In politics, they say, there are neither permanent friends nor enemies, only permanent interests. The problem with this realpolitik cliché is that it’s only half-true. After all, interests themselves are not permanent, since our preferences and goals evolve over time, depending on our historical interactions with the outside world and internal reflections on the […]

MANILA — The US will remain as the “only military ally” of the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said late Monday, following reports of increased Chinese presence in disputed territory on the South China Sea. The military recently expressed concern over the Chinese “maritime militia” vessels that have been almost stationary near Pag-asa […]

  Former Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and former Philippines Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against China’s President Xi Jinping, its Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines for “crimes against humanity.” The plaintiffs allege that these persons perpetrated China’s […]

  FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Sunday claimed rising sea levels brought about by climate change would eventually wipe out structures and artificial islands built by China in the contested Kalayaan (Spratly) island group. He made the remark on Twitter in response to a news article on the prospects of floating cities amid […]

  AND you can thank former President Aquino and his astonishingly pro-American Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario for this, as it was they who got the Republic to file an arbitration suit against China for allegedly violating the law of the sea. Yes, the award sided with much of the Philippines’ arguments, among them its […]

  YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Navy will not be sending ships to China’s multinational naval celebration this month marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese navy, according to Defense Department officials. Instead, the U.S. Embassy Beijing defense attaché will represent the United States at the event in Qingdao, China, April 22-25, Pentagon spokesman […]

  MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy showcased its assets as part of the annual Balikatan exercises by sailing through the South China Sea , alongside the United States Navy. Photos released by the US Navy show the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp sailing alongside the Philippine Navy’s landing platform dock BRP Tarlac and offshore […]

  In the contested ICC and South China Sea issues, there are increasing concerns about public agendas fueled by private interests. The structures of Albert del Rosario’s think-tank and its many bedfellows are a case in point. IN February, the US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) released a heavily promoted report alleging that China sought […]

  While the European Commission is wrestling over China’s efforts to draw European countries into joining its Belt and Road Initiative, a similar set of issues deserve attention on the other side of the world. President Xi Jinping secured deals involving several ports in Italy during an official visit last month, giving China a key […]

  President Duterte addressed China on Friday: “Let us be friends, but do not touch Pag-asa Island and the rest. If you make moves there, that’s a different story. I will tell my soldiers, ‘Prepare for suicide mission.’” Strong words, indeed! A defiant statement reported all over the world. Apparently, the statement is not off […]