Georgi Engelbrecht
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duriandiaries.bsky.social
Georgi Engelbrecht
@duriandiaries.bsky.social
Senior Analyst @CrisisGroup. Posts on Philippines, Peace Processes+Deterrence and Durians.
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
Looks like Pynchon is having a moment. #pynchon #lot49 #iykyk
October 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
news.usni.org/2025/10/31/u...

"While the size and scope of Task Force Philippines is unclear, the initiative follows the previously established Task Force Ayungin."
U.S. Unveils Philippine Task Force to Deter Chinese Coercion - USNI News
This post has been updated with a statement from U.S. Pacific Fleet. American and Philippine defense secretaries unveiled a task force designed to deter Chinese coercion in the South China Sea and enh...
news.usni.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Bangsamoro's regional government statement on the peace agreement signed 13 years ago.
October 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
🎊 30 years ago, @crisisgroup.org was born from the international community’s failure to prevent war in Bosnia.

Last weekend, we returned to Sarajevo - where it all began - for our board meeting, joined by every past president.

Here’s to the next 30 years of peacebuilding.
October 9, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
US and China roll out tit-for-tat port fees, threatening more turmoil at sea – Reuters: ‘China said it had started to collect the special charges on U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels but clarified that Chinese-built ships would be exempted from the levies.’
US, China to roll out tit-for-tat port fees, threatening more turmoil at sea
The United States and China on Tuesday will begin charging additional port fees on ocean shipping firms that move everything from holiday toys to crude oil, making the high seas a key front in the trade war between the world's two largest economies.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Today would have been Bangsamoro's first parliamentary election.

The polls, however, have been postponed.

I recorded this podcast a few week ago before this latest plot twist:

open.spotify.com/episode/12uS...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Watch the recording from the discussion about #Philippines #defence Modernisation & 🇵🇭 -🇺🇸 #alliance

www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9lq...
Riding Unruly Waves: The Philippines’ Military Modernisation Effort
YouTube video by International Crisis Group
www.youtube.com
August 27, 2025 at 8:24 AM
www.crisisgroup.org/how-we-work/...

ONLINE EVENT | Riding Unruly Waves: The Philippines’ Military Modernisation Effort

25 August | 8am Bangkok | 11am Canberra | 9pm Washington DC

Registration:

us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Riding Unruly Waves: The Philippines’ Military Modernisation Effort | International Crisis Group
Monday 25 August, 9pm Washington, DCTuesday 26 August, 8am Bangkok | 9am Manila | 11am CanberraPlease register here if you would like to attend this online event.
www.crisisgroup.org
August 21, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
ONLINE EVENT | Riding Unruly Waves: The Philippines’ Military Modernisation Effort

25 August | 8am Bangkok | 11am Canberra | 9pm Washington DC

w/ Lindsey W. Ford, Rommel Jude Ong, @duriandiaries.bsky.social, and @le2huong.bsky.social.

Registration ⬇️

us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
August 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
A good thread for anyone interested in Philippine geopolitics.
1. I have spent the last days in the Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines.

But despite the ever-present security challenges and the complex peace process, another trend is evident: The re-orientation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 🧵
August 16, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
1. I have spent the last days in the Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines.

But despite the ever-present security challenges and the complex peace process, another trend is evident: The re-orientation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 🧵
August 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
1. I have spent the last days in the Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines.

But despite the ever-present security challenges and the complex peace process, another trend is evident: The re-orientation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 🧵
August 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
NEW REPORT | Riding Unruly Waves: The Philippines’ Military Modernisation Effort

Under President Marcos, the Philippines is shifting focus from internal to external threats amid increased great power competition.

www.crisisgroup.org/asia-pacific...
August 12, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
'We need more': PH Air Force says acquisition of multi-role fighters still part of plans
'We need more': PH Air Force says acquisition of multi-role fighters still part of plans
The Philippine government's acquisition of twelve more FA-50 light combat aircraft will not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF) as these are different platforms that would enhance the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) fleet.
abs-cbn.com
June 17, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
As we mark our 30th anniversary, new challenges lie ahead and our work remains essential at a moment of danger for the world.

As @comfortero.crisisgroup.org explains, putting a spotlight on conflicts that are neglected, often deprioritised, or off the radar remains essential.
June 12, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
NEW REPORT | The U.S., China and the Search for a New Equilibrium

As China projects its advancing military capabilities and the U.S. sends mixed messages about security assurance, Washington and Beijing should resume talks to manage any risks of escalation.

www.crisisgroup.org/asia/north-e...
May 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
"With so much of Philippine power concentrated in the capital with varying degrees of devolution to local vassals, Malacañang’s hand is never truly hidden."
June 1, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
As 🇺🇸 Def Sec warns 🇨🇳 attack on Taiwan “could be imminent”, @CrisisGroup takes a look at Taiwanese Pres Lai Ching-te 1st yr.

➡️Cross-strait relations are esp fraught.

➡️Taipei & Beijing are increasingly at odds. 

⬇️ Here’s what can be done to lower temperature.

www.crisisgroup.org/asia/north-e...
President Lai’s First Year Sees Increased Tensions across the Taiwan Strait | International Crisis Group
As Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te completes his first year in office, cross-strait relations have become especially fraught. Crisis Group expert William Yang explains why Taipei and Beijing are incr...
www.crisisgroup.org
May 31, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
Anwar asked about Chinese coercion of Philippines in SCS. Says ASEAN “working towards” code of conduct (🤔) but right now “no real clarity”. Says PRC-Phil tensions “exaggerated” & “no way out except engagement”.
May 31, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
US & PH militaries will train in maritime security, live-fire & amphibious operations. The GSDF (incl Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade) & ROK marines will take part in disaster relief training. 1st time ARDB participates with ROK peer in multinat training exercise

asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...
US-Philippine military exercise joined by Japan, South Korea forces
Asian partners seek deeper cooperation to counter China-Russia-North Korea ties
asia.nikkei.com
May 26, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
MANILA, Philippines — Tension erupted in a clash on Monday between residents of Barangay 262 and 264 in Tondo, Manila and members of a demolition team backed by the police.

READ: tmt.news/2120940
Tondo residents clash with police-backed demolition team
MANILA, Philippines — Tension erupted in a clash on Monday between residents of Barangay 262 and 264 in Tondo, Manila and members of a demolition team backed by the police.
tmt.news
May 26, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Reposted by Georgi Engelbrecht
"Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a joint ASEAN action plan to address the growing tariff threat. Anwar said.. that, while bilateral talks between member states and the U.S. would continue, the bloc must present a united front." www.japantimes.co.jp/business/202...
U.S. tariff tensions test Southeast Asian leaders at regional summit
ASEAN leaders will express deep concern over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff blitz when they meet at a summit Monday, according to a draft statement.
www.japantimes.co.jp
May 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM