What is it?
The South China Sea is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and encompasses an area of 1.4 million square miles (3.5 million square kilometers). The sea is a semi-closed area and extends from the Singapore Strait to the Taiwan Strait. China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan encircle the sea. This large swathe of sea is considered to be a great economic source of wealth (Fishery stocks and potential hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed) as well as vital to geopolitical strategy.

Why is it important?
With eight nations disputing about and vying for control of the maritime features and ultimately the entire sea, tensions are starting to spill over into potential conflict. The significance of the South China Sea is its potential for wealth as well as the strategic advantage it will bequest upon whomever controls it. Unlike other seas, the South China Sea has three factors that make it one of the most important, if not the most, sea to watch and guaranteeing a major conflict to ensue in the next few decades.

Image via BBC

The South China Sea has a wealth of resources from “fishery stocks that comprise the livelihood and diet of so many in the region.” It is believed to be “one of the most lucrative fishing areas in the world”. Whoever establishes sovereignty over the sea will control one of the largest fishery stocks in the world. The vitality of such a source is important based on the staple diet of the region. With burgeoning populations in many of these nations, ensuring a constant food source is vital to stability and longevity for the countries of the region.

The discovery of large sources of oil and gas reserves under the seabed has only further enticed the surrounding littoral nations to intensify their claims for control of the sea. Chinese officials have estimated the oil reserves at one trillion US dollars. The Chinese Department of Geology claims that the amount of reserves in and around the island will exceed those of the OPEC nations such as Kuwait or even Iraq. The potential for gas is even larger. If any nations manages to wrest control of the zone, energy independence as well as large revenue stream is guaranteed, which is a national security imperative for many nations in the area including China.

The control of the South China Sea is vital in projecting power to the Eurasian rimlands and eventually to the vast interiors. The sea also serves as a natural link/interface between the Indian and Pacific Oceans only furthering its appeal. This natural passageway between the two oceans creates what is known as “Malacca Dilemma”. The Malacca Dilemma refers to the dependence of China and the other nations in the region on the Strait of Malacca both economically and geopolitically. The Strait of Malacca is analogous in importance to the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. One-third of all global trade transits through the strait as well as more than overwhelming majority of raw materials and energy needs for the economies of China and the region. Due to the increased traffic over the years it has become a critical chokepoint. The inability of these nations to exert its influence on the waterway gives its military planners the ultimate apprehension.

Even though ISIS and the Middle East continue to be important, the world should start paying more attention and getting familiar with the South China Sea before the tensions and skirmishes turn into an all-out regional war.

The post This Is Why the South China Sea Dispute Is Way More Important Than People Realise appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

The Universal Beijing will be the third Universal theme park in Asia after Singapore and Osaka, Japan. This new project promises to bring together elements of traditional Chinese culture with modern attractions to help draw national and international visitors. Universal have revealed that director Steven Spielberg, filmmaker of the Jurassic Park franchise and many other films under the brand will participate in the construction of the Beijing park. Rumours have flown that Spielberg will design certain areas of the complex but Universal has not given any specific details regarding attractions.

China is attracting US theme park operators, because for the size of its population it has very few high quality parks and citizens are increasingly willing to spend more on entertainment.

The post Universal Studios Plans to Build Theme Park in Beijing appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

"People everywhere dream of peace." Watch Ban Ki-moon's #PeaceDay message here: http://t.co/deyW9CExo6. pic.twitter.com/zd1dc8JXXu

— United Nations (@UN) September 21, 2015

International Day of Peace

Over thirty years ago, a resolution was passed at the United Nations. It enshrined the International Day of Peace, a day which is commemorated all over the world. The day is devoted to ‘strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples’.

It's #PeaceDay! Add us in @Snapchat for special event coverage today! We are "united-nations". pic.twitter.com/4PfLFOFjny

— United Nations (@UN) September 21, 2015

The famous ‘Non-Violence’ sculpture of a knotted gun stands in many locations around the world. One of these is in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In 2001, a unanimous vote in the General Assembly established September 21st as an international annual day of non-violence and ceasefire. The sculpture represents the organisation’s continuing commitment to world peace.

