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☆ China is testing the limits of a critical U.S.-Philippines defense pact — will Washington respond?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

An aerial view shows a Philippines Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert the nation's sovereignty over the Second Thomas Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef also claimed by China. Experts say the latest incident represents an escalation and shows the limitations of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951. Ezra Acayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images"The Philippines will continue to resupply the Sierra Madre, and hopefully invest in more outposts in their Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea ... The Philippines defense chief has reiterated that the military would not announce its resupply missions to the shoal in advance. The country has also been working to bolster its own defense capabilities in the South China Sea with the support of the U.S.What's at stake?

Persons: Thomas, Jay Directo, Thomas Shoal, Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, Chester Cabalza, Cabalza, Ezra Acayan, Richard Heydarian, Abdul Rahman Yaacob, Matteo Piasentini, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Paisentini, Lowy Institute's Yaacob, Geopolitica's Organizations: Philippines Navy, Afp, Getty, U.S ., Philippines Mutual Defense, International Development, Security Cooperation, Bilateral, Philippine Coast Guard personnel, Coast Guard, University of the, U.S, Pacific Command, Philippines, Lowy, Asia Program, Philippine Navy, Sierra Madre Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Spratly, Philippine, Manila, Beijing, U.S, South, U.S . China, Washington, University of the Philippines, Philippine Government, United States, Pacific, Italian, Sierra, Asia

☆ Filipino soldiers who faced off against Chinese coast guards armed with axes and knives given medals
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Filipino soldiers involved in a clash last week with Chinese coast guard have been awarded medals. Their vessels came under attack last week while delivering supplies in the disputed South China Sea. The award ceremony is unlikely to ease tensions with China in the contested region. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementFilipino soldiers who reportedly used their bare hands to fight off Chinese coast guards armed with swords and knives were awarded medals by the Philippines for de-escalating tensions, according to the Manila Bulletin.

Persons: —, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: Service, Manila Bulletin, Philippines, Business Locations: China, Philippines, of Lapu, Lapu

☆ Leila de Lima: Philippine court clears fierce Duterte critic of drugs charges after long legal battle
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The charges stemmed from allegations by Duterte that De Lima had received payoffs from convicted drug gangs to fund her 2016 senatorial bid. Speaking to reporters outside the court, De Lima said Duterte would be held responsible for “sins committed” against Filipinos. Jam Sta Rosa/AFP/Getty ImagesDuring his tenure as president, Duterte repeatedly said the killings of drug suspects are lawful if police are acting in self defense. In July last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected an appeal by the Philippine government to block an investigation by prosecutors into Duterte’s drug war. The Philippines was formerly a signatory to the ICC but Duterte canceled the country’s membership after the court began probing his drug war.

Persons: Rodrigo Duterte’s, Leila De Lima, Duterte, De Lima, De, “ Leila, “, ”, Leila de Lima, Sta Rosa, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, pullout Organizations: CNN, PTV, ” Former, Criminal Court, ICC, Hague, Duterte Locations: Muntinlupa, ” Former Philippine, AFP, Davao City, Philippine, Philippines

☆ China's defense chief warns those seeking to separate Taiwan from China face 'self-destruction'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun speaks during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 2, 2024. Nhac Nguyen | AFP | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — China's defense minister, Adm. Dong Jun, vowed that anyone who aims to separate Taiwan from China will face "self-destruction." "Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction," he said. In response to questions, Dong reiterated China's position that Taiwan is part of China and said Beijing is committed to peaceful reunification. "These kinds of behavior sends very wrong signals to the Taiwan independence forces and make them become very aggressive.

Persons: Dong Jun, Nhac Nguyen, Dong, Lai Ching, —, Bastian Giegerich, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas Shoal Organizations: China's, AFP, Getty, SINGAPORE, Democratic Progressive Party, Abrams, U.S, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Liberation Army Locations: Singapore, Taiwan, China, Beijing, U.S, Philippine, South, Philippines, Manila

☆ Philippine president says killing of a Filipino in South China Sea clash would be ‘very close’ to act of war
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 31, 2024. The president said should such an incident happen by willful action, it would "increase the level of response [by the Philippines]," and come "very, very close to what we define as an act of war." In late March, the Philippines accused a China Coast Guard vessel of utilizing its water cannon on a Filipino ship travelling to the Second Thomas Shoal, injuring three Filipino sailors. Earlier that month, the China Coast Guard was accused of a water cannon attack that left four Filipino crew members injured by broken glass. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its waters, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that said that China's claims has no basis under international law.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Marcos, Thomas Shoal Organizations: Chinese Coast Guard, Guard, U.S ., Philippines Mutual Defense, China Coast Guard, China's coastguard Locations: Philippines, Singapore, South, U.S, Manila, South China, China

