The PLA has intensified the training programme through the introduction of stimulators and other reform measures. While the results of such experiments are not yet clear, what is significant is that the PLA today intends to graduate to fighting 21st century wars. The modernisation is a part of ‘The China Dream’ of making the nation great. ...
China has structured a successful paradiplomatic model. Beijing alone has entered into sister-cities agreement with 55 other cities/ states. It is in a desperate need of a facelift, post the considerable erosion of public opinion due to the debacle of the virus spreading out of Wuhan. To this end, Chinese government, media houses and others are strategically using this relationship to highlight the humanitarian side of the country. ...
India-Japan relations post-COVID would develop in leaps and bounds with the help of new technologies and solutions supporting the two countries, the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. India should also prepare itself for such opportunities by reforming the legal system to attract FDI and making flexible labour laws. ...
The governments, along with the activists, should put the safety of blue collared workers in the Gulf on priority. Similarly, in the long run, a plan needs to be drawn out for rehabilitation of workers, who want to return to South Asia. ...
COVID-19 may significantly shape the US’s China policy. Some US officials call the pandemic this generation’s “Pearl Harbor.” The COVID-19 crisis will affect the outcome of the US presidential election in November and attitudes toward China. Once the US overcomes the virus’s peak its China strategy and the approach that the US chooses will affect the security situation throughout the Indo-Pacific. ...
For strengthening the cybersecurity in Nepal, the guidelines governing the data protection, intellectual property, privacy, cybercrime and cyber terrorism should be established and revised in the judicial body. Besides, user awareness education and cyber insurance can complement technical mitigation strategies to reduce cyber threats in Nepal. ...
China has seen an opportunity even in this crisis. It has proudly showcased their ability to handle such crisis that even several western countries are not able to respond properly. Similarly, it has continued to bolster its naval power even in times of crisis which bodes a competitive tendency in the New International Order rather than cooperation based on softer realms. ...
Although health diplomacy will arm China with additional soft power arsenals, but efforts can be hamstringed by disinformation campaign regarding the origin of lethal virus and ambiguity in the number of asymptomatic patients by an aspiring world leader. China needs to overcome the trust-deficit challenge as well. ...
The US-Taliban agreement has tough road ahead and needs cooperation from the entire Afghan section for it to result in peace in the country. The US has been at the forefront of the 'democracy drive' in West Asia, but surprisingly, they have not asked Taliban to distance itself from violence outside Afghanistan. ...
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Search for Regional Cooperation in South Asia
The SAARC Centre for Disaster Management and Preparedness, SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre and SAARC Meteorological Research Centre should be entrusted to work together with member countries implementing the framework in context of regional cooperation within the mandate of the respective Regional Centres ...