The Peace Day Challenge

Let's remember that world peace results from individuals like us finding lasting peace within #PeaceDayChallenge http://t.co/jnEF1xzhn9

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) September 21, 2015

Many have taken to twitter to take part in what is known as the #PeaceDayChallenge. This campaign is designed to encourage individuals to perform a positive act as individual, a group, or a community to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

We're organizing the #PeaceDayChallenge! Join us? http://t.co/xhaBo4jFVE pic.twitter.com/vD82mLocgF

— U.S. Inst. of Peace (@USIP) September 20, 2015

Taking part in #PeaceDayChallenge is as easy as showing kindness to someone in your community who needs help. @GBVnet pic.twitter.com/iBvE04vEsc

— USAID Kenya (@USAIDKenya) September 21, 2015

Beyond Peace Day

Take the #PeaceDayChallenge today. Imagine if everyone made peace with someone today and every day? #changetheworld https://t.co/wYo1feVg0w

— Lisa Ryser (@LisaRyser) September 21, 2015

Take the #PeaceDayChallenge w/ @USIP! Tell us what you'll do to promote peace: http://t.co/BPMyakOAae #PeaceTechMeme pic.twitter.com/EKDied1nk3

— PeaceTech Lab (@PeaceTechLab) September 18, 2015

The world is not wholly in a state of peace. While it may no longer be the case that many countries are fighting against each other. Instead, many countries are fighting hostile or oppressive forces within their own borders. With this in mind, the aim of the International Day of Peace is to keep the spirit alive at all times.

The post Social Media Watch: People Celebrate Peace With #PeaceDayChallenge appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

A power struggle

In December 2013, just under three years after its formation, a political crisis shook the country. A dispute between the president and his deputy created a schism in the political system. The difference of opinion between the two culminated in the deputy being fired. This set off a chain of events that would rock the young country to its core.

South Sudan’s own civil war

[via Political Periscope]

Armed struggle between government troops and rebels began in 2013. Over 50,000 people have been killed, and, as of August this year, more than 2 million have been internally displaced by the conflict.

Foreign intervention

The conflict is further complicated by international actors. Uganda is a nation firmly on the side of the government. The flow of arms into the country from around the world only exacerbates the problems. Since the days before South Sudan’s formation, the British trained the army. The French, the Soviet Union, the United States, and West Germany all provided arms to the government, while Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Israel supplied arms and military machinery to the rebels. The proliferation of arms during that conflict has ensured that there are a dangerous level of weapons circulating in the country.

Old rivalries

[via Upper Nile Times]

The crisis in South Sudan is not simply about differences in opinion. It is a matter of politics – precisely who holds the power. This is not a purely ideological battle. The schism in the politics and society of South Sudan laid bare the fault lines of ethnic tension in the new country. Many forces loyal to the government hail from the Dinka, and the rebels, the Nuer. The political struggles have inflamed ancient ethnic tensions. It is this dimension which makes the conflict likely to continue.

The post What Is Happening In South Sudan? appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

How are Russia involved?

Earlier reports confirmed that Russian infantry and naval forces have been deployed in “support roles.” With ISIS, the Nusra Front, and the Free Syrian Army forces advancing in all fronts, the Syrian Regime might be near its last throes. The elimination of Assad’s regime can be a major blow to Russia’s strategy for region. Syria plays a major role in the Russian geopolitical calculus for the Levant.

Why are they involved?

Aside from its naval base in Tartus, Syria is seen as the last guard to Russia’s Caucus region against the Muslim extremists. Russia has long been plagued by Muslim separatists in the region. The rise of ISIS creates trepidation amongst Russia’s planners of potential further destabilization in the area. With Assad’s regime gone, the ISIS flood can potentially drown the Caucus.

What does it mean?

Even with legitimate security concerns, Russia’s latest move can lead to another drawn out of quagmire. If Reuter’s reports are accurate; Russian troops are participating in battles against anti-Assad forces. These small pitch clashes can turn into major battles that require more Russian troops and weaponries, which eventually can turn the conflict into Russia’s war. This is the fantasy that ISIS and other extremists groups wish for. ISIS can then re-label its war as a Jihad and drive a stronger recruitment campaign.

As Russian troops are deployed, Putin and his generals should limit their intervention with clear and specific objectives. With a defined mission, the Russians can prevent another potential Afghan fiasco.