☆ Chinese ships spend record amount of time near Japan-controlled islands, Tokyo says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The Japanese government chief spokesperson did not say how often Chinese ships entered Japan’s territorial waters, though foreign ships are allowed “innocent passage” through such waters. A contiguous zone extends another 12 nautical miles beyond a country’s territorial waters, the area that stretches 12 nautical miles from the shore. Foreign warships are allowed into contiguous zone waters – so the Chinese Coast Guard hasn’t broken any international agreements – but the continuous presence of the Chinese vessels there is seen as a provocation. It has frequently dispatched China Coast Guard and other government vessels to the waters around the islands to assert those claims. Hayashi, the Japanese government spokesperson, said Monday that Tokyo is answering the Chinese presence around the islands with vessels of its own.

Persons: Tokyo’s, “, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Hayashi, Fumio Kishida, Li Gongmin, ”, ” James Brown, ” Hayashi, Lai Ching, China’s, Thomas, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas Shoal, CNN’s Himari Semans Organizations: South Korea CNN, China Coast Guard, East China, Chinese Coast Guard, Ministry, Temple University, CNN, Coast Guard, Communist Party Locations: Seoul, South Korea, East, Japan, China, Tokyo, Japanese, China’s, Beijing, United States, Washington, Taiwan, Philippines, South China, Philippine, Singapore

☆ Philippines calls for expelling Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. China said the United States must refrain from "stirring up trouble" or taking sides on the South China Sea issue, after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a security deal with the Manila extended to attacks on the Philippine coast guard. The Philippines' national security adviser called on Friday for Chinese diplomats to be expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral in a significant escalation of a bitter row over the South China Sea. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the comments provocative and said Chinese diplomats in the Philippines had to be allowed to do their job. The report said the conversation had taken place in January and the transcript was provided by a "ranking Chinese official", which it did not name.

Persons: Shoal, Antony Blinken, Eduardo Ano, Lin Jian, Lin, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas Shoal Organizations: Guard, U.S, Philippine, U.S . State Department, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila Times, Beijing, Reuters Locations: Philippine, South China, China, United States, Manila, Philippines, China's, Beijing

☆ Asia heatwave: Record temperatures cancel classes, widening learning gaps across Southeast Asia
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Heather Chen | Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

His class of 43 students pass around mini hand-held fans during lessons on most days to keep cool. More than 33 million children were impacted as a result of the heatwave, according to groups like Save the Children and UNICEF. The worst hit were poor children in rural areas whose families couldn’t afford devices like laptops and tablets to facilitate remote learning, UNICEF says. “We don’t allow children outside when temperatures get too hot,” said Bong Samreth, who teaches at a public school in Phnom Penh. Loose, lightweight and light colored clothing was also advised for students to protect them from sunburns and heat exposure.

Persons: Seila, ”, “, —, Sheldon Yett, ” Yett, Bong Samreth, Ezra Acayan, Benjo Basas, Basas, Mirasol, Hang Chuon Naron, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Chaideer Mahyuddin, it’s, Joy Reyes Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, CNN, Children, UNICEF, UN, ”, Volunteers, Getty, Governments Locations: Hong Kong, Cambodia, Phnom Penh, South, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Tondo, Manila, Pangasinan, Philippine, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, AFP

☆ Chinese water cannon damages ship in new South China Sea flare-up, Philippines says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Video supplied by the Philippine Coast Guard showed two larger Chinese vessels firing water cannons from opposite sides of the Philippine ship. “The Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction from four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said in the statement. The Philippine Coast Guard ship suffered “damage to the railing and canopy,” according to its statement. Over the past two decades, China has occupied a number of obscure reefs and atolls far from its shoreline across the South China Sea, building up military installations, including runways and ports. Beijing and Manila’s South China Sea disputes have heated up since the 2022 election of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a stronger line against China than his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

