Imperialist Aggression and Global South Resistance: Analyzing Recent Geopolitical Developments

The US-South Korea Nuclear Provocation

The recent announcement of US-South Korean military partnership involving nuclear-powered submarines represents a dangerous escalation in East Asian geopolitics. In December 2025, Washington approved South Korea’s efforts to acquire its first nuclear submarine, establishing what both countries describe as a joint military alliance against perceived Chinese threats. This development coincided with formal negotiations for a treaty allowing South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines, marking a significant shift in regional military dynamics.

China’s security, military, and intelligence agencies responded with strong solidarity with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, arguing that South Korea’s nuclear submarine plans would exacerbate regional instability and threaten North Korea’s national security. Beijing categorically rejected the arms deal, warning that American nuclear submarines would grant South Korea greater regional and global naval capabilities, particularly threatening China’s security interests in Southeast Asia.

The US Department of Defense justified this partnership as essential to countering China’s activities in the “gray zone” and strengthening deterrence mechanisms, especially in the South China Sea. This comes amidst growing US provocations including potential joint naval exercises in the Yellow Sea near China’s borders. China’s Foreign Ministry called on both nations to uphold international non-proliferation obligations, asserting these actions serve superpower strategies rather than genuine regional security interests.

Israeli-Somaliland Recognition and Palestinian Displacement Plans

On December 26, 2025, Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first UN member to do so. This move was seen as preparatory to Israeli military and intelligence plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland. The recognition followed a joint declaration between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, establishing full diplomatic relations including ambassador exchanges.

Chinese security agencies understand this recognition aims to alter geographical and demographic realities, creating a dangerous precedent threatening international peace and maritime security in the Red Sea. Beijing views this within the context of the Abraham Accords normalization agreements, with Israel seeking to incorporate Somaliland into these arrangements with US support. The initial agreement focused on maritime security cooperation, conflicting directly with China’s interests in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Beijing anticipates fundamental power shifts in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden threatening allies like Iran. Israel seeks a strategic foothold off Yemen’s coast to monitor Houthi activity and protect Israeli commercial vessels. Somaliland’s location overlooking the Gulf of Aden grants Israel greater ability to protect ships bound for Eilat and develop Berbera port as a regional competitor.

Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Escalation

Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian areas on Saturday, firing hundreds of missiles and drones just before a significant meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump aimed at negotiating peace. Zelenskiy described the assault involving approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles as Russia’s reaction to ongoing peace negotiations. The attacks caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and power outages affecting a third of Kyiv’s residents during freezing temperatures.

Diplomatic discussions remain hindered by territorial issues including control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and disputes over Donetsk region control. A proposed US compromise involves creating free economic zones if Ukrainian troops withdraw from certain areas, though specifics remain unclear. Zelenskiy indicated willingness to hold a referendum on a 20-point peace plan if a 60-day ceasefire could be established.

Analysis: Imperialist Designs and Global South Resistance

These developments represent interconnected threads of western imperialist aggression against the sovereignty and development rights of Global South nations. The US-South Korea nuclear submarine deal exemplifies the dangerous double standards applied by western powers regarding nuclear proliferation. While claiming to uphold non-proliferation norms, the United States actively facilitates nuclear technology transfer to allies while condemning similar efforts by independent nations.

China’s principled opposition to this deal stems from genuine security concerns and commitment to regional stability. The deployment of nuclear submarines near Chinese waters represents unacceptable provocation that threatens the delicate balance in East Asia. Rather than enhancing security, this militarization increases collision risks and could trigger arms races that benefit only western military-industrial complexes.

The Israeli recognition of Somaliland reveals the sinister intersection of colonialism, displacement politics, and strategic containment. Attempting to displace Palestinians to Somaliland represents a brutal continuation of settler-colonial practices that the international community must unequivocally reject. China’s firm stance alongside Egypt in supporting Somali unity and opposing this recognition demonstrates responsible global leadership.

This maneuver also reveals US-Israeli efforts to counter Chinese influence in vital waterways including the Gulf of Aden, Bab El-Mandeb Strait, and Strait of Hormuz. The recognition serves multiple imperial objectives: creating regional instability, establishing military footholds, and attempting to disrupt China’s legitimate maritime interests. Such actions violate international law and threaten the sovereignty of African nations.

The Ukrainian conflict escalation before peace talks illustrates how western powers benefit from prolonged conflicts that weaken strategic competitors. The timing of Russia’s massive attack suggests calculated disruption of negotiation processes that might lead to peaceful resolution. This pattern of conflict prolongation serves western interests in draining Russian resources while maintaining justification for military spending and alliance building.

Conclusion: Toward Multipolar Justice

These events collectively demonstrate the urgent need for Global South nations to strengthen cooperation and resist imperial division tactics. China’s consistent positions against nuclear proliferation, for Palestinian rights, and in support of African sovereignty provide a model of principled international relations. The western approach of creating crises then positioning themselves as arbiters must be rejected through strengthened South-South cooperation and alternative governance frameworks.

The international community must recognize that peace and stability require respecting civilizational states’ security concerns and development rights. Double standards in applying international law, selective condemnation, and weaponization of international institutions must give way to genuinely multilateral approaches that respect all nations’ sovereignty. Only through such transformation can we achieve lasting peace and equitable development for all humanity.