2 h. ago As ASEAN chair, Philippines aims for ‘effective’ South China Sea code of conduct

As ASEAN chair, Philippines aims for ‘effective’ South China Sea code of conduct  The Japan Times

Politics

3 d. ago ‘Strategic patience’ key for Beijing in South China Sea and other disputes

Beijing should exercise “strategic patience” in managing its maritime disputes, with provocations to be expected from the Philippines in the South China Sea and Japan in the East China Sea, according to a leading Chinese analyst. Hu Bo, director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), delivered his message in an article published this month in the latest issue of defence journal Modern Ship. There have been continuous tensions between Beijing and its uneasy...

Politics

4 d. ago South China Sea: claims of coercion, deception as Beijing and Manila wage new war of words

China and the Philippines have again exchanged barbs over confrontations in the disputed South China Sea, with each accusing the other of provocation and escalating tensions. The Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday said a statement the day before by the National Maritime Council – a government body created by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in 2024 to address the nation’s maritime challenges – was “unfounded and misleading”. It accused Manila of “provoking trouble and...

Events

4 d. ago China dismisses Philippines' South China Sea claims as 'misleading'

China dismisses Philippines' South China Sea claims as 'misleading'  TRT World

Politics

5 d. ago Japan’s top diplomat heads to Philippines with South China Sea top of mind

Japan’s top diplomat is heading to the Philippines this week for talks expected to focus on maritime tensions in the South China Sea and Tokyo’s strategic role in the region. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s stop in Manila on Thursday is part of a nine-day diplomatic tour of the Middle East and Asia that began last Saturday, with stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Qatar and India. His talks with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro are expected to review...

Politics

8 d. ago Philippine navy confident it can navigate South China Sea dispute: ‘up to the challenge’

The Philippines has expressed confidence in countering China’s widening influence in contested waters as its navy presses ahead with expanding its fleet, joint activities with foreign partners and the use of unmanned systems. Analysts say these measures would boost the interoperability of the Philippine military across the sea and air, as the South China Sea dispute continues to dominate its security planning. “We are up to the challenge [posed by] the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Chinese...

Politics

1 week ago Trump presses Venezuela to dismiss agents from China, Russia, Iran and Cuba

Trump presses Venezuela to dismiss agents from China, Russia, Iran and Cuba  Axios

Politics

2 w. ago Hanwha combat systems deal deepens South Korea’s role in Philippine defence

South Korea’s growing role as a key arms supplier to the Philippines has taken another step forward, with Hanwha Systems set to provide the “brain” that will run two of the Philippine Navy’s next-generation warships. The South Korean defence manufacturer said on Wednesday that it had secured a US$27.7 million contract to supply combat management systems (CMS) and tactical data links for two 3,200-ton frigates being built for the Philippine Navy. A CMS integrates a warship’s sensors, weapons and...

Politics

2 w. ago China hints ‘illegal’ Philippine fishing is harming disputed Scarborough Shoal

China hints ‘illegal’ Philippine fishing is harming disputed Scarborough Shoal  South China Morning Post

Events

2 w. ago Philippines in 2025: a year of crisis, from corruption scandal to South China Sea tensions

As the Philippines wraps up a tumultuous year punctuated by colourful barbs thrown across warring political houses, an ongoing corruption scandal surrounding flood control projects threatens to derail President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s administration. Externally, Manila has been embroiled all year in a long-standing territorial row with Beijing in the South China Sea that shows no signs of waning, while also gearing up for the hot seat as next year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian...

Events