Persons: Jay Tarriela, ”, Thomas, “, Thomas Shoal, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte Organizations: CNN, Philippine Coast Guard, China Coast Guard, Chinese Maritime Militia, Weibo, Asia, Transparency Initiative, BRP Sierra Madre, Philippine Locations: Philippine, China, Scarborough Shoal, Chinese, Luzon, ” Beijing, South, Scarborough, Huangyan, Bajo, Masinloc, Philippines, South China, Palawan, BRP Sierra, Weibo, ”, Beijing, Manila’s, Manila, United States, Washington

This month, President Biden threw one of the most lavish state dinners in Washington’s recent memory. Celebrities and billionaires flocked to the White House to dine in honor of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, posing for photos in front of an elaborate display of Japanese fans. The spectacle was part of a carefully orchestrated series of events to showcase the renewed U.S.-Japan relationship — and the notable transformation of the United States’ security alliances in Asia. Over the past several years, Washington has built a series of multilateral security arrangements like these in the Asia-Pacific region. Although U.S. officials claim that the recent mobilization of allies and partners is not aimed at China, don’t believe it.

Persons: Biden, Fumio Kishida, Jeff Bezos, Paul Simon, —, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Kishida Organizations: United Locations: Japan, U.S, United States, Asia, Philippines, China, Washington, Pacific, South China, Taiwan Strait

☆ Biden warns on Beijing's South China Sea moves in Philippines-Japan summit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Leaders from the three nations are meeting in a first-ever trilateral summit in a show of solidarity as China's assertiveness in the South China Sea has raised tensions in the region. Topping the meeting's agenda is China's increasing pressure in the South China Sea, which has escalated despite a personal appeal by Biden to Chinese President Xi Jinping last year. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the maritime economic zones of neighboring nations. Japan has a dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said "China's activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea fully comply with international law" and that they were prepared to resolve issues through "dialogue and consultation" but criticized both the U.S. and Japan for ratcheting up tensions.

Persons: Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Ferdinand Marcos, Andrew Harnik, Beijing's, Joe Biden's, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Biden, Xi Jinping, Thomas Shoal, Marcos, Thomas, Mao Ning Organizations: Japanese, White, Washington , DC, South China, Getty, East China, U.S Locations: Washington ,, South, China, U.S, Japan, Philippines, Manila, . U.S, American, Washington, South China, States, East

☆ Biden Aims to Project United Front Against China at White House Summit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Michael D. Shear | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden intends to use a first-ever joint meeting with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines on Thursday to send a blunt diplomatic message to an increasingly aggressive China: Beijing’s harassment of Philippine ships in the South China Sea is a violation of international law and must stop. In recent months, Chinese coast guard ships have been ramming Philippine vessels, blasting them with water cannons and aiming lasers at their crews in what the United States condemns as “coercive and unlawful tactics” in one of the most crucial waterways in the world. So far, the Chinese provocations, asserting disputed claims to the international waters, have fallen short of the kinds of attacks that would trigger the military defense pact that the United States and the Philippines signed in 1951. But Biden administration officials said the meeting of the three leaders on Thursday is intended to demonstrate to China even stronger military and diplomatic unity among the leaders of the three allies. One U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the meeting in advance, called the issue of security in the South China Sea a “pillar” of the discussions between Mr. Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines.

Persons: Biden, Fumio Kishida, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: Biden, U.S Locations: Japan, Philippines, China, South China, United States, South

☆ Japanese PM Kishida tells Congress the U.S. must play leading role in the world
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Ryan Anastasio | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the U.S. Thursday to continue playing a leading role in the world as it faces threats to democracy and the economic order. Kishida told lawmakers at a joint meeting of Congress that the world is at a pivotal moment that will define the next stage of history. "The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations," Kishida said. The prime minister pledged that Japan would not sit on the sidelines and require the U.S. to defend international order on its own. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022 after leaving office, became the first Japanese leader to speak to a joint meeting of Congress in 2015.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Mike Johnson, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, Antony Blinken, Biden, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Shinzo Abe Organizations: U.S, Capitol, U.S ., State Department, White, Philippine, Former Locations: Washington , U.S, United States, U.S, Japan, China, Russia, Congress, North Korea, Ukraine, East Asia, Philippines

