Tag: Philippines

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the State Department in Washington, U.S.
DIPLOMACY

Both allies and adversaries of the U.S. are preparing for a new ‘America First’ phase

Less than a day after U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Monday, newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with foreign ministers from America’s key allies in the Indo-Pacific region, known as the “Quad,” which includes Australia, India, and Japan. This meeting coincided with the USS Carl Vinson completing its first significant training exercise of 2025 in waters near the Philippines. While there … Continue reading Both allies and adversaries of the U.S. are preparing for a new ‘America First’ phase

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philippines flag
DEFENCE

Philippine foreign ministry is treating reports of foreign espionage with utmost seriousness

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated on Thursday that it takes any signs of espionage activities by foreign nationals very seriously, following the recent arrest of a Chinese individual suspected of espionage. Philippine law enforcement officials reported that they found equipment in the suspect’s possession that they believe could be utilized for surveillance on military sites. Investigators identified Deng Yuanqing, who is associated with … Continue reading Philippine foreign ministry is treating reports of foreign espionage with utmost seriousness

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DEFENCE

US Deploys Typhon Missile Launchers to New Site in the Philippines

The U.S. military has relocated its Typhon launchers, capable of firing multipurpose missiles over thousands of kilometers, from Laoag airfield in the Philippines to a different site on Luzon Island, according to a senior source within the Philippine government. These launchers are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can target locations in both China and Russia from the Philippines, while the SM-6 missiles they carry … Continue reading US Deploys Typhon Missile Launchers to New Site in the Philippines

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Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.
DIPLOMACY

Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions on Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart regarding China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to defense support for Manila. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio emphasized that China’s conduct threatens regional peace and stability and contravenes international law during his conversation with … Continue reading Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

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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

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The ASEAN flag is placed alongside the flags of its member countries ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia.
DIPLOMACY

Malaysia takes the lead in ASEAN while balancing expectations regarding Myanmar and the South China Sea

Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened for a private retreat in Malaysia on Sunday, marking the country’s inaugural meeting as the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc. This gathering occurs against the backdrop of a worsening civil conflict in Myanmar and ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. As Malaysia assumes the rotating chairmanship of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the bloc faces challenges … Continue reading Malaysia takes the lead in ASEAN while balancing expectations regarding Myanmar and the South China Sea

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DIPLOMACY

Philippines urges ASEAN and China to address complex issues regarding the South China Sea code

The ASEAN regional bloc and China need to make progress on the long-standing code of conduct for the South China Sea by addressing critical “milestone issues,” such as its scope and the potential for it to be legally binding, according to the Philippines‘ foreign minister on Saturday. The South China Sea continues to be a point of contention between China and its neighboring countries, including … Continue reading Philippines urges ASEAN and China to address complex issues regarding the South China Sea code

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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

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Type 076 amphibious assault ship, China
DEFENCE

China’s introduction of a ‘monster ship’ raises concerns, according to a Philippines security official

The Philippines expressed concern over the presence of China‘s largest coast guard vessel within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), viewing it as a troubling act intended to intimidate local fishermen near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. “We were taken aback by the escalating aggression displayed by the People’s Republic of China with the deployment of this massive ship,” stated Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson … Continue reading China’s introduction of a ‘monster ship’ raises concerns, according to a Philippines security official

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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

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