WASHINGTON: A diplomatic standoff between China and the Philippines that flared up two years ago in a dispute over fishing rights at a tiny shoal in the South China Sea is coming to a head after Manila decided to ignore Chinese threats and sue Beijing in an international tribunal. The legal case marks the first […]
On March 18, officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Singapore to resume consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that began last September. This meeting should have created an atmosphere for the lowering of tensions in the South China Sea. At the least, China […]
After over a year’s preparation, the Philippine government has submitted 4,000 pages of evidence to an international tribunal, challenging China’s legitimate claim to the South China Sea within the nine-dash line and declaring its “sovereignty” over some isles including the Ren’ai Reef. The Chinese government and scholars have rebuked Manila’s attempt to seek international arbitration […]
TOKYO—US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel on Sunday warned China against unilateral action to resolve a territorial dispute with Japan or other Asian countries, drawing a parallel with Russia’s incursion in Ukraine. “All nations deserve respect, no matter how large or how small,” Hagel said during a visit to Tokyo. “I think we’re seeing some clear […]
MANILA – Malacañang welcomed yesterday the United States’ expression of support for the Philippines’ peaceful moves to settle the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. “We note the US affirmation of its commitment to abide by its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, as well as its support of the case filed at an arbitration […]
HONG KONG — The head of the U.S. Defense Department says Washington plans to send two more missile defense warships to Japan to counter the threat posed by North Korea’s actions. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told a news conference in Tokyo Sunday after meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, that two AEGIS […]
MEDIA RELEASE By Prof. JOSE MARIA SISON NDFP Chief Political Consultant 04 April 2014 In a previous interview, I said that the strongest piece of international law in favor of the Philippines is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly with regard to the 200 mile exclusive economic zone. I even […]
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines chose the right course, an international think tank said of the country’s filing a case before an arbitral court on its overlapping claim with China in the Spratlys. The Philippines may face repercussions for bringing its territorial dispute with China before an international court but complacency may be costlier, US-based […]
HOORAY. Marine Sgt. Rey Sarmiento (R) and Pfc. Ryan Esteban react when the PH supply ship arrives March 29, alongside BRP Sierra Madre, their home for 138 days. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE AYUNGIN SHOAL, West Philippine Sea—Standing on the bridge of the AM700, our small resupply vessel, Navy Lt. (s.g.) Ferdinand Gato had his eyes on […]
YOKOTA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan — Against the backdrop of Russia’s takeover of Ukraine’s Crimean region, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Saturday that a key message he will deliver to leaders in Tokyo this weekend is that the U.S. is strongly committed to protecting Japan’s security. Hagel said it is understandable for nations to be […]