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Chinese envoy summoned over Ayungin Shoal collision
The Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said Monday that they had summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after a China Coast Guard vessel collided with an AFP-contracted resupply boat off Ayungin Shoal on 22 October 2023. However, Huang was out of town and was represented by his Deputy Chief of Mission instead, said Daza. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said it is not usual for the Philippines to summon the Chinese ambassador as the country has always adhered to a diplomatic approach. “We don’t summon Chinese Ambassador all the time and this is something like a plain message for the Philippines, the DFA just took into consideration the gravity of the urgency of the Situation and decided that it was an event that required summoning the Ambassador,” Malaya noted. The post Chinese envoy summoned over Ayungin Shoal collision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China spends big on disinformation — report
China spends billions of dollars yearly to globally spread disinformation, a report of the US State Department published on Thursday warned. Beijing conducts “foreign information manipulation” through the use of propaganda, disinformation and censorship, while promoting positive news about China and its ruling Communist Party, according to the report of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center. The global disinformation campaign threatens to cause a “sharp contraction” in freedom of speech around the world, it said. It also suppresses critical information that contradicts its narratives on contentious issues such as Taiwan, human rights and its flagging domestic economy. “If we don’t allow this information manipulation to be stopped, there’s going to be a slow, steady destruction of democratic values,” James Rubin, GEC special envoy and coordinator, told reporters. “We don’t want to see an Orwellian mix of fact and fiction in our world.” The report said China’s approach to information manipulation includes promoting “digital authoritarianism,” exploiting international organizations and exercising control of Chinese-language media. Beijing, it added, had also acquired stakes in foreign media, sponsored online influencers and sought to co-opt foreign political elites and journalists. WITH AFP The post China spends big on disinformation — report appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Removal of Chinese barrier in WPS necessary — PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday defended the removal of a Chinese floating barrier in the West Philippine Sea, saying that it was necessary to protect the country's fishermen and maritime territory. In an interview with reporters in Siargao, Marcos said that the barrier was inside Philippine territory, preventing fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds. "I don't see what else we could do because those fishermen, when the rope was cut, the fishermen who entered on that day caught 164 tons of fish, just in one day. That's what our fishermen are losing. So, it's not right to put up a barrier like that, and it's clearly inside the Philippines," Marcos said. "We're not looking for trouble. We're just going to continue to defend the Philippines, the maritime territory of the Philippines, and the rights of our fishermen who have been fishing in those areas for hundreds of years," Marcos added. He added that he did not understand why China had installed the barrier, but that the Philippines was "avoiding conflict" and "heated words." "We are steadfast in defending the territory of the Philippines," Marcos said. In recent months, China's actions in the West Philippine Sea have been marked by an increasing level of aggression, asserting control over nearly the entire South China Sea. China has also disregarded the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and rejected China's historical claims. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard ships placed a barrier made of ropes and nets, supported by buoys, when a Philippine government fisheries vessel was approaching, and over 50 Philippine fishing boats gathered around the shoal, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said earlier this week that the Philippines might submit a new protest to a tribunal after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) uncovered damaged coral reefs in a region of the West Philippine Sea frequently visited by Chinese militia vessels. In an interview with Anthony Taberna, Bersamin affirmed that China knew the Philippines' preference for a multilateral approach in its foreign relations. The executive secretary verified that the President issued the directive to eliminate the floating barriers. "When such orders are given, they come directly from the President after consulting with officials involved in the matter. We cannot disclose the details of how it was done. Still, a decision-making process was established, and they convened to decide to go there," Bersamin said. The post Removal of Chinese barrier in WPS necessary — PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US govt report accuses China of ‘information manipulation’
China is spending billions of dollars globally to spread disinformation, threatening to cause a "sharp contraction" in freedom of speech around the world, warned a US State Department report published Thursday. China's "global information manipulation is not simply a matter of public diplomacy -- but a challenge to the integrity of the global information space," said the report. "Unchecked, Beijing's efforts could result in a future in which technology exported by the PRC (People's Republic of China), coopted local governments, and fear of Beijing's direct retaliation produce a sharp contraction of global freedom of expression." The report, released by the State Department's Global Engagement Center, said Beijing spends billions of dollars annually on "foreign information manipulation" –- through the use of propaganda, disinformation and censorship -- while promoting positive news about China and its ruling Communist Party. At the same time, it said, China suppresses critical information that contradicts its narratives on contentious issues such as Taiwan, human rights, and its flagging domestic economy. "When you look at the pieces of the puzzle