In The News

South China Sea Dispute Reaches United Nations

Lauren Butowsky June 30, 2014
Both China and Vietnam have filed appeals with the United Nations over territorial claims to the Paracel Islands after China placed huge drilling rig in the area. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives countries exclusive economic use 200 miles offshore and the Chinese rig is 120 nautical miles away from Vietnam. The Chinese government claims control over the islets after a military...

UN: Surging Environmental Crime Funds Conflicts, Hurts Growth

June 27, 2014
Rising wealth for middle classes around the world drives demand for status symbols, in turn spurring environmental crime. Illegal logging, elephant and rhino hunting for ivory and horns, among other practices have created instability in many countries. According to the United Nations and Interpol, illegal practices help fund armed conflicts, militias and insurgents and curtail international aid...

China Trades Up in Latin America

Jill Richardson June 6, 2014
Since 2000, China has become a strategic economic actor in Latin America, the top trader for Brazil, Chile and Peru. Chinese exports to Latin America have grown in volume and valuation, especially in manufacturing and electronics, but China’s huge influence comes with a cost, including volatility in the commodities markets, reports Jill Richardson for Foreign Policy in Focus. China’s trading...

Timor-Leste: Lessons of a Failing State?

Loro Horta May 22, 2014
Timor-Leste shares the island of Timor and a bloody history with Indonesia. The former Portuguese colony was part of Indonesia from 1976 until 2002, when it was declared an independent state. The country’s small population is less than half of 1 percent of that in neighboring Indonesia, and one quarter died in fighting for independence. Despite great natural resources, the country has since...

Up to 21 Dead, Doctor Says, As Anti-China Riots Spread in Vietnam

May 15, 2014
China tugged a massive drilling rig to the disputed waters in the South China Sea, which led to confrontations between Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels. Peaceful protests deteriorated into riots and violence in Vietnam with thousands setting fire to foreign factories believing them to be Chinese-owned.More than 450 companies reported damage, despite Vietnam’s strict controls. Taiwanese...

China’s Push in the South China Sea Divides the Region

Murray Hiebert May 15, 2014
China has moved a huge oil exploration rig in disputed waters claimed by Vietnam. The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations is divided over how to react, writes Murray Hiebert of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Nations quarrel over small groups of islands to control fishing and potential energy deposits. Despite pleas from members like Vietnam to recognize the...

Agreement Reached on Deep Sea Mining

David Shukman April 28, 2014
A Canadian mining firm has finalized a deal for deep-sea mining with Papua New Guinea, despite environmentalists’ warnings of long-term damage. Environmentalists note that much of the sea floor has yet to be explored. “The mine will target an area of hydrothermal vents where superheated, highly acidic water emerges from the seabed, where it encounters far colder and more alkaline seawater,...