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Marcos Jr. eyes stronger maritime ties with India
The Philippines is seeking stronger maritime security cooperation with India to ensure the safety of seafarers from both nations as the world’s oceans are becoming more dangerous for commercial shipping, President Marcos said......»»
EAM Jaishankar visits Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday during its port call to Manila and said that India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision will continue to give it a more contemporary form. He presented his remarks at the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday and said that his visit and the ship's presence signify th.....»»
Globe closed on an additional P1.16-B in tower sales
Globe Telecom, the Zobel Family’s telecommunications company, disclosed that it closed on the sale of another 91 cell towers to Frontier Towers to raise approximately P1.16 billion in cash......»»
Globe gets P5 billion from sale of towers
Telco-to-tech provider Globe Telecom Inc. raised almost P5 billion from the sale of towers in the first quarter, providing it with some of the capital needed to upgrade services and pay debts......»»
BTr raises P120 billion from T-bond sale
The government raised the entire program of P120 billion in long-term securities this month even as investors’ asking rates were mixed......»»
Billions for commercial tuna industry, crumbs for fisherfolk
Months of investigation by Bulatlat revealed that the booming commercial tuna industry in General Santos City, dubbed the Philippines’ “tuna capital,” favors industrial scale commercial fishing fleets at the expense of the livelihood of thousands of ordinary fisherfolk. The post Billions for commercial tuna industry, crumbs for fisherfolk appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Knowing one’s IP right
Copyright registrations at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines or IPOPhl reached record-high levels last year. And this, according to IPOPhl, signifies increased awareness of the importance of copyright registration......»»
Rama: No need to rush RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said revising the Real Property Tax (RPT) wasn’t yet necessary, showing a sudden change in his position. At first, Rama said the RPT revision had to be done this month. Later, he told the council that imposing the RPT suddenly wasn’t necessary, showing a change in.....»»
NAIA sale to pay debts
Amid the excitement over the successful privatization of NAIA’s rehab and operation, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto mused about the future of NAIA beyond the 15-year San Miguel concession period......»»
BPI to sell its entire 15% GoTyme Bank stake back to the Gokongweis
Zobel Family banking unit BPI disclosed that its board of directors has approved the sale of BPI’s stake in GoTyme Bank to a subsidiary of JG Summit and a company called Giga Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. at a price of P1.20/share......»»
Citicore Energy REIT doesn’t deny report of potential 30% stake sale
Citicore Energy REIT responded to a Biz Buzz article that claimed a “blue chip conglomerate” (BCC) was in negotiations to acquire “a little less than 30%” of CREIT in a deal that would be completed “in the coming days or weeks”......»»
Sana (kub)ol
So the Bureau of Corrections is dismantling kubols in the New Bilibid Prison compound AGAIN. A kubol, for the uninitiated, is that peculiarly Filipino invention of a customized personal space in a prison that is supposed to have standardized living quarters for all prisoners. This is strange because then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (2010-2016) made a big to-do about demolishing kubols in her time — which was also the Golden Age of Kubols. It was in 2014 when I, as a lawyer for one NBP inmate (who eventually became part of the so-called “Bilibid 19,” but more on that later) went to the prison for an initial conference with my client, who obviously couldn’t come to my office. I was shocked — shocked! — when I arrived at the compound, and not only because I was ushered in through a side door by a warden who put me in a fancy golf cart to take me to my client. En route, I saw that there were buildings(!) inside the prison premises housing — okay, be ready for this — mini-groceries, beauty salons and barber shops, spas, restaurants and, I was to learn later, a high-tech recording studio and radio-television broadcast facility. My client was waiting for me in a three-story(!) building. The first floor housed a fully-equipped office(!) and staff; the second floor was my client’s office with phones and a computer connected to the Internet, and a separate conference room for 12 people; the third floor housed his quarters (a bedroom with toilet, shower and bathtub). Responding to my quizzical look, he answered my unasked question: “Attorney, dito lahat puede basta ‘magpaangat’ ka kay secretary (Anything goes here, just ‘take it up’ with the secretary).” Anyways (to use the favorite expression of my friend Arni Teves), back to my client. Later that year, he and 18 other prisoners had a falling out with Secretary De Lima over what he claimed to be drug dealing inside Bilibid, and they were transferred incommunicado to the National Bureau of Investigation compound. To the frantic cries of their families who feared that they would be liquidated, I filed for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals. Their detention was ruled