and you put it together, you see a breathtaking ambition on the part of the PRC to seek information dominance in key regions of the world," James Rubin, special envoy and coordinator of the GEC, told reporters. The report said China's approach to information manipulation includes promoting "digital authoritarianism," exploiting international organizations and exercising control of Chinese-language media. These efforts could enable Beijing to "reshape the global information environment," it added. The report comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said China was seeking to surpass the United States as the "dominant power in the world -- militarily, economically, diplomatically." The post US govt report accuses China of ‘information manipulation’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is exerting key efforts to further improve the country’s presence in its territorial waters in the West Philippines Sea. AFP’s Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos said among these efforts include the effective control of all islands now occupied by the Philippines in the WPS, establishing a stronger naval presence, and enhancing maritime domain awareness in these areas. "What is certain is that the solution to the WPS maritime issue is not in the hands of the military alone, but the whole-of-nation approach because it takes a consideration of all matters, not just the military," he said during the Stratbase ADRi forum titled "Implementing a Comprehensive Philippine Maritime Framework to Advance Rule of Law" in Makati City on Wednesday. Carlos underscored that a stronger naval presence involves the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that continuing to conduct maritime patrols in the country’s maritime territory. The WesCom chief also bared the government is slated to come up with a national strategy in the WPS, anchored to the ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In the same forum, Acting Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Moya Collett has expressed concern over the “destabilizing behaviors” directed against the Philippines, particularly the recent developments in the disputed Spratlys Island and Scarborough Shoal. “There have been a number of reports about destabilizing behavior directed towards the Philippines in the South China Sea and we’re very concerned about that,” Collett lamented. “We want all activities in the South China Sea and throughout the world to be consistent with international law and UNCLOS in particular,” she added. Meanwhile, Collett bared that Australia is eyeing the possibility of expanding its existing coral reef restoration program in the Philippines, covering the Rozul Reef—previously swarmed by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia. This after, the AFP and the PCG reported that corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal had been “extensively destroyed” after the CCG and CMM vacated the waters. Collett said there are “no specific plans for that at the moment.” “But I think there’s potential for us to do that through our existing marine cooperation program,” she added. The post AFP works on more improved Phl presence in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro: Phl ‘not provoking trouble’ in Scarborough Shoal; ‘We are just reacting’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday clarified that the Philippines is not provoking any trouble in Scarborough shoal as accused by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin. “Sila po ang nagpo-provoke. Hindi naman ho tayo (They are the ones provoking. It’s not us),” Teodoro said during the Senate’s public hearing on the Proposed 2024 national expenditure program of the Department of National Defense and attached agencies. During the hearing, Senator Robinhood Padilla asked Teodoro’s response to Wang’s recent advice to the Philippines “not to stir up trouble” in Huangyan Island—the Chinese name for Scarborough shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. “Sino po ba talaga ang nagpo-provoke? Sila o Tayo? (Who is really provoking? Is it them or us?” Padilla asked. Teodoro denied any provocation from the Philippines, saying the country is only "reacting to China’s actions” against Filipinos who just wanted to enter their traditional fishing ground in the Bajo de Masinloc. “Hindi po tayo ang nagpo-provoke sa kanila. Ang ginagawa lang po natin… nagre-react lang tayo sa ginagawa po nila. Sila po ang nangunguna, sila po ang humaharang ng ating mangingisda, sila po ang naglagay ng barrier doon sa Scarborough (We are not provoking them. What we are doing is that... we are just reacting to their actions. They are ones provoking, they are blocking our fishermen, they put up barrier in Scarborough shoal)," Teodoro lamented. Wang on Tuesday warned the Philippines not to “provoke or stir up trouble” after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a 300-meter-long floating barrier installed by the Chinese Coast Guard in the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc. The Chinese official admitted that the floating barrier is intended to "block and drive away” Filipino boats and fishermen from entering the shoal. As the PCG entered and removed the floating barrier, Wang accused the Philippines of intruding shoal “without China’s permission.” The PCG said it removed the "hazardous" barrier upon the instructions of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who heads the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, Teodoro maintained that the shoal has been a “traditional fishing ground” for Filipino fishermen over the years. "If it triggers something from China, it is just proving that it really has total disregard for maritime safety," he said, noting that Filipinos should benefit from the rich marine resources of the Philippine territory. The defense chief also noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already removed the thought of provocation since disputed waters “is legally owned by the Philippines under the international law.” Padilla asked about Marcos' order to the National Security Council to "civilianize the approach" in the WPS. Teodoro said: “Kami po ay hindi tutol sa pag-uusap. Kailangan po ng diplomasya dito. Ngunit dapat sang-ayon po ito sa prinsipyadong pag-uusap (We actually support diplomatic dialogue because it is needed. But it should be in accordance with the principled