Monthly Archives: June 2019

Things Filipinos must know about China’s fishing militia in the South China Sea

They appear as ordinary Chinese fishermen manning trawlers in the South China Sea, but they are military-trained militia deployed as another “gray zone tactic,” that is, an action to gain advantage without provoking a convention military response. The relatively new sea force in the strategic waterway has recently been believed to be behind laser attacks […]

Restraint in South China Sea Asean’s mantra once again

SOUTHEAST Asian leaders, including President Duterte, have vowed to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea as they agreed to “avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.” All the 10 leaders attended the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit (Asean) in Thailand. In the Asean Leaders’ Vision Statement […]

Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea

BEIJING — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in […]

Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea

BEIJING — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in […]

DND reaffirms commitment in securing PH waters

  The Department of National Defense (DND) remains committed in ensuring the Philippines’ maritime security amid multifaceted challenges and competing interests in the regional waters. This was emphasized by Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna in his speech at the 146th Maritime Forum at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. However, the official said the Philippines […]

Duterte accepts China’s proposal to jointly investigate South China Sea boat collision

  MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday (June 22) rebuffed his own top diplomat, as he accepted an offer from China to jointly probe the sinking of a Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese trawler early this month. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement that Mr Duterte wants “highly qualified and competent” […]

‘Duterte coward’: Filipinos’ opinions of president and Beijing government sour after South China Sea sinking

  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire for his response to the sinking of a Philippine vessel that collided with a Chinese ship in the South China Sea. Photo: EPAPhilippine public opinion is on a slow boil over recent Chinese actions and Manila’s seeming rush to defend Beijing. Two incidents have seen many […]