Chinese claims in South China Sea

  Washington (CNN)Amid ongoing trade tensions with Beijing, the US Navy sailed two warships within 12 miles of two Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea on Monday, the Navy’s 7th Fleet said. The two guided-missile destroyers USS Preble and USS Chung Hoon “sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Gaven and Johnson Reefs in […]

Shut down Chinese-only businesses, Lacson urges

MANILA, Philippines — The government should shut down restaurants and other businesses exclusively catering to Chinese nationals staying in the country, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday. Lacson also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local governments and other state agencies to use their authority and keep investors from China out of […]

Duterte’s China ties, allegations of corruption, and the Philippine election

  The Philippines is heading to the polls on May 13 in what could be seen as a referendum on President Rodrigo Duterte’s ill-fated decision to steer the country away from its traditional ally, the United States, and towards an alliance with the People’s Republic of China. Increased human rights abuses, allegations of corruption, inflation, […]

Government vows protection of ‘South China Sea’ territories

  The Philippine government yesterday vowed it would protect its territories in the disputed South China Sea, following a Supreme Court order to preserve marine environments in the area. The court order was prompted by a petition filed by environmental activists and fishermen alleging the Philippine government had failed to act against Chinese incursions and […]

US warships sail in disputed South China Sea

  Two US warships sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Monday, the US military said, in a move that could anger Beijing at a time of tense relations between the world’s two biggest economies. The US guided-missile destroyers Preble and Chung Hoon travelled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven […]