MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte was not belittling the Philippine charter when he described as “thoughtless and senseless” a constitutional provision stating that the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country must be protected by the state, Malacañang said Tuesday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte, in likening the Philippine constitution to a piece of toilet […]

THE US has demanded that Cambodia explain why the country has turned down Washington’s offer to repair a naval base – sparking fears that China’s vast military could be present in the region. The White House was put on high alert when the Cambodian government abruptly refused to allow the US to repair a training […]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Pentagon said on Tuesday a recent Chinese missile launch in the South China Sea was “disturbing” and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarize the disputed waterway. The South China Sea is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the U.S.-China relationship, which include a trade war, U.S. […]

Here’s a weekly 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. CHINA HOLDING NAVAL DRILLS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA China is holding […]

The Chinese military has been testing anti-ship missiles in the South China Sea, CNBC reported Monday, citing two US officials familiar with the testing. China reportedly tested “anti-ship ballistic missiles,” a possible follow-up to the deployment of anti-ship cruise missiles to the contested waterway last year. The testing of anti-ship ballistic missiles would be a […]

Statesmanship and creativity are needed as Washington and Beijing renegotiate a relationship that is too big to fail. America’s Foreign Service officers are important voices for, and representatives of, our country abroad. Your hard work and diplomacy are vital to ensuring that America’s policies and priorities are understood by foreign leaders. I believe your work […]

Veteran Filipino broadcast journalist Waldy Carbonell rips a mock Chinese flag after failing to burn it because of the rainy weather on Monday, in Makati to protest against alleged Chinese intrusion into the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Carbonell assailed President Rodrigo Duterte for his remarks on the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat in the […]

Yuemaobinyu 42212 is the fieriest issue in the disputed waters since the 2012 deadlock between Philippine and Chinese vessels in Scarborough Shoal, which provoked Manila to file a case against Beijing. Aggression has been China’s mark in the past years, and it has become increasingly annoying. It doesn’t want to respect any law and continues […]

THE HAGUE — Filipinos should continue talking about Manila’s victory against China in an international arbitration court, a book author said, as the world marked 3 years since the landmark ruling. China ignored the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated its vast claims to the South China Sea. The Philippines, under a […]

There’s a credibility problem in the South China Sea. When ASEAN states consider China’s commitment to dominating maritime Southeast Asia, its capability and the risks it’s willing to take, they undoubtedly come up with a pretty clear-eyed assessment. It’s knowledge won through painful experience. ASEAN states also know that opposing Beijing too strongly will bring […]