News
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Duterte raises PH concerns over South China Sea incursions with China’s Xi
MANILA (UPDATE) – President Rodrigo Duterte raised Manila’s concerns over rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea during his bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Malacañang said Thursday. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte particularly discussed the situation in Pag-asa Island. “Both agree that the situation can be managed by the mechanism of […]
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Special Report: How China is replacing America as Asia’s military titan
He has donned camouflage fatigues, installed himself as commander-in-chief and taken control of the two million-strong Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army. It is the biggest overhaul of the PLA since Mao led it to victory in the nation’s civil war and founded the People’s Republic in 1949. Xi has accelerated the PLA’s shift […]
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Philippines mulls declaring Pag-asa Island, Eastern Kalayaan marine protected areas
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government might declare Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and Eastern Kalayaan in the West Philippine Sea as marine protected areas. This statement comes after the reported harvesting of giant clams by Chinese vessels in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a traditional fishing ground off the coast of Zambales. National Security Adviser Hermogenes […]
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China Exploits Fleet of U.S. Satellites to Strengthen Police and Military Power
Orbiting 22,000 miles above Earth, a fleet of American-built satellites is serving the Chinese government in ways that challenge the U.S. Nine of these satellites have been part of efforts to connect Chinese soldiers on contested outposts in the South China Sea, strengthen police forces against social unrest and make sure state messaging penetrates […]
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It’s Time to Rethink Philippine Policies on China
Reactions in social media depict a growing frustration among the general Filipino public regarding the political will of the current administration to secure the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in relation to the South China Sea (referred to in the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea). With the fast approaching midterm elections in the […]
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China willing to investigate poaching of giant clams in South China Sea
BEIJING — China is prepared to investigate the alleged illegal harvesting of giant clams by local vessels in the disputed South China Sea. According to Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, China even proposed a joint investigation with the Philippines, particularly the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on the matter. […]
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South China Sea: Trump ‘SCARED’ of triggering war with China says President Duterte
PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the US President Donald Trump of being “scared” of triggering a war with China over the disputed South China Sea. President Duterte’s comments follow the Philippines accusing China of trespassing in Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag. Mr Duterte warned Beijing’s increased military presence was “endangering” the lives of […]
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To help counter China’s rise, US turns to its Coast Guard
WASHINGTON • As a US Coast Guard cutter sailed through the East China Sea last month, Chinese vessels shadowed it on the high seas, US service officials said. It was a reminder to the Americans of where they were: in a strategic area about 300km from China’s shores. The situation underscored the evolving American […]
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Largest PH warship joins Chinese Navy anniversary celebration
The Philippines’ largest warship arrived in China on Monday to attend a naval parade, part of a goodwill visit as China extends the hand of friendship despite regional tensions and suspicions. Beijing on Tuesday will mark 70 years since the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, where it will show off new […]
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India, Vietnam Conclude Second Iteration of Bilateral Naval Exercise off Cam Ranh Bay
The exercise underscores growing maritime ties between the two countries. Military-to-military cooperation between India and Vietnam continued last week with the conclusion of the second iteration of a bilateral naval exercise between the two countries. The Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy participated in bilateral drills off Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam between […]
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No settlement ending up with China allowing Philippines to protect clams, Locsin says
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ top diplomat said he would not allow a settlement of the South China Sea dispute that would put China at an advantage in connection to giant clams in Scarborough Shoal. Chinese vessels have reportedly been extracting giant clams from Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, which locals call Bajo de Masinloc, […]
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Malaysia’s Foreign Minister says South China Sea still a major unresolved issue
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah stressed that the South China Sea issue is still on the table in discussions with China. However, Saifuddin said Malaysia prefers to discuss the matter in an Asean platform since many members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were involved. The minister also said certain acts by China, […]