conversation)—open and transparent." Teodoro underscored that the defense sector and the AFP firmly support the government’s whole-of-nation approach in confronting maritime challenges in the country. He pointed out that there’s a need to strengthen the armed forces and prepare the country for possible circumstances that would affect the country’s sovereign rights over its territorial waters. “Sa panig po natin, nakikita natin itong West Philippine Sea po ang focus. Kapag hindi po natin pinatatag ang ating sandatahang lakas baka naman po sa Philippine Rise mangyari, baka maunahan po tayo. Kaya po dapat unahan na natin (In our side, we are focusing on the West Philippine Sea. If we don’t strengthen our armed forces, it may happen in the Philippine Rise, they might get ahead of us. That’s why we should prepare),” Teodoro stressed. The post Teodoro: Phl ‘not provoking trouble’ in Scarborough Shoal; ‘We are just reacting’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disguised military force
Wrongheadedly asserting outdated notions about the China Coast Guard or CCG show us exactly why some sitting senators shouldn’t be senators. Worse, despite having been schooled by maritime law experts and defense officials, Senators Robinhood Padilla’s and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s smarmy refusals to believe they are wrong about the CCG embarrass the Senate. Hear Padilla sarcastically telling experts during a joint Senate panel hearing into West Philippine Sea issues: ““Ibig niyong sabihin, iba ang definition ng coast guard ng China? Wow, ha, talaga lang, ha (So you mean, the Coast Guard is defined differently by China? Wow, really, are you sure about that)?” Most of us may be excused if last week we didn’t know or pay much attention to the fact that since its 2021 transformation by Chinese domestic law, the CCG is now a military force disguised as a civilian force. But sitting senators can’t claim the same excuse. Senators are expected to at least possess some knowledge of recent international developments since the Senate is constitutionally tasked with scrutinizing and approving the country’s treaties with other countries. Senators are supposed to enlighten us then. But both Padilla and Dela Rosa inspire us instead of their sheer ignorance of recent Chinese developments that directly affect our national interest. Not taking Filipino expert counsel, too, is wholly pathetic. It isn’t only Filipino experts but international maritime law experts who said the CCG’s command and control structure had been changed to that of a military-like organization under the centralized command of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission. True, putting military organizations in charge of maritime law enforcement — which coast guards typically do — is not unique to China. For instance, the United States Coast Guard is one of America’s five armed forces branches and has an explicit defense readiness mission. The French, too, have the Maritime Gendarmerie, a paramilitary police force under the operational control of the chief of staff of the French Navy. Still, the US and French coast guards are considered exceptions rather than the rule insofar as how most countries conceive, structure, and operate their civilian-led coast guards. China did follow the general practice when it put up its coast guard in 2013. Since 2021, however, after a comprehensive China Coast Guard Law took effect, China set its coast guard apart from the rest of Asia, except for Vietnam. China ensuring that military, not civilian government agencies, exert control over its coast guard undoubtedly has far-reaching consequences in the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. For instance, one consequence of a militarized CCG is that China doesn’t need to declare war in her attempts to expand her de facto control over disputed waters. A militarized CCG is enough to bolster China’s preferred strategic approach of “slow intensity or low-intensity coercion.” Other important consequences of CCG’s militarization abound, particularly thorny questions about Chinese CCG law violating significant provisions of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. But that’s for another time. On a more recent topical note, however, our military officials say our armed forces are already preparing for any eventuality should the CCG go beyond firing water cannons when blocking our ships resupplying the beleaguered Ayungin Shoal detachment. Our military’s fears are not unfounded. Article 22 of the CCG law authorizes a CCG vessel to use its weapons without warning against foreign government and civilian vessels. And there are fears the CCG might use weapons deadlier than water cannons and lasers. Some CCG vessels, in fact, are equipped with destroyer-class 76mm guns. It behooves the military, therefore, to keep a close eye on any major equipment changes — like larger caliber guns and missiles — on CCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea. The post Disguised military force appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP alarmed at ‘concerning resurgence’ of Chinese fishing boats in WPS
The swarming of Chinese fishing vessels in several locations of the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippines Sea has alarmed the government forces. The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday reported the “concerning resurgence” of a total of 30 Chinese fishing vessels in the WPS, based on its aerial patrols conducted from 6 to 7 September. Some 23 vessels were monitored in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef. There were five ships in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two in Baragatan (Nares) Bank. The Philippine Navy, likewise, spotted 33 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul Reef during a routine air patrol on 24 August, which was followed by reports of massive coral harvesting. The WesCom said the same patrol also monitored swarming activity on Escoda Shoal. This area serves as a “marker for the approach to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal” and where “unauthorized Chinese shadowing of Philippine watercraft typically occurs.” The military unified command stressed that Rozul Reef is located within the Philippine EEZ and continental shelf, “making this intrusion a violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction.” Also, 48 Chinese fishing boats were seen last 30 June in Iroquois Reef, located south of the oil and gas-rich Recto Bank—which lies within the country's EEZ. “The increased presence of CFVs raises concerns regarding the potential implications for Philippines’ maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment,” WesCom lamented. It said such activities have been a “source of tension in the WPS and have contributed to instability in the region.” “As the Chinese swarming activity resurges, the Philippines continues to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to safeguard its vital national interests and maintain stability in the region,” it added. The post AFP alarmed at ‘concerning resurgence’ of Chinese fishing boats in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US surgeons report longest successful pig-to-human kidney transplant
