Monthly Archives: April 2019

It’s Time to Rethink Philippine Policies on China

  Reactions in social media depict a growing frustration among the general Filipino public regarding the political will of the current administration to secure the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in relation to the South China Sea (referred to in the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea). With the fast approaching midterm elections in the […]

China willing to investigate poaching of giant clams in South China Sea

  BEIJING — China is prepared to investigate the alleged illegal harvesting of giant clams by local vessels in the disputed South China Sea. According to Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, China even proposed a joint investigation with the Philippines, particularly the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on the matter. […]

South China Sea: Trump ‘SCARED’ of triggering war with China says President Duterte

PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte has accused the US President Donald Trump of being “scared” of triggering a war with China over the disputed South China Sea. President Duterte’s comments follow the Philippines accusing China of trespassing in Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag. Mr Duterte warned Beijing’s increased military presence was “endangering” the lives of […]

India, Vietnam Conclude Second Iteration of Bilateral Naval Exercise off Cam Ranh Bay

  The exercise underscores growing maritime ties between the two countries. Military-to-military cooperation between India and Vietnam continued last week with the conclusion of the second iteration of a bilateral naval exercise between the two countries. The Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy participated in bilateral drills off Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam between […]

No settlement ending up with China allowing Philippines to protect clams, Locsin says

  MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ top diplomat said he would not allow a settlement of the South China Sea dispute that would put China at an advantage in connection to giant clams in Scarborough Shoal. Chinese vessels have reportedly been extracting giant clams from Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, which locals call Bajo de Masinloc, […]

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister says South China Sea still a major unresolved issue

  Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah stressed that the South China Sea issue is still on the table in discussions with China. However, Saifuddin said Malaysia prefers to discuss the matter in an Asean platform since many members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were involved. The minister also said certain acts by China, […]

The US and India practiced hunting subs for the first time since signing a deal making it easier to keep track of China

  The US and India practiced hunting submarines in a joint exercise in the Indian Ocean last week. They were the first anti-submarine warfare exercises since the signing of the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) last fall. The agreement allows for real-time intelligence sharing between the US and India, making it easier for the […]

China told to ‘lay off’ Philippines’ islands shows SHIFT in Manila-Beijing relationship

  THE PHILIPPINES is shifting its stance on the hotly disputed South China Sea by strengthening the nation’s relationship with the US. As the midterm elections in the Philippines approach, President Rodrigo Duterte is attempting to overturn his “soft” approach with China over the territory, by engaging in talks with US President Donald Trump to […]