News
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The High Seas Treaty and China’s 10-dash line
SUMMARY The following are the remarks of retired Supreme Court justice Antonio T. Carpio at the forum on the High Seas Treaty sponsored jointly by the Stratbase ADR Institute and the Japanese embassy on February 8, 2024. We are publishing with permission. The High Seas Treaty was approved by the UN General Assembly last June […]
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Even with ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ Marcos searches for ‘new paradigm’
SUMMARY Like a doughnut, the much hyped “Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos’ rallying cry for his administration, has a big hole. While it promises a sky full of stars – an “environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos” and the “attainment of comprehensive policy reforms…” – it leaves out the seas. “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) does not situate the […]
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Filipino bishops hit China in sea row, say ‘allies’ needed if diplomacy fails
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – Filipino bishops rebuked China in a rare statement about the West Philippine Sea dispute, and said it is “morally permissible” to take refuge in “the friendship of allies” if diplomacy fails. The statement, dated Thursday, February 8, but sent in advance to reporters over the weekend, was signed by six Roman […]
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China says Philippine vessel ‘illegally’ landed on disputed atoll
SUMMARY SHANGHAI, China – China said on Saturday, February 3, a small civilian vessel from the Philippines had “illegally placed itself on the beach” of an atoll in the South China Sea that both countries claim. The vessel, which landed on the Spratly Islands atoll on Friday, February 2, was there for supply purposes, the China […]
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Philippines brings supplies to Ayungin in ‘flawless’ mission
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines on Friday, February 2, completed a rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, its makeshift military outpost in Ayungin Shoal. The completed mission was confirmed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla. Padilla, in a tweet […]
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Philippines plans to buy submarines to defend sovereignty in South China Sea – senior official
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the third phase of the military’s modernization, which includes the purchase of the country’s first submarine, in order to defend its maritime sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea. Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Roy Trinidad, said on Thursday, February 1, the third […]
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In Marcos’ Hanoi visit, South China Sea issues take the spotlight
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – For his first bilateral visit for 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. put security and safety issues in the South China Sea at the forefront as he met with leaders from Vietnam, which also has claims in the critical waterway. In speeches delivered during meetings with Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng and […]
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The waters are calmer for oceanographer Cesar Villanoy
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – “We know more about Mars siguro, than the deep ocean.” It was a Monday and the auditorium at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) was packed with students and faculty members. In front, wearing a white shirt and a pair of shorts, was Cesar Villanoy. The 63-year-old […]
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[Hindi Ito Marites] Is the West Philippine Sea issue really a contest between the US and China?
Every time the Philippines enters into security agreements or holds military exercises with its allies, you can count on China to come out with a strongly-worded statement expressing its displeasure. But nothing displeases the former empire more than engagements between the Philippines and the United States. So, in hopes of discouraging Filipinos from pursuing security […]
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Vietnam, Philippines seal deals on South China Sea security
SUMMARY HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday, January 30, to boost cooperation among their coastguards and to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea, in an announcement during a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two Southeast Asian countries have competing claims over some parts of the […]
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Philippines says China ‘imagining’ special arrangement in Ayungin
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on Monday, January 29, denied China’s belated claim that it made a “temporary special arrangement” to allow the delivery of supplies for troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea. Malaya, speaking on state-run PTV4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, said he was […]
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Philippines, Vietnam eye ‘strategic partnership’ agreement between coast guards
SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – Ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s expected visit to Vietnam in late January, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, January 23, met with and briefed Vietnamese officials on “its current engagement and maritime security operations in the West Philippine Sea.” In a release, the PCG said Vietnam’s Standing Deputy Minister of […]