US surgeons who transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead patient announced Thursday they had ended their experiment after a record-breaking 61 days. The latest experimental procedure is part of a growing field of research aimed at advancing cross-species transplants, mainly testing the technique on bodies that have been donated for science. There are more than 103,000 people waiting for organ transplants in the United States, 88,000 of whom need kidneys. "We have learned a great deal throughout these past two months of close observation and analysis, and there is great reason to be hopeful for the future," said Robert Montgomery, director of the New York University Langone Transplant Institute, who led the surgery in July. It was the the fifth so-called xenotransplant performed by Montgomery, who also carried out the world's first genetically modified pig kidney transplant in September 2021. Tissue collected during the study indicated a mild rejection process had begun, requiring intensification of immunosuppression medication. By "knocking out" the gene responsible for a biomolecule called alpha-gal -- a prime target for roving human antibodies -- the NYU Langone team were able to stop immediate rejection. The donor pig in this experiment came from a herd cultivated by Virginia-based biotech company Revivicor. The herd has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a source of meat for people with hypersensitivity to the alpha-gal molecule, an allergy caused by some tick bites. These pigs are bred, not cloned, meaning the process can be more easily scaled. Early xenotransplantation research focused on harvesting organs from primates -- for example, a baboon heart was transplanted into a newborn known as "Baby Fae" in 1984, but she survived only 20 days. Current efforts focus on pigs, which are thought to be ideal donors for humans because of their organ size, their rapid growth and large litters, and the fact they are already raised as a food source. In January 2022, surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical School carried out the world's first pig-to-human transplant on a living patient -- this time involving a heart. He died two months after the milestone, with the presence of porcine cytomegalovirus in the organ later blamed. Last week, Chinese scientists published a paper showing they had succeeded in hybrid pig-human kidneys in pig embryos, an alternative approach that also has the potential to one day help address organ donation shortages. But the development raised ethical issues -- especially since some human cells were also found in the pigs' brains, experts said. The post US surgeons report longest successful pig-to-human kidney transplant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Analyst: Look out for BRICS
The government must not only monitor China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea but also the developing countries’ bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, or BRICS. BRICS members are considered the emerging geopolitical rivals to the G7 group of advanced economies. UST Political Science professor Marlon Villarin said China wanted to resolve the conflict in the West Philippine Sea through economic, not legal, terms. “We should watch BRICS closely. This is an international alliance, particularly now that it has attracted new members which are backers of China,” Villarin said when he guested on the program “Hot Patatas” of DAILY TRIBUNE and Dyaryo Tirada Wednesday. Villarin said that despite China’s tactics in asserting its maritime claim, some nations maintain a soft approach to China, like the United Kingdom, because of its economic stakes in China, such as the minerals needed for solar power and electric batteries. “When it comes to technology, China has strong leverage. For example, minerals are used to produce solar power and electric batteries. So, we should ask about the reasons for not antagonizing China. Is the economic leverage successful in convincing some countries to keep their peace?” he said. Take down app The National Security Council, meanwhile, has called on the government to “seriously consider” banning the Chinese social media application TikTok among local security officials. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the NSC, suggested in a news forum, noting that the council had yet to conduct a complete study on whether or not the TikTok app was being used by China in the Philippines to promote its propaganda. “We should seriously consider it for the security sector alone, not for the civilian agencies of government,” Malaya said. TikTok faces increasing limits and bans on a global scale. In the US, a looming ban is under review while a recent congressional hearing grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Several countries across North America, Europe, and Asia have implemented some level of restriction on the app, mainly over privacy and cybersecurity concerns connected to its parent company, ByteDance, which has ties to the Chinese government. International government bodies, including the European Commission and NATO, have banned their staff from using TikTok on their corporate phones. “Maybe if there is a need to ban, it will not be for public school teachers, it will not be for civilians, but it will be for the armed personnel,” Malaya said. NSA to be consulted Malaya said there was a thorough discussion with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on the matter. “We will need to study this very carefully, based on national security considerations. We will discuss this with the National Security Adviser if it will be proper for the Philippines to take this step,” he said. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured that measures are in place to protect the national security from internal and external threats. The post Analyst: Look out for BRICS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI and business: Insights from UPMG Philippines confab
