Tag: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A crew member works on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier during an earlier maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea.
DEFENCE

Philippines and the United States conduct collaborative maritime drills in the South China Sea

The Philippines and the United States conducted their fifth round of joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, as reported by Manila’s armed forces on Sunday, a development likely to provoke China. According to a statement from the Philippine military, the “maritime cooperative activity” took place on Friday and Saturday, marking the first such exercise of the year and the fifth since the initiation … Continue reading Philippines and the United States conduct collaborative maritime drills in the South China Sea

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya
DIPLOMACY

Takeshi Iwaya says Japan ‘gravely concerned’ about maritime tensions escalating

Japan has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing its strong opposition to any unilateral efforts to alter the existing status quo, as stated by its foreign minister on Wednesday. During his visit to the Philippines, Takeshi Iwaya reaffirmed Japan‘s commitment to providing development assistance and enhancing maritime security for Manila. He also noted that a trilateral framework involving … Continue reading Takeshi Iwaya says Japan ‘gravely concerned’ about maritime tensions escalating

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivers a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore.
DIPLOMACY

Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. have pledged to strengthen their collaboration, according to Manila

The Philippines, the United States, and Japan committed to strengthening and expanding their trilateral relations, as announced by Manila on Monday after a leaders’ meeting. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a virtual discussion with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday morning from Manila. “I am optimistic that our three nations will persist in collaborating closely to maintain the … Continue reading Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. have pledged to strengthen their collaboration, according to Manila

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
Type 076 amphibious assault ship, China
DEFENCE

Philippines has dispatched maritime and aerial resources to oversee the activities of China’s largest coast guard vessel

The Philippines has mobilized its military and coast guard assets within its exclusive economic zone to keep a close watch on China‘s largest coast guard vessel, characterizing its presence as an act of Chinese “intimidation, coercion, and aggression.” The Philippine coast guard reported that the 165-meter (541-foot) vessel, designated as 5901 and referred to by the Philippines as “the monster,” was located approximately 65 to … Continue reading Philippines has dispatched maritime and aerial resources to oversee the activities of China’s largest coast guard vessel

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte
TOP STORIES

Philippines’ Marcos removes estranged Vice President Duterte from the security council

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has been removed from the National Security Council following an order signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This decision comes in the wake of a significant rift between the two former allies that occurred last year. Marcos emphasized that the restructuring of the National Security Council (NSC) is essential to ensure that its members are committed to safeguarding national security … Continue reading Philippines’ Marcos removes estranged Vice President Duterte from the security council

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
DEFENCE

Marcos of the Philippines expresses concern over a Russian submarine’s presence

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern on Monday regarding the presence of a Russian attack submarine within the Philippines‘ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, describing it as “very worrisome.” “This is quite alarming. Any incursion into the West Philippine Sea, including our EEZ and baselines, raises significant concerns,” Marcos stated to reporters, referring to the area of the South China Sea … Continue reading Marcos of the Philippines expresses concern over a Russian submarine’s presence

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
A satellite image appears to show an overview of Thitu Island in the South China Sea,.
DEFENCE

Chinese vessels gather near the contested island with the Philippines, according to satellite imagery

Satellite images released by Reuters on Thursday reveal an accumulation of Chinese civilian ships near Thitu Island, a crucial outpost for Manila in the South China Sea. However, a senior officer from the Philippines navy stated that this situation is “not a cause for concern.” One of the images, captured by Maxar Technologies on Monday and analyzed by Reuters, depicts approximately 60 vessels, with some … Continue reading Chinese vessels gather near the contested island with the Philippines, according to satellite imagery

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
DISPUTES

Philippines doubts China’s commitment to negotiating a code of conduct in South China Sea

The Philippines remains skeptical about China‘s commitment to negotiating a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea, despite Manila’s eagerness to continue discussions, according to Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro on Monday. Teodoro noted that while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has endorsed “good-faith discussions” with China regarding the long-awaited code, he harbors doubts about Beijing’s genuine intentions. “At this moment, to be frank, I … Continue reading Philippines doubts China’s commitment to negotiating a code of conduct in South China Sea

Asif ShahidLeave a comment
DEFENCE

South Korea and Philippines upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reached an agreement on Monday to enhance defense collaboration as their nations upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in response to increasing security challenges in the region. During discussions at the Philippine presidential palace, the leaders addressed various issues, including the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the Korean peninsula. … Continue reading South Korea and Philippines upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership

Asif ShahidLeave a comment