29 h. ago Old but still gold? What Philippines can gain from Japan’s used warships

Japan’s unprecedented proposal to transfer six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippine Navy could greatly boost the Southeast Asian nation’s anti-submarine capabilities – but the true value of these ageing vessels remains to be seen. The Philippines has confirmed it is preparing to dispatch a team to Japan for a visual inspection of the six warships, which were set to be decommissioned, following an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defence. “This planned inspection forms...

Events

7 d. ago Philippines to view maritime rows with China as ‘one theatre’, partner Japan

The Philippines is adopting a Japan-led strategy to treat the East and South China seas as a unified theatre of operations – a shift analysts say reflects growing alignment among regional allies in the face of China’s expanding maritime footprint. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the “one-theatre” concept would promote operational synergy, intelligence-sharing and mutual reinforcement among members of the minilateral “Squad” – comprising the Philippines, Japan, the United States, South...

Politics

1 week ago China Beats Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Philippines to Lead South Korea’s Travel Market with Explosive Growth in Independent Travel and Flexible Visa Policy

China Beats Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Philippines to Lead South Korea’s Travel Market with Explosive Growth in Independent Travel and Flexible Visa Policy  Travel And Tour World

Events

2 w. ago China Surpasses Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand as South Koreans’ Leading Travel Destination for 2025, Boosted by Impromptu Weekend Getaways

China Surpasses Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand as South Koreans’ Leading Travel Destination for 2025, Boosted by Impromptu Weekend Getaways  Travel And Tour World

Politics

2 w. ago Before the US Realizes the Cost, China Is Rapidly Gaining Soft Power Ground

Before the US Realizes the Cost, China Is Rapidly Gaining Soft Power Ground  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Economics

3 w. ago Does Philippines have ‘credible’ undersea might against China?

The Philippines remains dangerously under-equipped to counter China’s growing undersea operations in the South China Sea, analysts warn, as joint anti-submarine drills with Japan spotlight the urgent need for Manila to strengthen its underwater warfare capabilities. The two-day exercises, which began on Saturday, were the first large-scale joint exercises since Japan’s Diet ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines earlier this month, following Manila’s approval last...

Politics

3 w. ago PLA patrols in the South China Sea as Philippines, Japan hold joint drills

The Chinese military carried out patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday, as the Philippines and Japan held a joint drill in the disputed waters. China’s People’s Liberation Army joint sea and air patrols were conducted by the Southern Theatre Command, its spokesman Senior Colonel Tian Junli said in a statement on Sunday. The PLA patrols were a response to the Philippines-Japan joint maritime drills – their second since August – which Tian called a threat to regional peace. “The Philippines...

Politics

last month Megaquake scare in Japan, Philippines boosts air power: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears A string of moderate earthquakes off the coast of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has reignited concerns among experts and residents about the risk of a catastrophic seismic event – though scientists stress...

Politics