The post In Brief: Why Is Russia Involved in the Syrian Civil War? appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

The citizens of Tokyo have taken to the streets to protest the government’s latest controversial decision. Lining the street near a hotel where politicians were meeting, the protesters held placards and chanted slogans. But why are they protesting? Why is this latest government action causing so much controversy? BRIC Plus News gives you all the key information, and the background to this breaking demonstration.

The government wants to pass a security bill

Japanese politicians met on Wednesday as the penultimate step in the implementation of the security bills. This raft of new military legislation is slated to pass later this week. The Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s coalition government Liberal Democratic Party has a parliamentary majority in the upper house. The Japanese parliament is known as the Kokkai, Japanese for ‘National Diet’. It is a bicameral legislature, and Abe’s party posses a comfortable number of seats. The coalition formed of Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito has 325 of the 475 seats in the House of Representatives (the lower house), and 134 of 242 seats in the House of Councillors (the upper house). The bill already passed in the House of Representatives. In light of this, the measures are expected to go through.

They are very controversial

‘War is over!’ Scuffles in #Tokyo as peace protesters rally against Abe's militarism http://t.co/iu4Iu3z1BE pic.twitter.com/MLPPAVajBw

— RT (@RT_com) September 16, 2015

The new raft of security bills essentially challenge the founding doctrine of post-World War II Japan. Since the end of the Second World War, which saw untold devastation in the detonation of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan has been a nation committed to pacifism. Written in its 1947 constitution are the words ‘never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government’. These words enshrine Japan’s position as a nation committed to peace, and reluctant to engage in warfare for its own sake. Critics of the security bills argue that they violate these principles. Part of the legislation allows for the use of ground troops in foreign countries. The bill is supported by the United States, and many fear that Japan will be drawn into foreign wars at their behest.

The government thinks they are necessary

Shinzo Abe’s government is holding firm on introducing the legislation. Although the country is still gripped with anti-war mindset, the government consistently claims that it has no other option. The dispute in the South China Sea over the Senkaku Islands, provides a constant shadow of future combat with China. On Wednesday, Russian military jets were spotted in Japan’s airspace, prompting the deployment of four Japanese jets to intercept the aircraft. Japan has been impacted by ISIS, with hostages being taken, and its own citizens going to join. In the face of hostility from international actors, Abe’s government feels that these measures, which are tantamount to a major revision of the country’s ethos, are justified. With strong anti-war feeling entrenched within the population, it is almost certain that many more protests will soon be on the horizon.

The post Japan: War Bills Cause Protests to Erupt appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

One reason for the demand of Brazil as an asylum destination is the family roots. An estimated three million Brazilians have Syrian descent, mainly due to a wave of immigration that occurred in the early 20th century. Also in Brazil, unlike other countries, while waiting for the appropriate visa status, refugees can work as well as access health and education.  But the Syrian refugees face many other difficulties; language and cultural differences and the bureaucratic process which could be significantly faster.

Most Syrians are helped by charities, which can assist with the necessary documentation to stay in Brazil, but these same charities cannot afford to give food and shelter. Jobhunting in a country suffering in a recession is also not easy. Yet, even with all these difficulties, the Brazilian government position of “open arms” for refugees was praised by the UN.

Countries around the world are planning to host Syrian refugees. The US government will receive 10,000 Syrians which is even smaller than that of Australia, which plans to receive 12,000 refugees. Europe has not yet reached an agreement on the plan to distribute the 160,000 currently hosted in Greece, Hungary and Italy.

The UN refugee agency has in its Brazilian site a page for donations to families living in this situation; you can access it here. To access the page for donation to refugees around the world, visit this page.

The post Why the Brazilians Have Opened Their Doors to the Syrians appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

Just scrolled through #Nepal Twitter. Jesus people, at least express yourselves without threatening to harm people you disagree with.

— Anup Kaphle (@AnupKaphle) September 13, 2015

Violence has gripped Nepal. BRIC+ News gives you all the key information, and the background to the hostility and tensions that ravage this land of mountains.

Nepal was once a Hindu kingdom

People may have lived in the Himalayan region for over 11,000 years. However, the country we now call Nepal has not been present this long. The land which Nepal now covers was once divided into separate kingdoms, which included Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. It wasn’t until 1769, following the conquests of Prithvi Naryan Shah, that the Kingdom of Nepal was born. The land was united under the monarchy and the Hindu religion.