The United Print Multimedia Group Philippines held its general membership meeting on 30 August 2023, at Escolta Lucky Chinatown Hotel. The event aimed to delve into the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence and the media landscape. UPMG President Barbie L. Atienza set the tone for the day's discussions: learning from UPMG members who had recently participated at the 74th World News Media Congress on 28-30 in Taipei, Taiwan. Sherly O. Baula, UPMG Treasurer and Credit and Collection Manager of Chinese Commercial News, shed light on the pros and cons of AI integration in newsrooms, citing concerns on job displacement and authenticity on one hand, while also highlighting AI's potential to streamline newsroom processes and innovate content creation, such as AI-generated listicles engaging animated videos. A notable example she cited was the debut of the AI-generated news anchor named "Fedha" on a Kuwaiti news channel. Baula's also unpacked policies and rules that now govern AI in newsrooms worldwide, touching on issues such as transparency, ethics, data quality, verification methods, staff expertise and collaborations between data scientists and journalists. One key concern was restoring public trust, particularly given AI's potential to disseminate misinformation through tools like deepfakes. Baula proposed a robust framework for newsrooms, including AI usage guidelines, transparent labeling of AI-generated content, human oversight and rigorous fact-checking by seasoned news editors. In conclusion, Baula stressed that AI remains an evolving technology, requiring the integration of human oversight to balance creative and ethical dimensions of news production. Jay Sarmiento, Vice-President of UPMG, and Sales & Marketing Director of Philstar Media Group, shared his insights on a range of business models that news outlets can leverage amid the AI revolution. She underscored the potential for AI to enhance operations rather than supplant traditional journalism. With decentralization of the web gaining momentum, Sarmiento emphasized the need to refine business models and urged news organizations to embrace AI's transformative potential and chart strategies beyond established Big Tech, as this approach could yield untapped intellectual property revenue streams. Sarmiento introduced a spectrum of 15 business models that news companies could consider, ranging from paid content provision to data mining and affiliate marketing. News companies should capitalize on their unique strengths to select three models that align with their core competencies, thereby creating fresh revenue streams, she said. Angel V. Guerrero, UPMG Board Secretary and Publisher of Adobo Magazine, closed the event by noting that the meeting was a shared journey of exploration, learning and empowerment for UPMG members. The post AI and business: Insights from UPMG Philippines confab appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects
A partnership with the Rotary Club of Manila, along with other Rotary Clubs in the country can realize the government’s objective of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. [caption id="attachment_179067" align="aligncenter" width="2430"] Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club's weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 31 August, said it was her ‘sincere hope that with the partnership of the Rotary Club, as well as its members and the captains of industry who contribute in one way or another to the project of nation-building, we can ensure that our country — through tourism — will have a more primary role in Asia as a tourism powerhouse.’[/caption] This was the call made by Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco after presenting the stance of the tourism industry in the country before members and officers of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 31 August 2023. Frasco reported that the efforts of the DoT, along with the whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in implementing the department’s projects with an eye to restoring the glory of the tourism industry has resulted as of 30 August 2023 into 3.6 million international arrivals, surpassing the total number of international arrivals last 2022. The figure is already 75.92 percent of the country’s target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals this year. “Philippine tourism contributed 6.2 percent to our gross domestic product in 2022; it is being hailed by our economic managers as the second growth driver in the first six months of this year,” she said. By the end of 2022, Frasco said the tourism industry has contributed over P1.87 trillion to the Philippine economy as a composite of international and domestic spending, representing a 67 percent recovery since 2019. “Tourism also contributed over 5.5 million in tourism employment, an 11 percent share of the national employment, and also represents over 93 percent in recovery from 2019 data,” she added. Frasco also said that the rallying of Philippine tourism after the battering it got from the pandemic stands at 66.3 percent, higher than the 54 percent average recovery of ASEAN nations in 2022. As per tourism receipts, Frasco said the industry has already breached P285.9 billion as of 31 July 2023. Pillars of Tourism The Tourism secretary stressed that to give the Philippines a fighting chance at standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, her department had crafted the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, which does not only focus on the promotion of tourism alone but also in analyzing and understanding the essential pillars of tourism. Approved by President Marcos Jr. last May 2023, the NTDP provides a framework to guide the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry. NTDP’s seven strategic goals include improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Putting the Plan into concrete action, the DoT hopes to have an accumulated total of 51.9 million tourist arrivals and 34.7 