruptions to the world’s supply chains. The UK’s exit from the European Union, is still looming large, with regulatory obstacles and ongoing trade conflicts compounding the uncertainties.

While the recession normally increases unemployment, the UK’s recession is more of a signal of the pressures that individuals and businesses are facing, as well as an obstacle to the government’s promises to stimulate economic recovery. The announcement comes as a setback to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who faces a general election later this year and promised to prioritize economic growth to voters. The UK’s recession requires a multifaceted approach, including immediate relief through targeted fiscal support and long-term investments in multiple sectors to control inflation and prevent recession. Structural reforms and international cooperation are essential for sustainable recovery.

Japan

The decrease in domestic consumption has caused Japan’s economy to suddenly decline, entering a recession and losing its ranking as the third largest economy in the world to Germany. The Cabinet Office reported that the gross domestic product (GDP) decreased in the last three months of 2023 at an annualized pace of 0.4%, following an annualized 3.3% contraction in the previous quarter of the year. Among the currencies used by the Group of 10 industrialized nations, the yen has performed poorly, falling 6.6% against the US dollar since the beginning of the year. The weakening of the Japanese yen relative to the dollar is being considered as the major cause of Japan’s economic downturn. Gita Gopinath, the deputy chief of the IMF, at a press conference in Tokyo in February 2024 also said, “An important reason for Japan potentially slipping in the rankings was the yen falling by about 9% against the US dollar last year.” Therefore, if the yen strengthens, the nation might regain its position.

China’s choice to recognise Bilal Karimi as its official representative from the Taliban government in Afghanistan is a major turning point in international relations, especially as Central Asia’s politics change. Even though this is mostly a show of support, it shows that Beijing is interested in Afghanistan strategically and is ready to take on a bigger role in the region’s politics and security. China is the first country to officially recognise a Taliban envoy since the Taliban took power in 2021. This shows that China wants to work directly with the Taliban, going against most international rules that try to keep the group out because of its questionable human rights and government record.

China is working with the Taliban for a number of strategic reasons. Security is the most important of these, especially for the area of Xinjiang that borders Afghanistan. Beijing has been worried for a long time that Uighur separatists from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which China sees as a terrorist group, could use Afghanistan as a base. By making friends with the Taliban, China hopes to get guarantees that these kinds of activities will not happen in Afghanistan. China also has strong economic interests that affect its policy towards Afghanistan. China, which uses a lot of rare earth metals, is very interested in Afghanistan’s untapped natural resources. These include large deposits of rare earth metals. The oil extraction deal mentioned above, which could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, is just one way that China wants to strengthen its economic ties with Afghanistan while the Taliban are in power. These steps are part of China’s larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to boost its economic power in Central Asia by building roads and investing in other countries. China’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy, which is based on not getting involved and being open to working with governments of all ideologies as long as they are in line with Beijing’s goals, is also shown by its recognition of the Taliban envoy. This policy lets China step in and fill the void left by the West’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, making itself look like a major player with the power to shape the country’s future.

Additionally, China’s work with the Taliban could be an example for other countries in the area, which could lead to a group effort to deal with Afghanistan’s new leaders. This situation could change how the world sees the Taliban, from being looked down upon to a more complex relationship based on shared interests rather than ideological alignment. There are, however, risks in this relationship. A big worry still is the Taliban’s way of running things and what it might mean for human rights, especially for women and minorities. China’s decision to work with the Taliban could be seen as an implicit endorsement of the way they run their government. This could make it harder for Beijing to get along with other countries, especially those in the West. Also, the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan is not likely to last for a long time, which could affect any deals or investments China makes with the current government.

In conclusion, China’s recognition of the Taliban’s representative in Beijing is more than just a diplomatic formality. It is a strategic move that shows China’s larger goals in Central Asia and its practical approach to foreign policy. This event has effects on the safety of the area, economic goals, and the efforts of the world to interact with Afghanistan while the Taliban are in charge. The world will be paying close attention to how China’s work with the Taliban affects Afghanistan’s future and the way things work in the region.