South China Sea: is China’s fishing ban a ‘scare tactic’ to fend off Philippine vessels entering disputed waters?
China argues the annual moratorium is aimed at promoting sustainable fishing.
Sherwin Ona in asian news
South China Sea: Manila sends vessel to Benham Rise. Is it just a symbolic show of force?
Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow with the Southeast Asia programme at Australian think tank Lowy Institute, said the Philippines had to do more than conduct symbolic deployments, noting a constant naval presence was needed across the economic zone and archipelago, especially in the contested area.
Philippines eyes Japan to build 5G network amid China’s dominance, cyber fears
The offer is seen to be linked to a proposed agreement that Manila and Tokyo are exploring to permit troops on either side to enter each other’s territory for joint military exercises and enhanced defence cooperation, especially in maritime areas.
Philippine VP Sara Duterte to ‘go full force on the offensive’ after break from Marcos Jnr
Free from a cabinet portfolio, Sara will most likely use her time to consolidate her support while aiming to field her own congressional candidates to challenge Marcos-backed politicians, according to Ramon Beleno, a political analyst and former professor from Davao City, the Dutertes’ bailiwick.
Philippines’ Australia, France, Japan ties boost its middle-power status amid South China Sea rivalry
Analysts say it’s crucial for the Philippines to strengthen security cooperation with like-minded countries, not only for bolstering its claims in the South China Sea but also for its ongoing military modernisation efforts amid a shift in focus of its defence strategy from internal to external.
South China Sea: ‘upsurge’ in Chinese militia vessels as Balikatan drills begin ‘out of the norm’, Philippines says
Philippine Navy Commodore Roy Trinidad said on Tuesday that 124 Chinese vessels of various types had been detected in the West Philippine Sea – Manila’s term for the section of the South China Sea that defines its maritime territory and includes its exclusive economic zone – since Monday, compared to an average of 60 per week in the two months prior.
Ex-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s South China Sea ‘deal’ with Xi Jinping sparks calls for treason charges
Antonio Carpio, a former associate justice of the Supreme Court, told reporters on Friday that Duterte’s “status quo deal” has in effect given China control over the Second Thomas Shoal – a maritime landmark in the South China Sea where Manila grounded a WWII-era vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre, to strengthen its claims over the surrounding waters.
China denies recruiting ‘sleeper cell’ military members in the Philippines
The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday strongly denied Philippine military reports that Beijing has been recruiting Filipino military personnel as consultants and planting operatives in “sleeper cells” throughout the country.