An ongoing political and constitutional crisis in the Maldives has shone a spotlight on emergent geopolitical competition, particularly between China and India, in the Indian Ocean region. For both Beijing and New Delhi, reliance on Indian Ocean trade routes is essential for their long-term economic prosperity. This reliance makes gaining influence with the Maldives, given its central location in the region, a key strategic objective of both countries. While multiple countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have similar economic and security interests in the country, the competition between China and India for influence in the Maldives has been particularly acute. [Continue reading]
By Robert Atwell
Asia-Pacific Risk and Security Analyst
S-RM, Risk Management, Business Intelligence and Cyber-Security
CCS Affiliate, Centre for Chinese Studies, Stellenbosch University
What rapprochement between the Koreas might mean for Africa
4 June 20
18
On April 27 2018, Kim Jung-un became the first head of North Korea to cross the border into South Korea after the end of the Korean War (1950-53). After the historic summit between the two leaders of the Koreas in April, many expected this event would provide the moment for reducing tensions and making significant progress on political stability in the region. Gradual improvement in regional stability would free up diplomatic and economic resources of Asian giants in the region – China, Japan and South Korea – which would lead to growing engagement with African states. This commentary discusses the short and long term implication of the inter-Korean summit for Africa. [Continue reading]
By Suweon Kim
Extraordinary Researcher
Department of Political Studies
University of the Western Cape
Joelien Pretorius
Associate Professor
Department of Political Studies
University of the Western Cape