It became a republic in 2006

Nepal’s monarchy was overthrown in 2006, the final act in the slow demise of a monarchy plagued by scandal for decades. Civil war, corruption, suspension of democracy, and a massacre within the royal compound in 2001 at the hands of the Crown Prince. It was dissolution of the House of Representatives in 2005 that spelled the final death knell for the Rana dynasty. In 2006, King Gyanendra relinquished all sovereign power. A unanimous vote in the reinstated House of Representatives sealed his fate. Nepal became a secular, federal republic.

Not everyone accepts secularism

The world is moving twrds being a tolerant secular democracy #Nepal is trying to turn itslf into a hindu state?!

— Muhammad Samran (@super_Sam94) September 14, 2015

The adoption of secularism came hand-in-hand with the abolition of the monarchy. The removal of the traditional head of state swept away the need for established religion. Not only this, but the political leanings of many in the Seven Party Alliance (particularly the Communist Party of Nepal), were towards secularism. Since 2006, there has been a powerful movement seeking to restore Hinduism as the established religion of the state. The country has a large Hindu majority of 81% – but is also home to many other major religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. On Monday, the Nepalese parliament overwhelmingly rejected a motion to re-establish Hinduism as the official religion of the state.

The decision caused riots

#Nepal rejects Hindu nation calls; protesters, police clash http://t.co/jMQr2UzXDx pic.twitter.com/veBKlEgUUN

— India TV (@indiatvnews) September 14, 2015

The rejection of the proposal caused uproar among some parts of Nepalese society. Before long, protests and riots rocked the country, with dissatisfied citizens demonstrating outside the assembly hall. Security forces and a UN vehicle were attacked, as the police responded with water cannons and batons made of bamboo. With the protests still on-going, and the decision provoking strong opinions from both sides, the end does not seem to be in sight.

The post Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Why Nepal Is Rioting Right Now appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

As previously reported, Guatemala’s government officials are thought to be the ringleaders of a graft network called ‘La Linea’. Former Vice President Roxana Baldetti was arrested last month, and charges were brought against her. President Otto Perez Molina had immunity from prosecution and at first refused to resign from his position in order to avoid arrest. More recently, however, he has been ordered to spend three months in jail pending investigation into the case.

The disgraced former President.

What’s happening now?

Judge Miguel Angel Galvez is presiding over the case. He is also the driving force behind the arrest, which occurred mere hours after Molina’s official resignation on September 2. The judge determined that there is sufficient evidence to link Molina to La Linea, and commented yesterday: “The order of preventive detention has been issued due to the danger of interference with the truth.” He also reportedly acknowledged that several people in the case are still at large, and has suggested that it’s possible that Molina might find ways to purposefully slow the investigation.

It is said that in the courtroom on 3 September, Molina maintained an image of composure and calm, as prosecutors played the wiretap recordings that are believed to be crucial evidence in the case. He even took notes as over six hours of recordings played. Allegedly, the scheme collected $3.8M (USD) in bribes between May 2014 and April 2015, with  Molina pocketing $800,000 himself. Unsurprisingly, Molina has maintained his innocence, and has protested that he is being prosecuted on rumors and hearsay. In court, the former President commented:  “Your honour, I am not going to risk my dignity, my work, nor all the effort I have made for Guatemala in return for $800,000.”

According to the New York Times, when Molina left the courtroom, he stayed composed even as he passed a cell block replete with accused gang members who threw up gang signs and initiated catcalls, whistles, and threats. A jubilant crowd also gathered outside the courtroom with plenty of confetti, masks and whistles  to celebrate the fact that Molina is finally facing authorities.

Former Vice President Alejandro Maldonado being sworn in as President.
From: Bloomberg

What’s next?

Molina has been sent to Matamoros prison, which is at the military base in the capital city. Alejandro Maldonado stepped in as Vice President when Baldetti stepped down, and was sworn in as interim President on Thursday afternoon. Maldonado reportedly demanded that all top government officials resign, despite the fact that most have already stepped down in a move to retaliate against the scandal. His term will end in January, when the results of the elections are finalised. Comic actor Jimmy Morales unexpectedly took the first round of the vote on Sunday but with only 24% of the total vote, and so did not obtain enough support to avoid the upcoming face-off on October 25th  against either former first lady Sandra Torres, or conservative businessman Manuel Baldizón.  Because Torres only received 2,000 votes more than Baldizón, there will most likely be a partial recount. Indeed, sociologist and consultant Bernardo Arévalo commented: “This fight will end in the courts”.