☆ White House says it’s very concerned by China’s actions in the South China Sea ahead of key trilateral meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Samantha Waldenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —The White House is very concerned by China’s actions in the South China Sea, a senior administration official said, as President Joe Biden prepares to draw two Asian allies closer at a historic meeting on Thursday. Japan and the Philippines both have separate territorial disputes with China, in the former’s case the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and in the latter’s areas of the South China Sea. Meanwhile, China claims the shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as its sovereign territory, as it does much of the South China Sea, in defiance of an international arbitration ruling. CNN has previously reported that the three leaders will hold private discussions on the South China Sea. A senior administration official also said that on Thursday the White House will be announcing a new infrastructure project in the Philippines.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Fumio Kishida, Thomas, Kishida, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, “ We’re, ” Biden, Australia –, ”, Brad Lendon, Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche Organizations: Washington CNN, Japanese, East China, China Coast Guard, CNN, American, White, Clark Air Base, Subic Naval Base, Coast Guard Locations: South China, Japan, Philippines, China, East, Philippine, Palawan, Taiwan, South, North Korea, Russia, Kishida, Ukraine, Manila, Asia, Pacific, United States, Beijing, India, US, Australia

☆ To Counter China’s Rising Power, Biden Looks to Strengthen Ties With Japan
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Michael D. Shear | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The United States and Japan, faced with the challenges posed by an increasingly hostile China, are expected to further integrate their militaries and announce new agreements on technology and defense on Wednesday as President Biden hosts Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit to Washington. The talks are part of the Biden administration’s diplomatic outreach to counter China, which includes recent war games with Seoul. On Thursday, Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, another Pacific islands nation that finds itself the target of a mounting Chinese military presence in the South China Sea. The Biden administration is signaling the importance of its relationship with Tokyo by holding an official state dinner on Wednesday evening in honor of Mr. Kishida, something reserved for America’s closest allies. During a day of meetings, the two leaders will announce new plans designed to confront the far-reaching ambitions of China, which Mr. Biden has described as the only global rival to the United States with the “intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to advance that objective.”

Persons: Biden, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: Biden, Seoul Locations: States, Japan, China, Washington, Philippines, South China, Tokyo, United States

☆ Biden Pulls Closer to Japan to Counter China
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Matthew Cullen | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden today hosted Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, at the White House for a pomp-filled state visit. The tightening of the U.S.-Japan relationship is an important part of the Biden administration’s efforts to counter China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Tomorrow, Biden and Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Biden and Kishida today outlined the formation of a joint defense council that could support more exports of equipment produced in Japan, new cooperation on ventures in space and collaboration between research institutions. Biden announced that NASA’s Artemis program would take a Japanese astronaut to the moon, which would be a first for a non-American.

Persons: Biden, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, —, Paul Simon, Donald Trump, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: White, U.S ., Biden Locations: U.S, Japan, Philippines

☆ Visits from Japanese and Filipino leaders highlight Biden’s efforts to blunt China’s aggression
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Arlette Saenz | Kayla Tausche | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Biden’s week also includes an official visit for Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, reinforcing his commitment to cultivating partnerships in the Indo-Pacific in the face of China’s rising economic and military power. The historic leaders summit on Thursday between Biden, Kishida and Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos is expected to produce announcements relating to infrastructure, energy security, digital connectivity and maritime security. Meanwhile, Japan has recently loosened restrictions on the export of military technology – paving the way for deeper collaboration with like-minded allies. The first virtual meeting with the four leaders took place in March 2021 with subsequent in-person summits in the years that followed. Biden and his team also have sought to draw in smaller regional neighbors concerned about China’s military and economic aggression.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kishida, Biden, Jake Sullivan, “, Jill Biden, Kishida Yuko, They’re, Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos, ” Sullivan, ”, John Neuffer, ” Biden, ” Rahm Emanuel, Sullivan, zeroed, Japan’s, Yoshihide Suga, Korea’s, Moon Jae, Yoon Suk Yeol, Rodrigo Duterte, Donald Trump, ” Kishida Organizations: Washington CNN, Japanese, CNN, Biden White House, Australia, US Steel, APEC, Washington, Semiconductor Industry Association, Clark Air Base, Subic Naval Base, American, White, Kishida, White House, Pacific, PBS Locations: Japan, Philippines, North Korea, Ukraine, Gaza, India, South Korea, China, Manila, ’, lockstep, Netherlands, Taiwan, Beijing, Thursday’s, US, Australia, South China, South, Russia, Kishida, United States, Tokyo, Seoul, David, United Kingdom, Washington, Vietnam, U.S

☆ China concerns bring new unity to once-turbulent US-Japan-Philippines relationship ahead of major White House summit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Both the Philippines and Japan are US defense treaty allies, and the US military retains permanent bases in Japan and has base rights in the Philippines. That threat is manifested in three key areas – Taiwan, the South China Sea and the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, analysts say. Here's why 03:27 - Source: CNNJapan and Philippines both have separate territorial disputes with China, in the former’s case the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and in the latter’s areas of the South China Sea. Meanwhile, China claims the shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as its sovereign territory, as it does much of the South China Sea, in defiance of an international arbitration ruling. “Alliance building is the most practical way to deal with China’s moves” in the South China Sea, he said.

