MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government might declare Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and Eastern Kalayaan in the West Philippine Sea as marine protected areas. This statement comes after the reported harvesting of giant clams by Chinese vessels in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a traditional fishing ground off the coast of Zambales. National Security Adviser Hermogenes […]

  Orbiting 22,000 miles above Earth, a fleet of American-built satellites is serving the Chinese government in ways that challenge the U.S. Nine of these satellites have been part of efforts to connect Chinese soldiers on contested outposts in the South China Sea, strengthen police forces against social unrest and make sure state messaging penetrates […]

  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 […]

  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. […]

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 […]

  WASHINGTON • As a US Coast Guard cutter sailed through the East China Sea last month, Chinese vessels shadowed it on the high seas, US service officials said. It was a reminder to the Americans of where they were: in a strategic area about 300km from China’s shores. The situation underscored the evolving American […]

  The Philippines’ largest warship arrived in China on Monday to attend a naval parade, part of a goodwill visit as China extends the hand of friendship despite regional tensions and suspicions. Beijing on Tuesday will mark 70 years since the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, where it will show off new […]

  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 […]

  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 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, […]