Morales reportedly campaigned as a political outsider, with the slogan: “Neither corrupt nor a thief”. Indeed, he had barely registered in the polls before the scandal. In an interview on Saturday, he commented: “My main priority is to fight corruption. If we don’t restore the morality in the government, nothing else can work.” People have been comparing the fight to presidency between Morales and Baldizón to the battle of David and Goliath, with Morales as the underdog – he only spent a paltry $48,000 (USD) on his campaign, compared to Baldizón’s extravagant expenditure of $5.3M (USD). Morales’ win might have something to do with the fact that Baldizón had been a huge supporter of Molina even days before his resignation, and the country wants a clean government. Indeed, Leonel Sanchez, a private auditor, commented on Sunday:  “We don’t trust politicians. This fight [for a clean government]will have to go on, regardless of who wins today.”

The fact that the citizens of Guatemala appear so eager to appoint a ‘political virgin’ is directly reflective of the high level of social and political discord within the country. Morales has asserted that were he to be elected, he would make public contracts transparent and hold a referendum to overhaul Guatemala’s electoral laws. However, it cannot be denied that he is indeed very green. Critics have indicated that he lacks a real plan and look down upon his idea to give every child in the country a smartphone. Enrique “Quique” Godoy, an economist and well-known journalist, specifically said: “His program is vague and naive. He didn’t expect to be in a position to win the presidency.”

On the other hand, it is more worrying that both Baldizón’s and Torres’ parties have allegedly contravened campaign-financing rules. Furthermore, Torres and several party lawmakers have been accused by the U.N. commission and local prosecutors of involvement in another fraud ring. All have denied involvement.

Either way, Molina is the first president in Guatemalan history to resign over a corruption scandal, despite the fact that the government has long been considered corrupt. The Guatemalan government has indeed been put in the spotlight as a result of the arrests, and perhaps this will put pressure on other South American political systems to watch their step.

Comedian Jimmy Morales casting his vote in Mexico on Sunday.

The post Guatemala’s Disgraced Former President Could Be Replaced by a Comedian appeared first on BRIC Plus News.

Tributes were paid in the House of Commons by Prime Minister, David Cameron, who said, “Over the last 63 years, Her Majesty has been a rock of stability in a world of constant change and her selfless sense of service and duty has earned admiration not only in Britain, but right across the globe.”

PM: I'm sure I speak for my 11 predecessors that meeting the Queen is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring & humbling honours of this office

— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) September 9, 2015

In celebration, many people shared archival footage of Elizabeth. Some images showed a more informal and relaxed side of the Monarch.

From our archives: Queen Elizabeth II in Orkney laughing at her husband attempting to drive a minibus #longestreign pic.twitter.com/DJQad6Y9JE

— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) September 9, 2015

The Queen jokes with S/Lt Prince Charles as a shipmate in #HMSNorfolk tries to keep a straight face. #LongestReign pic.twitter.com/ilc2Hp90z6

— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 4, 2015

But not everyone was as keen to mark the occasion.

Congratulations on not dying. Now please go away #longestreign

— Captain Mediocrity (@joshyeh) September 9, 2015

Funny ain't it, in "austerity" Britain populace celebrate length of time someone worth £22.8 Billion has lorded it over them #longestreign

— Martin O'Neill (@DrNostromo) September 9, 2015

And of course, the odd Game of Thrones reference, just for good measure

Well played Elizabeth of House Windsor, mother of corgis, wearer of pastels, keeper of the Iron Throne.#longestreign pic.twitter.com/aMYSU3xNII

— Michael Frost (@michaelfrost6) September 9, 2015

Winter may be coming, but Queen Elizabeth II is still going strong. #LongestReign pic.twitter.com/NBNoSoNkhC

— Jon Snow (@LordSnow) September 9, 2015

The post Social Media Watch: The Queen of England Becomes Longest Reigning Monarch appeared first on BRIC Plus News.