Persons: ”, James D.J, Brown, Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Xi Jinping, Biden, Micah Jeiel Perez, Marcos, Kishida, ” Marcos, Shinzo Abe, Ricardo Jose, ” Jose, Thomas, CNN Marcos, Shoal, China –, Masaharu Homma, –, Perez, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos Jr’s, Duterte, Thomas Shoal, Veejay Villafranca, Robert Ward, BRP Antonio Luna, you’ve, Donald, Trump, ” Brown, “, Ward Organizations: South Korea CNN, White, Temple University, Japanese, Taiwan –, Communist Party, Taiwan Relations, University of, Nikkei Asia, University of the, “, CNN, East China, Philippine, China Coast Guard, US, US State Department, Gen, “ Alliance, Clark Air Base, Naval, Bloomberg, Getty, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Cooperative, Philippine Navy, BRP, Royal Australian Navy, Self, Defense Forces, JS Akebono, US Navy, USS, Multilateral Maritime Cooperative, Armed Forces, AP Analysts Locations: Seoul, South Korea, United States, Japan, Philippines, China, Tokyo, Philippine, Taiwan, Washington, South, Senkaku, East China, University of the Philippines, CNN Japan, East, South China, Palawan, China – Washington, Beijing, Spain, Spanish, Imperial Japan, New Orleans, Bataan, Subic, Manila, US, Australia, India, Vietnam, Warramunga, IISS

☆ U.S. loses its spot to China as Southeast Asia's most favored ally, survey finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

This is the first time Beijing has edged past Washington since 2020 when the annual survey first posed the question. China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea is the Philippines' (90.2%) and Vietnam's (72.5%) top concern, the region's two frontline South China Sea claimant states. The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg last month that his government's claims on certain parts of the South China sea should not be viewed as provoking China. Vietnam has also asserted sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea though Beijing has brushed aside those claims. ASEAN should build up its resilience and unity to fend off pressures from the two major powers, the U.S. and China, nearly half of the survey respondents said.

Persons: ISEAS – Yusof, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Kenddrick Chan Organizations: ASEAN Studies, Jan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Bloomberg, Philippines, U.S, LSE, London School of Economics, Political Science Locations: China, U.S, Washington, Beijing, Singapore, ISEAS, Indonesia . China, Japan, South China, Philippines, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

☆ North Korea tests missile, Seoul says, ahead of vote seen as gauge of support for hardline South Korean leader
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Seoul, South Korea CNN —North Korea test-fired a presumed intermediate-range ballistic missile on Tuesday, South Korean officials said, its latest military maneuver since leader Kim Jong Un’s New Year declaration that he was ending a policy seeking reconciliation with the South. Pyongyang’s shows of power included long-range artillery and multiple rocket launchers, which pose a threat to the South Korean capital Seoul and other key areas near the border. But Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said Tuesday’s suspected missile test by North Korea won’t have much effect on the vote. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui last week quashed recent speculation that Kishida could meet with North Korea’s Kim. North Korea “will not allow any attempt of Japan to contact” Pyongyang, he said, according to KCNA.

Persons: Kim Jong, Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim, Yoon’s, Democratic Party –, Yoon, Leif, Eric Easley, ” Easley, Easley, Tuesday’s, Fumio Kishida, Joe Biden, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Choe Son Hui, North Korea’s Kim, CNN’s Yoonjung Seo Organizations: South Korea CNN, North, South, Korean Central News Agency, CNN, Yoon’s People Power Party, Democratic Party, Ewha Womans University, Assembly, Korean, Philippine, North Korean Foreign, North Korea “ Locations: Seoul, South Korea, North Korea, Pyongyang, United States, North, Japan, Washington, China

☆ Biden to host Japan PM Kishida, Philippines President Marcos for White House summit
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a White House summit next month amid growing concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, provocative Chinese action in the South China Sea and differences over a Japanese company's plan to buy an iconic American steel company. Eugene Hoshiko | AFP | Getty ImagesPresident Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a White House summit next month amid growing concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, provocative Chinese action in the South China Sea and differences over a Japanese company's plan to buy an iconic American steel company. The announcement came as North Korea's state media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a live-fire drill of nuclear-capable "super-large" multiple rocket launchers designed to target South Korea's capital. Biden argued in announcing his opposition that the U.S. needs to "maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steelworkers." Meanwhile, long-running Philippines-Chinese tensions have come back into focus this month after Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the disputed South China Sea.