unconstitutional, and their families and I were allowed see them, albeit with very strict restrictions. The story that they told me of drug trafficking inside the NBP compound would later form the backbone of the indictments against De Lima once Aquino was out of power. I had cautioned them to keep things under wraps, as such disclosures then would definitely put them in grave danger. Back to the kubols. De Lima invited the press to witness their destruction, and the mediamen’s jaws dropped — as mine did years before — at the sight of luxury houses complete with airconditioning, king-size beds and Jacuzzis; a state-of-the-art recording studio; a radio and television station with equipment to rival many commercial stations; among other things. As De Lima smiled smugly for the cameras, claiming credit for “cleaning up Bilibid,” friends in media asked her the question, obliquely and sometimes directly, “How could such a thing happen under your watch and your very nose all these years?” The answer was somehow provided in the probe by the House of Representatives in 2017, when an inmate testified that in a meeting with the late J.B. Sebastian (one of the privileged inmates who was said to have done De Lima’s bidding in the Bilibid drug trade) inside his , De Lima held on to a pole (one provided for pole dancing) and, after preening, looked at Sebastian and said, “Okay ba, J.B.?” She knew, and tolerated — nay, encouraged — it. The authorities can knock down the kubols every year, and they will keep springing back up again, unless drastic reforms in the correctional system are made. In this, we sincerely wish Secretary Boying all the luck and success in the world. So when these kubols are removed, we can plausibly wish, SANA (KUB) ALL… The post Sana (kub)ol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Residential condominium complex to rise soon
Anew residential space at Filinvest City will soon rise. 1001 Parkway Residences, developed by Filigree, is a high-rise residential property and the latest addition to its portfolio of renowned spaces, such as The Beaufort in BGC, The Enclave Alabang in Daang Hari, Bristol, Botanika Nature Residences Tower 1 and Two Botanika in Filinvest City and Golf Ridge Private Estate in Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, Pampanga. “These residential offerings have already grown into vibrant and intimate space, proof of how many people crave a life of distinction,” said Daphne Sanchez, Filigree’s business unit head. 1001 Parkway Residences consists of twin towers, each with rooms that seamlessly marry understated luxury and craftsmanship. Units (either one bedroom, two bedrooms or three bedrooms) have a built-in closet, kitchen, toilet and bath, multi-split inverter AC, multi-point water heat system, FFTH for Internet, single leaf solid wood grove main door, moisture resistant gypsum board and a balcony. [gallery size="full" ids="163840,163839,163842"] Two exclusive Garden Units, sized at 70 sqm each, has a 14-sqm balcony that offers a panorama view of the property’s surrounding green spaces. Relevant amenities and services, such as a pavilion, adult pool with 50-meter lap section, kiddie pool, outdoor kids play area, indoor kids play area, gym and yoga, dog park, pool lounge and sky lounge are available for its future residents. 1001 Parkway Residences is along major roads leading to the North and South. By virtue of being with Filinvest City, the property is nearby Spectrum Linear Park, Central Park and Creekside Park. Soon to rise along Millionaire’s Row at Spectrum, touted as the most premium district of Filinvest City, 1001 Parkway will also have immediate access to medical facilities, business centers, educational institutions, commercial centers, dining hotspots, entertainment venues and other green open spaces. “1001 Parkway by Filigree is a symbol of elevated status where residents can embrace modern luxe lifestyle. Imagine your home address is a mix of two worlds, the urgent pace of your urban life and sensibility, and the slower, more meditative and meaningful moment one cannot simply count with time. It is a quiet meshing of outdoor and indoor, of the wildness of nature and the beauty of structure,” Sanchez said. From stunning high-rise communities to lush and intimate neighborhoods, Filigree redefines luxury by sealing its every project with tangible real value. Their exclusive locations and designs are the hallmarks of world-class developments with unlimited investment potential. “At Filigree, we believe that luxury is really in the details. Every project feature is well thought-out to bring utmost comfort and ease to our residents,” she added. 1001 Parkway Residences is ready for occupancy by 2028. The post Residential condominium complex to rise soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pueblo de Oro launches condo project in CDO