million tourism-related jobs in the country by 2028. Frasco said in terms of infrastructure, the DoT has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve accessibility in the regions with tourism sites. “This is by constructing, rehabilitating and adding tourism roads leading to tourist destinations. This year, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have already been constructed,” she said. Aside from this, Frasco said the DoT has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation in improving connectivity, primarily in the country’s gateways for the improvement of flights and tourist journeys. With this, Frasco said the country is starting to see robust recovery of connectivity in the country, including a 100 percent increase in flights in Clark International Airport; a 614 percent increase in flights in Kalibo International Airport; and over a 300 percent increase in flights in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among other airports in the country. Moreover, she said they also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the purpose of improving internet connectivity across 94 tourist destinations in the country. Connectivity in 47 of these destinations have already improved, according to Frasco. e-VISA Furthermore, Frasco said the DoT has engaged with other government agencies, namely the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the DICT, and the Bureau of Immigration for the streamlining of the visa application process, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. Last 24 August, the DFA implemented the Philippine e-Visa system in Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China. The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. Other initiatives conceptualized by the DoT to improve the tourism experience include the “Hop in Hop Off” project; being part of the “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan; the “Philippine Experience”; facilitating a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. In order to equip Filipino tourism workers, the DoT is set on training 100,000 of these workers and capitalize on the world-renowned Filipino hospitality. “We have already managed to train over 71,000 Filipino workers,” Frasco said. Optimistic “Frasco said the Marcos administration remains optimistic about tourism recovery and the resurgence of the nation. “Our numbers will indicate that tourism will continue to be a top economic driver that will provide massive employment and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos and our MSMEs,” she said. With the launch of the enhanced “Love the Philippines” branding, Frasco maintained that it would give the country a better opportunity to be reintroduced to the world. The post DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan PM condemns China over stone throwing at embassy, schools
Japan's prime minister urged China to ensure its people "act in a calm and responsible manner" after instances of stones being thrown at diplomatic missions and schools, following the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Last week, China banned all seafood imports from its neighbor as Japan began releasing cooling water from the Fukushima plant in an operation that Tokyo and the United Nation's nuclear watchdog have said is safe. Since then, Japan has urged its citizens in China to keep a low profile and has increased security around schools and diplomatic missions. Businesses in Japan have meanwhile been swamped with nuisance calls from Chinese numbers. "There have been numerous harassment calls believed to originate from China and instances of stones being thrown at the Japanese embassy and Japanese schools. It must be said these are regrettable," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday. "We summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan today and strongly urged him to call on Chinese people to act in a calm and responsible manner," Kishida told reporters. Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano told the ambassador, Wu Jianghao, that China should properly inform the public "rather than unnecessarily raising people's concerns by providing information that is not based on scientific evidence", the foreign ministry said in a statement. Low profile Asked what action Beijing would take over the stone throwing, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday that China "always protects the safety and legitimate rights and interests of foreigners in China, in accordance with law". "We strongly urge the Japanese side to face up to the legitimate concerns of all parties, immediately stop the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, fully consult with its neighbors and other stakeholders, and earnestly dispose of nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner," Wang told a regular briefing. On Sunday, Japan's foreign ministry urged its citizens in to China to be "cautious in your speech and behavior. Do not speak Japanese unnecessarily or too loudly". "If you need to visit a Japanese embassy, consulate general, or Japanese school, pay close attention to your surroundings," it added. "If you happen to come across a protest or other such activities, do not approach them and do not take pictures of them with your smartphones." A range of businesses in Japan, from bakeries to an aquarium, have reportedly been subjected to thousands of crank calls that have included abusive and racist language. Social media users in China have posted recordings and videos of the calls, some of which have attracted tens of thousands of likes. 'Scientifically justified process' Japan began releasing more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of diluted wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific on Thursday, 12 years after a tsunami knocked out three reactors in one of the world's worst atomic accidents. All radioactive elements have been filtered out except for tritium, levels of which are within safe limits and below that released by nuclear power stations in their normal operations -- including in China, plant operator TEPCO says. Test results from seawater and fish samples near the plant since the start of the discharge -- which will take decades to complete -- have confirmed this, according to Japanese authorities. "Even after the ocean release, the United States, for example, expressed its position that it is satisfied with Japan's safe, highly transparent and scientifically justified process," Kishida said Monday. "We would like to convey these voices from the international community to the Chinese government." US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel plans to visit Fukushima this week and publicly eat locally caught fish in a show of support to Japan, according to media reports. The post Japan PM condemns China over stone throwing at embassy, schools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. must step up too