Persons: Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Eugene Hoshiko, Karine Jean, Pierre, Kim Jong Un, Biden, Thomas Shoal, Thomas Organizations: AFP, Getty, White, Steel, Nippon Steel of, American steelworkers, " Nippon Steel, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre Locations: Philippines, South, American, Japan, North, Korea, U.S, Pittsburgh, Nippon Steel of Japan, Philippine, China, BRP Sierra, Thomas Shoal, Sierra

☆ U.S. companies to announce over $1 bln of investments in the Philippines, Commerce Secretary Raimondo says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks during a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., on May 16, 2023. American companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday. Raimondo is heading a two-day trade and investment mission, the first of its kind for the Philippines. The delegation includes executives from 22 companies including United Airlines , Alphabet's Google , Visa , KKR Asia Pacific, and Microsoft . United said last week it would launch new flights from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu, Philippines starting July 31.

Persons: Gina Raimondo, Raimondo, United, Joe Biden, Ferdinand Marcos Jr Organizations: Commerce, Washington , D.C, U.S . Commerce, United Airlines, Google, Visa, KKR Asia Pacific, Microsoft, U.S, Philippine Locations: Washington ,, Philippines, U.S, Manila, Tokyo, Narita, Cebu, China, South, Taiwan

☆ Why Australia keeps an arm’s length from South China Sea tensions, even as it draws closer with the Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Australian Parliament last week there was no mistaking the fighting talk. The Philippines accused China's coast guard of setting up the barrier at the mouth of the disputed fishing ground. That meeting will also be attended by several other nations with territorial disagreements with China – including Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Australia was unlikely to back any tough language at the summit pertaining to the South China Sea or any other hot-button issue. As Bisley put it, “We don’t like what China does, but we’re not going to put ourselves in harm’s way.”

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ”, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, –, Thomas Shoal, David, China’s, Marcos ’, China –, Scott Morrison, Collin Koh, Penny Wong annouced, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Lukas Coch, Susannah Patton, it’s, ” Patton, China’s aggressions, Wang Wenbin, Nick Bisley, Bisley, we’re Organizations: CNN, Maxar, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Australia, Australian, Partners, Reuters, South China, Southeast Asia, Lowy Institute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Trobe University Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Manila, China’s, Philippine, Scarborough, Scarborough Shoal, Hague, United States, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Beijing, Singapore, South, Penny Wong annouced Canberra, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

☆ Philippines' Marcos Says Secessionist Threats 'Doomed to Fail'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday that calls for independence for the country's southern island of Mindanao were a "constitutional travesty" and "doomed to fail." "The new call for a separate Mindanao is doomed to fail, for it is anchored on a false premise, not to mention a sheer constitutional travesty," Marcos said in a speech on Constitution Day without naming his outspoken predecessor. "I strongly appeal to all concerned to stop this call for a separate Mindanao. "This is not the new Philippines that we are trying to mold. That was followed by Marcos' defence chief on Monday vowing to strictly enforce the country's sovereignty after Duterte's secessionist threats.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos, Duterte, Karen Lema, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Sunday Locations: MANILA, Philippine, Mindanao, Philippines, Republic

☆ China Says It Opposes and Cracks Down on All Forms of Cyberattacks
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

MANILA (Reuters) - The Chinese government does not tolerate any form of cyberattacks and will not allow any country or individual to engage in such illegal activities using Chinese infrastructure, its embassy in the Philippines said. It made the assurances after the Philippines on Monday said that hackers from China last month attempted to break into government websites, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's personal website, but failed. Manila did not say the hackers were linked to any state, but said they were found to be using the services of Chinese state-owned company Unicom. "The Chinese government all along firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attack in accordance with law, allows no country or individual to engage in cyber attack and other illegal activities on Chinese soil or using Chinese infrastructure," a spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Manila said late on Monday. The Philippines is currently working on a five-year cybersecurity strategy to beef up its cyber defences.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr's, Unicom, Neil Jerome Morales, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Embassy Locations: MANILA, Philippines, China, Manila

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