U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during a courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines.

Lloyd Austin emphasized that the U.S.-Philippines partnership will endure despite leadership changes

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized on Tuesday that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines will endure beyond changes in government leadership, reaffirming his commitment to the Southeast Asian nation. During a press conference at the Philippine military’s Western Command in Palawan, adjacent to the South China Sea, Austin stated that the Philippines will continue to be a significant partner for the … Continue reading Lloyd Austin emphasized that the U.S.-Philippines partnership will endure despite leadership changes

Philippine supply boat sails during a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea

Philippines claims China is pressuring it to give up its territorial claims in the South China Sea

China is intensifying its efforts to pressure the Philippines into relinquishing its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, stated Manila’s Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Tuesday following discussions with his Australian counterpart in Canberra. This meeting marks the fifth since August 2023 and underscores the strengthening security collaboration between the two nations, both of which have expressed concerns regarding Chinese activities in regions of … Continue reading Philippines claims China is pressuring it to give up its territorial claims in the South China Sea

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