Monthly Archives: January 2024

China, Philippines seek better communication, management of conflicts in South China Sea

SUMMARY China and the Philippines agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks in regards to issues around the South China Sea, their foreign ministries said in a statement. China Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro held a frank and in-depth exchange […]

Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday, January 15. The plans come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim territory […]

In Manila, German foreign minister warns of ‘rough winds blowing’ in South China Sea

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday, January 11, warned of “rough winds blowing across the South China Sea,” following a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila. Baerbock, fresh off a visit to the Middle East, including Israel, expressed concern over tensions in the vital waterway, a […]

Indonesia, Philippines discuss South China Sea developments – Marcos

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – The leaders of the Philippines and Indonesia met on Wednesday, January 10, to discuss a range of regional issues including developments in the South China Sea and closer cooperation among member states of the Southeast Asian bloc. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo for talks in Manila. “President […]

Philippines remains open to diplomacy with China – national security adviser

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and believes the two nations can achieve a resolution to disputes over the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue, its national security adviser said in a statement on Friday, January 5. Eduardo Año’s remarks came after a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on […]

2 Chinese vessels shadowed PH, US ships – Philippine military

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – Two Chinese navy vessels shadowed Philippine and US ships conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Thursday, January 4 as tensions flare in the region over disputed territorial claims. “We confirm the presence of two PLA-N (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels from a distance shadowing […]

Philippines, US hold 2nd joint maritime patrol in West Philippine Sea

SUMMARY MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and United States have commenced the second iteration of a joint maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Wednesday, January 3. From January 3 to 4, the AFP and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will conduct passing exercises, […]