Sep 02, 2025

I recently learned about the tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines amid the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. The summit gathered leaders from various Southeast Asian countries, including prominent figures like India’s Narendra Modi and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. China highlighted the event as part of its Global South credentials, emphasizing themes of national independence and liberation linked to World War II. However, the focus shifted to Chinese coercion following a Taiwan exchange to the Philippines, with China threatening consequences for crossing its red line.

The engagements at the SCO summit also included the signing of notable pacts on the sidelines, such as in maritime safety. The cancelation of Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto’s attendance due to domestic protests was a significant last-minute change. The developments highlighted key areas to monitor with regional and global implications, particularly in terms of geopolitical and security trends. These events underscored the importance of tracking policy datapoints and major country representations in the region.

Overall, the Taiwan drama at the SCO summit in China brought attention to the complex dynamics at play in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The geopolitical significance of the summit and its implications for various countries, along with the evolving security trends, were key aspects discussed in the news. The focus on China’s engagements and responses, as well as the cancellations and last-minute changes, provided insights into the shifting landscape of international relations in the region.

Stay Well!