American analysts have been exploring the possible ways the West Philippine Sea conflict will play out primarily with the so-called “gray zone” maneuvers by China in the disputed waters in which non-military activities are employed for coercion. The United States Institute of Peace, or USIP, a federal body tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide, is reviewing ways that Washington can play a role in de-escalating the tension in the region. The review was sparked by an act of aggression last week when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deployed a water cannon to redirect an unarmed Philippine Navy supply boat. China blamed the incident on the Philippine government’s continued defiance of an earlier understanding to ban the delivery of construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre navy vessel at Ayungin Shoal. Tensions have been on the rise since last year on China’s perception that Manila was moving closer to Washington, prompting a more aggressive assertion of its claim over most of the West Philippine Sea. “Given that Washington and Manila have a mutual defense treaty, there is credible concern that an incident like this could trigger a wider US-China conflict,” according to the USIP. Under a new Philippine administration, the formerly conciliatory approach the country had taken in its dispute with China has shifted. Instead, Brian Harding, USIP senior expert for Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted China’s efforts to swarm and intimidate fishing and coast guard vessels to take the bold move of deepening defense ties with the United States, bringing China-Philippines ties to a new low. Ayungin Shoal, the USIP expert said, has long been a likely candidate for the first showdown between the Philippines and China since Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also identified the shoal, in a speech the other day, as one of five possible flashpoints that may lead to a deeper maritime conflict. In 1999, the Philippines intentionally beached a World War II naval vessel on a submerged reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has since maintained a small contingent of Marines on board in extremely austere conditions. As a practical matter, in recent years China has turned a blind eye to the Philippines replenishing supplies for the Marines but has blocked the delivery of materials that could be used to repair the ship. USIP’s Andrew Scobell, a China expert, said the recent aggressive actions of a large China Coast Guard vessel on a tiny Filipino Navy supply boat was merely the latest episode in a decades-long campaign of intimidation and coercion by Beijing. Based on its insisted-on nine-dash line boundaries, Beijing claims the right to restrict access to ships from other countries to the South China Sea. “Many of (China’s) white-hulled ships are far larger, much better equipped, and more intimidating than the gray hull naval vessels possessed by most Southeast Asian states,” USIP said. China has persisted in its well-orchestrated campaign of low-intensity conflict, what is widely called “gray zone” actions, to forcefully advance its claims and aggressively push back against rivals. Carla Freeman, a senior USIP expert on China, said that beyond the effort to persuade and deter China, the US should engage in diplomacy to encourage allies and partners in the region to make clear to Beijing their own concerns about the risks to peace posed by confrontation. Regional allies have already issued statements criticizing China’s behavior, with Tokyo using unusually strong language to condemn China’s conduct, the USIP said. Like the Philippines’ position, the USIP said that Washington’s efforts in support of a binding code of conduct, or CoC, would be key to preventing conflict. The USIP, nonetheless, sees as a major obstacle toward progress in the United States itself since it is limited in its diplomatic capabilities after it failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Taking the high road in the simmering conflict, thus, would need both the US and China to review their positions of leadership to keep the stability in the region. The post U.S. must step up too appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mga UNGA(s)
The United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, is the “chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations,” according to the UN’s official website. And says the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs, our country’s representative to the UNGA is a diplomat of ambassadorial rank appointed by the President. This is as it should be, for it is a doctrine beyond cavil that the President is the main architect of our country’s foreign policy, hence, the country’s delegate to the UNGA must act under the direction of our Chief Executive. Anyone who has gone through high school civics class and/or can use an internet browser would know that. In other words, while the Legislature has not been locked out of certain foreign policy considerations (such as the approval of treaties and the confirmation of ambassadors), its main function is to make laws. If memory serves, it’s called the separation of powers. But then, some members of our Senate — which Ferdinand Marcos Sr. wisely did away with in 1972 — specifically Senate President Zubiri and Senator Hontiveros, thought it would be politically expedient to pander to the growing throng of Filipinos constantly angered by the Chinese harassment of our fishermen. Thus, in aid of election (he to the vice presidency, she to the presidency, if the grapevine is to be believed), the two strange bedfellows shepherded through the chamber Senate Resolution 718, which practically dictated to the Department of Foreign Affairs, through a so-called five-pronged approach, how it should deal with the West Philippine Sea problem. Now, it, of course, shouldn’t