WESTWOODS Storeys will offer a total of 989 residential units, including 25-sqm studio-type and 56-sqm two-bedroom mode PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF pueblo de Oro Development Corporation THE property stands out among other condominium projects with its expansive layout on a large land area. Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation, the residential development arm of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines Group, has recently launched a P3-billion mid-rise condominium project in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Dubbed Westwoods Storeys, the project consists of seven towers, each with six or seven floors, and is set on a 5.2-hectare plot amidst the protected urban rainforest of Pueblo de Oro. “Westwoods Storeys will contribute to mitigating the housing backlog, particularly in the City of Cagayan de Oro,” the company said. It will offer a total of 989 residential units, including 25-sqm studio-type and 56-sqm two-bedroom models with introductory prices ranging from P4 million to P8.9 million. Westwoods Storeys stands out among other condominium projects with its expansive layout on a large land area, providing a less crowded environment. It is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest, promoting environmental preservation that offers unit owners a harmonious connection to nature. Westwood Storeys also features a range of amenities, such as swimming pools, a playground, a multi-sport court, landscaped meditation decks, nature trails, rain gardens, pocket greenscapes, a family picnic area and a guardhouse with 24/7 security. Westwoods Storeys offers convenient proximity to various landmarks such, as SM City CDO Uptown shopping mall, St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, Xavier University-Pueblo de Oro Campus and the soon-to-open The Hub at Bamboo Lane commercial center. The whole development is expected to cost P3 billion, with the first tower set for turnover in 2026. Westwoods Storeys is Pueblo de Oro’s next vertical housing project following the successful Familia Apartments and Familia Apartments at Bamboo Lane. The latter received the Special-Purpose Development of the Year-Philippines award in the 2021 Real Estate Asia Awards. The post Pueblo de Oro launches condo project in CDO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trade show presents high-quality furniture and furnishings
Philippine Furniture Furnishings Market kicked off at the SMX Convention Center on 5 July, heralding a new era of business opportunities for participants and exhibitors alike. With a large selection of premium furniture and home décor, PFFM aims to meet the sourcing requirements of the regional market. “The annual event promises to provide our buyers and furniture enthusiasts with a glimpse of top grade export quality furniture and furnishing products from China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines,” Dexter Deyto, president of SmartPlay Events and Solutions, said. He encouraged guests to discover the most recent styles in office, outdoor, living, dining and bedroom furniture from the region, network with exporters and manufacturers, and explore new business opportunities. Deyto added that with the assistance of PFFM, people “are able to highlight the creativity of Asian furniture designers, manufacturers and suppliers, thereby helping intensify the demand for products on global stage.” Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee highlighted the value of aesthetics in the realm of furniture and home decoration, emphasizing the importance of fusing style and substance to elevate living spaces. Firms from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines’ FAME+ presented the most recent trends in home furniture, outdoor furniture, office and commercial furniture, home décor and lifestyle goods. Bedroom furniture, mattresses and pillows are offered by a number of international businesses. These include Changzhou Star Furniture Co Ltd, East Coast Furnitech Public Co Ltd, Hup Chong Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Instyle Sofa Sdn. Bhd., Kinheng Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Legend Dynamic Sdn. Bhd., Luoyang Eastern Sunrise Co Ltd, Smooth Star Enterprise (M) Sdn. Bhd., Titov Sdn. Bhd., Vgf Industries Sdn. Bhd., Vs Idea Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Wild Industries Sdn. Bhd., Comfy Nest International Sdn. Bhd. and Comfy Nest Sdn. Bhd. For dining furniture, attendees can explore offerings from 5r Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Aik Chee Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Biotrend Resources Sdn. Bhd., Boes Inspiration Sdn. Bhd., Feng Yuan Industries Sdn. Bhd., Gub Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Len Cheong Furniture Sdn. Bhd., Mkh Furniture Design Sdn. Bhd., Pure Star Synergy Sdn. Bhd., Rna Industry Sdn. Bhd., and Shantawood Sdn. Bhd. The event also features a showcase of living room furniture from Acme Upholstery Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., Anji Liansheng Furniture Co Ltd, Anji Tiger Furniture Co Ltd, Anji Yinafu Home Supplies Co Ltd, Gub Furniture Industries Sdn. Bhd., Inspiration House, Inter Sofa Industries Sdn. Bhd., Natural Signature Sdn. Bhd., Smart Top, Surface Solution Sdn. Bhd., Softline Furniture (M’sia) Sdn. Bhd., The Complete Furniture Sdn. Bhd., The Proficient Dynamic Europe Sdn. Bhd., and Vidi Furniture Sdn. Bhd. In addition, visitors can explore office furniture offerings from Anji Wanbao Intelligent Home Technology Co Ltd, Anji Yijie Furniture Co Ltd, Henglin Home Furnishings Co Ltd, Poh Huat Furniture Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., Vs Jaya Marketing Sdn. Bhd., Vs Office Furniture (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., and Zhejiang Jiechang Linear Motion Technology Co Ltd. The event is anticipated to draw at least 8,000 industry professionals, including managers from hotels, resorts, and restaurants as well as importers, wholesalers, distributors, and agents of furniture and home decor as well as retailers and department stores. The post Trade show presents high-quality furniture and furnishings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yoga is better than heroin, says Blur’s Damon Albarn
