Recent tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea, especially the Chinese blockade of the Philippines-controlled Second Thomas Shoal, have alerted all countries with a stake in the regional disputes to the risk of a possible crisis involving China and its maritime neighbors. To counteract its weakening position at sea vis-à-vis China … Read more
The Taiwanese people have spoken: the long-time Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politician, Lai Ching-Te, will be the next president and possibly sustain and improve upon his predecessor’s efforts to stand up for the island nation’s interests. Unprecedentedly, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly congratulated President-elect Lai in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he looks … Read more
The Philippines has again condemned China’s coastguard for its latest “provocative action” against Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea, shortly after the two nations agreed to take additional steps to manage tensions in the disputed waterway. Yesterday, Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson of the National Security Council, referred to an incident publicized by the Philippine … Read more
China’s government summoned the ambassador from the Philippines yesterday and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory. In a press briefing in Beijing yesterday, Reuters reported, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Marcos’ remarks “constitute a serious violation … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Diplomacy | Southeast Asia This is the second time this year that Huang has been summoned following stand-offs in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal. Advertisement Yesterday, the Philippine government summoned China’s ambassador for the second time this year to protest the Chinese coast guard’s use of water cannons in a stand-off with Philippine vessels over … Read more
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks to lawmakers and government officials after delivering his second state of the union speech in at the House of Representatives, in Quezon City, Philippines, July 24, 2023. Credit: Facebook/Bongbong Marcos Advertisement Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has used his annual State of the Union speech to emphasize his administration’s … Read more
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard wave flags as they welcome the arrival of Chinese naval training ship, Qi Jiguang, for a goodwill visit at Manila’s port, Philippines Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Basilio Sepe Advertisement A Chinese navy training ship yesterday made a port call in the Philippines, part of a three-day “goodwill … Read more