Papua New Guinea seeks free trade talks with Japan, PM says
TOKYO -- Japan and Papua New Guinea have discussed the path toward a potential free trade agreement, PNG Prime Minister James Marape told Nikkei Asia on Wednesday.
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Philippine Navy says China’s aircraft carrier capabilities still ‘need decades’ to mature
A senior Philippine Navy official has suggested Beijing still “needs decades” to refine its aircraft carrier-based warfare capabilities, in a move interpreted by some as a taunt but with analysts saying it reflected a realistic assessment of China’s naval might.
South China Sea clash raises stakes even higher as scepticism surrounds Manilla talks
The discussions centred on managing the precarious situation at the Second Thomas Shoal, with both sides pledging to sustain dialogue and consultation to control disputes and differences. Yet, scepticism looms amid the momentum.
On the Hands of India’s Brides, Reminders of a Stark Wealth Divide
The ceremony was on the grounds of the exclusive Bangalore Club, an oasis in one of India’s largest cities. The bride-to-be, Sreya Muthukumar, was ensconced on the terrace, wreathed in smiles, greeting and chatting with her guests. Two women were attending to her, each wielding a thin plastic cone filled with henna paste.
South China Sea: Philippine navy official dismisses Beijing’s charges, asserts Sabina Shoal rights
A top Philippine official has dismissed a Chinese report over its actions in the Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, insisting Manila has the right to “do anything that we wish” in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Japan wants answers over Chinese buoy found in remote contested waters
The buoy was discovered last week near Okinotorishima, a tiny remote atoll 1,730km south of Tokyo and the southernmost feature claimed by Japan. Though China and other have argued that the coral reef does not qualify as an island under UN definitions, Japan insists it can use the outpost to extend its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Philippines denies South China Sea damage claims, says ‘it’s China’ that harmed corals
“It is China who has been found to have caused irreparable damage to corals. It is China that has caused untold damage to the maritime environment, and jeopardised the natural habitat and the livelihood of thousands of Filipino fisherfolk,” the task force said.
South China Sea: is Beijing abusing Philippines talks to mask its ‘policy of aggression’?
The Philippine foreign ministry vowed to be “relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea” – the local designation for the parts of the South China Sea claimed by Manila.