British band Blur are back with a new album and reunion tour -- a chance to "time-travel" for band leader Damon Albarn, even if he admits the years are taking their toll. "The Ballad of Darren", only their second album in 20 years, came as a surprise to everyone -- members of Blur included. "I didn't tell anyone I was writing it," Albarn told AFP during a visit to Paris, saying it happened while touring with his other band, Gorillaz, in the United States last year. "I came back in January and said: 'Come to the studio, I've got something to play you.'" He presented the band with 20 songs and told them to pick their favourites for the album, which is out on July 21. They are a typically strong set of tunes, but mostly the softer Blur of "Tender" than the perky pop of "Girls and Boys" or grungey rock of "Song 2". "I'm a profoundly sadder person in my 50s," the singer offered as explanation, laughing as he said it. "It's OK -- I'm leaning into my sadness. It's not that far from happiness. I'm comfortable with melancholy." Indeed, Albarn admits his cheeky-chappy persona in the 1990s was never a natural fit. He thinks about that younger self as he considers the huge upcoming dates at Wembley -- England's national stadium -- which Blur never played at their peak. "That would have terrified me beyond comprehension. Panic attacks, everything," he said. "Yoga helped me massively. Firstly it was heroin, and obviously I knocked that on the head 100 years ago. And now yoga -- if I do it pretty much every day, I'm calm. That it's not taught in every school is absurd." He also takes heart from the surreal sight of all the young people coming to Blur concerts these days. "It's like time-travelling. The audience is young again," he said. "It's weird -- you forget where you are sometimes." - 'Struggle inhumanely' - Albarn was always the most restless of the Britpop stars, exploring new sounds and styles on each album. It brought global fame, but he said it cost him mainstream acceptance back home. "It feels good at the moment of course -- people have suddenly realised I exist again -- but it's been a while since England is a place where I feel welcome," he said. Albarn's desire for the spotlight is central to infectious recent single "The Narcissist", which sees him cast back to his teenage years "with my strobe light and mirror and synthesiser in my dark bedroom, playing along with my favourite records. "That was the beginning of my narcissism," he said, though the song is also about "the fact we live in the most narcissistic age of man ever". "I don't have a phone but I understand the principle. We all carry this machine that sends pictures of ourselves, we look at them, check them, we manufacture our own narcissism." Not that he enjoys writing lyrics. At all. "I struggle hugely, almost inhumanely, with my lyrics. There's always a month when I'm trying to finish the lyrics of something... ugh, it's awful." - 'Lost our minds' - Since Blur's first hiatus back in 2003, it has been France that has been more welcoming of Albarn's experimental projects, including a full opera he is planning at the Lido in Paris next year. "Last time I tried something like that in England, it was at the National Theatre and I ended up being bullied into doing a Christmas show for 'commercial concerns'," he said, spitting the last words. There are also happy memories from Blur's first visits to Paris: nights at the legendary Bains Douches club ("a fairly explicit place," Albarn deadpans), and the Refuge des Fondus in Montmartre, famous for serving its wine in baby bottles. "Imagine being a 21-year-old English lad and being given red wine in baby bottles and melted cheese. We lost our minds!" er/bp/fg © Agence France-Presse The post Yoga is better than heroin, says Blur’s Damon Albarn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress
Picture this: A luxurious, but safe and quiet abode. Yes, that’s the commitment of Mantawi Residences, the newly launched property of Robinsons Land Corporation Residences in Cebu. Who wouldn’t want to be in such a place that promises its residents ultra-spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices? Not to mention exclusive and sizeable penthouses with multiple loggias where residents can comfortably marvel at the city’s skyline. For the Gokongwei-led RLC Residences, Mantawi Residences exemplifies condo design. It’s one of those properties where each element conspires with all the rest to create a singular experience. “We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project, Mantawi Residences,” said John Richard B. Sotelo, RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager. “We are very proud to finally unveil this development that we envisioned for our future residents who are on the lookout for a home and investment that they can proudly call theirs.” Mantawi Residences is the newest and most ambitious addition to RLC Residences’ roster of properties in Cebu after its successful projects in Azalea Place Cebu, Galleria Residences Cebu, and Amisa Private Residences. [caption id="attachment_122273" align="aligncenter" width="650"] MANTAWI Residences grand launch at Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu. (From left) Allen Miranda, RLC Residences vice president and head of sales; Winnie Go; Heart Evangelista, RLC Residences brand ambassador; Karen Cesario, marketing head and chief integration officer; John Richard B. Sotelo, senior vice president and business unit general manager; Engr. Emmanuel Arce, vice president project management; and Stephanie Anne Go, business development and design head.