Tag: Philippines

TOP STORIES

Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

Jake Sullivan, the departing U.S. national security adviser, is encouraging the incoming Trump administration to maintain President Joe Biden‘s approach of strengthening relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to address challenges posed by adversaries such as China and North Korea. Sullivan stated, in response to a question from VOA during a roundtable with journalists on Friday, “The argument we will present is … Continue reading Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

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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

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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte
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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

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Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
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Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

For America’s allies in Asia, the looming prospect of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House is particularly concerning at this juncture. China has been actively modernizing its military capabilities and nuclear stockpile, while also becoming more assertive in its territorial claims in the South China Sea and regarding Taiwan. Meanwhile, North Korea has intensified its aggressive rhetoric and its pursuit of nuclear program. Both … Continue reading Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

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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

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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

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Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. left, greets US soldiers beside a HIMARS rocket launcher on display during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition.
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U.S. and Japan have launched a new missile strategy to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan

A U.S. initiative to position advanced missile systems on a Japanese island chain near Taiwan is eliciting strong reactions from both China and its ally Russia. According to a report by Kyodo News on Sunday, which referenced unnamed sources, the United States is formulating a collaborative military strategy with Japan to deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and additional weaponry to Japan’s Nansei islands. … Continue reading U.S. and Japan have launched a new missile strategy to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan

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Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, pose with other G20 leaders during an event launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty at the G20 Summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
TOP STORIES

Xi is ramping up diplomatic efforts at international summits in anticipation of potential tariffs from Trump

In his initial global engagements following Donald Trump‘s reelection as U.S. President, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a diplomatic initiative aimed at countering anticipated new tariffs and positioning China to take advantage of possible future divisions between Washington and its allies. Throughout a series of meetings, from APEC in Peru to G20 in Brazil over the past week, Xi aimed to differentiate himself from Trump’s … Continue reading Xi is ramping up diplomatic efforts at international summits in anticipation of potential tariffs from Trump

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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.
DEFENCE

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

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

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

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