Author Archives: admin

[OPINION] Moving forward with Philippine-U.S. relations

‘It was an imperative for our disruptive northern neighbor to be forewarned of the significance of our mutual defense treaty alliance’ We, at the Stratbase ADR Institute Incorporated, fully welcome the official US statement that, “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft, or public vessels […]

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday the defense department was checking a report that Chinese vessels have been blocking Filipino fishermen from approaching sandbars near Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, which is called Pag-asa by Filipinos, in the disputed waters.

Philippines worried defense treaty with U.S. may draw it into a war in South China Sea MANILA – The United States is more likely to be involved in a “shooting war” in the disputed South China Sea than the Philippines but the latter would be embroiled in such a conflict just the same because of […]

Why US Navy’s South China Sea operations tighten squeeze on Southeast Asian nations caught between Washington and Beijing

Freedom of navigation operations conducted by the US and its allies in the South China Sea have heightened the dilemma faced by Southeast Asian nations caught between China and the United States, diplomatic sources and observers have said. Many say that the more frequent naval operations by the US and its allies in the contested […]

Mutual defense treaty review needed: expert

MANILA — Although the United States repeatedly gave its assurance to the Philippine government that any armed attack against the Philippines, including on the disputed South China Sea, would trigger its defense pact, the government should still push for a review of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a political expert said Thursday. “In case of […]

[ANALYSIS] America, China and the real star wars

Early this month, two United States Navy missile-guided destroyers sailed within 12 nautical miles off Mischief Reef, one of 7 man-made islands built by China in the disputed South China Sea, challenging Beijing’s excessive maritime claims in the East Asia and Pacific region. China’s claims are not recognized under international law after the Philippines won […]

US Navy Frequents Taiwan Strait to Send China Message

TAIPAI, TAIWAN — Passage of two U.S. Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait in February, the fourth such move since mid-2018, shows Washington’s growing support for Taiwan against threats from China, Asia scholars said this week. Observers say the passages are aimed at showing China that the U.S. Navy has regularized patrols in the East […]

Pompeo: ‘We remain committed to supporting the Philippines’ in South China Sea row

MANILA, Philippines – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday reassured the Philippine government of the United States’ support amid the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea. “Our commitments under that treaty (U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty) are clear, our obligations are real, the South China Sea is certainly part of an important body of […]