[/caption] “Mantawi Residences marks yet another strong signal from RLC of its confidence in Cebu — the strength of its economy and the vibrancy of its people,” Sotelo said during the grand launch event held at the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City. Sotelo added that Mantawi Residences reflects the best thinking of RLC Residences to date, with something they haven’t done even in Metro Manila — its sprawling 1.3 hectares of amenities. Add to that are their efficient space layouts with larger unit sizes and loggias, sustainable certification with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) and its curated retail areas. “We’ve brought our best thinking and understanding of the customers in Cebu, as well as those outside of Cebu and outside of the Philippines who are keen to invest in the Cebu market,” Sotela added. Upscale living Mantawi Residences is a four-tower premium condominium on the 20,328-sqm property with 474 units spread across the four 40-floor towers. The property, named after the Mantawi Festival, is situated along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City. The pre-selling property offers 310 one-bedroom units (46 sqm), 148 two-bedroom units (92 sqm and 115 sqm), 12 three-bedroom units (138 sqm), and four penthouse units (207 sqm). Price ranges from P15 million to P60 million. [caption id="attachment_122277" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MANTAWI Residences Penthouse living room, dining and kitchen.[/caption] The opulent penthouse covers three bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, a living room, a study den, a utility room, a powder room, and a balcony. Sotelo disclosed that two of the penthouse units have already been sold. Stephanie Anne Go, RLC Residences assistant vice president and business development and design head, said each unit has upgraded home furnishings, including porcelain tile floorings, a kitchen with glass doors and a pantry cabinet, and glass shower enclosures. For the penthouse, the master bedroom’s toilet will have a bathtub. “We also want to make sure that most of the bedrooms of every unit will have their own loggia,” she said. “We have to be conscious about efficiency, not generally where we just want to put the bedrooms. Rest assured that all the units will be efficiently laid out.” Go ensures that there will be a feeling of airiness and openness in the property. Yes, fresh air and open spaces – who would have thought these two simple things could be luxuries for condo homeowners? The premier project enjoys a vast 1.3-hectare amenity area that provides landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, and an outdoor play area, among others. Indoor amenities include a game room, a private theater, a fitness center, a kids’ playroom, and function rooms. It will also feature curated global retail brands on the ground floor. Mantawi Residences is near academic institutions, shopping destinations and hospitals. The area is also currently being modernized to become the main gateway of Cebu City. One of the critical projects in the area is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ rehabilitation of the Mahiga River. The property is also accessible to two progressive cities: Mandaue and Cebu City and is only five kilometers away from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway — considered one of the area’s progress indicators. Future developments are also in the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit, plus turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area. Another essential program is the development of a premier waterfront development featuring commercial space and a luxury district. Target market Cebu continues to be the biggest real estate outside Metro Manila, with the demand increasing from six percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2021. Karen Cesario, RLC Residences senior director-marketing head and chief integration officer, said they target overseas Filipinos and growing professionals aged 35 to 45 as potential homeowners. A one-bedroom, 46-square meter unit starts at P15 million. “We did take a long, hard look at the price point that we feel the Cebu market is ready for and willing to take,” said Sotelo. “When we were made to look at the design specifications and the features that we have incorporated into the building, we felt that it’s worth more than our previous premium properties. We are guided by what the market is telling us, what and how our competition also prices. The market in Cebu is telling us that it is ready.” Sotelo added that they expect to break ground Mantawi Residences in the fourth quarter of this year, with the turnover of the first tower by the fourth quarter of 2029. The post Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Priland tops off 1st condo project, Northwoods Place
Homegrown developer Priland Development Corporation topped off its first residential condominium called the Northwoods Place, construction of which started last year. The topping-off ceremony was held at the site in H. Abellana St. in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City. The property offers 312 studio, one-bedroom, home office units, and commercial spaces in two towers which are […] The post Priland tops off 1st condo project, Northwoods Place appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»