be a problem for individual legislators to express their opinions as to how the WPS question should be handled by our government. After all, the members of Congress, even as citizens — and more so as elected representatives — have as much right as anyone to do so. But for the Senate, as an institution, to practically boss around the DFA on what to do, especially with regard to our actions in the UNGA, leaves a bad taste in the mouth, to be charitable about it. Chief Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile was more blunt. He called it “stupid.” A Senate Resolution, although not law, expresses the sense of that body on a particular issue. It can be made to cut for good when the Senate throws its institutional weight behind a subject of national interest. But the mandate at large of the senators does not justify trenching upon the prerogatives of the President when it comes to conducting international policy. When that happens, the Senate’s sense, in that sense, becomes nonsense. There is a reason why the President is the one mandated by the fundamental law to lay down our foreign policy. By virtue of his being commander-in-chief of all the armed forces of the Philippines, as well as the head of government, he is privy to top secret information that all others — senators included — have no access to. And as head of state, he receives information from other heads of state — formally and through backchanneling, that aid him in determining the best strategy to adopt in our relations with other nations. Resolution No. 718 thus not only preempts the Chief Executive, it tries to embarrass him by publicly suggesting steps that he is “strongly urged” to take. Worse, it presumptuously gives the subtext that the Senate knows better than the President in matters of foreign policy. Not good. It was right for the DFA to diplomatically call out the Senate on its resolution by saying that the option of bringing the WPS brouhaha to a vote in the UNGA should be seriously studied. Knowing China’s diplomatic clout in view of its trade partnership with so many nations, if the WPS topic dies on the floor of the UNGA, then the Senate will look like a bunch of “mga ungas” (stupid or ignorant people). The post Mga UNGA(s) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meeting between FPRRD and PBBM an occasion to come together—Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said the meeting between former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., marked a rare occasion where two leaders from different administrations come together. In an interview after his visit to Tuy, Batangas on Thursday, August 3, Go stressed the importance of the said meeting on the country's foreign relations and domestic political landscape. It can be recalled that Duterte just came back from a recent personal trip abroad, where he was given an opportunity to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Isinama lang po ako ni dating pangulong Duterte sa pulong nila ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Sila naman po ang nag-usap muna. Sa pagkaalam ko ang napag-usapan nila ay tungkol doon sa pagbisita ni former president sa China kung saan po ay naimbitahan siya sa inagurasyon ng building na pinangalanan po sa kanyang yumaong nanay, si Soledad Duterte,” Go said. “Bilang dating presidente ng bansang Pilipinas at kaibigan n’ya si President Xi ng China, naimbitahan po siya sa pagpupulong. Napag-usapan nila ang kanilang pinagsamahan noon bilang parehong lider at si (dating) pangulong Duterte naman po ay pumunta kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para ireport po, bilang kanyang obligasyon as a citizen nitong bansa natin, na ireport po sa Pangulo kung ano ang napag-usapan nila doon at ano po ang makakatulong sa ating bansa,” he added. Go underscored the significance of such dialogues, stating that they foster a sense of continuity in governance and allow for the exchange of valuable experiences and wisdom between the two leaders. He added that the Philippines values its relations with China while upholding its sovereign rights and pursuing a rules-based approach in handling disputes in the West Philippine Sea. “I’m sure interest po ng Pilipino ang uunahin ni (dating) pangulong Duterte sa kanyang pakikipagpulong sa bansang Tsina. Kung ano po ang atin ay kanyang ipinaglalaban parati yan. Interes ng Pilipino — yun po ang dapat nating ipaglaban. Ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours,” he said. Go said “kaya natutuwa po ako na siya mismo si (dating) pangulong Duterte ang bumisita kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para mag-usap po ang kasalukuyang Pangulo at dating Pangulo na dati pa namang magkaibigan po... kung ano po ang detalye (ng pag-uusap nila), hayaan na nating ang Palasyo ang maghayag nito.” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Duterte administration, previously suggested the possibility of appointing Duterte as a special envoy to China in light of the former president's positive rapport with Chinese authorities. He argued that Duterte's capacity to earn the trust of both the Chinese government and his fellow Filipinos could make him a suitable option if Marcos desires it. Go said that with Duterte's unique communication style and his success in gaining China's confidence, he has consistently remained devoted to what is best for the Philippines. The post Meeting between FPRRD and PBBM an occasion to come together—Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escudero to gov’t: File petition before SC of Hague ruling over WPS
The Marcos administration can file a "Special Action for Recognition of Foreign Judgment" before the Supreme Court to formally recognize the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) as part of the law of the land, Senator Francis Escudero suggested Thursday. In a media briefing, Escudero noted that the Arbitral Ruling in 2016 reinforced the country’s claims over the West Philippines Sea while it invalidated China's nine-dash line—claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea. He added filing a petition before the SC—to recognize the 2016 Hague ruling—will prevent future administrations from trying to amend the country’s triumph over China. Escudero said the government, through the Solicitor-General, should initiate the filing of the petition on recognition of foreign judgment before the SC. “The recognition of foreign judgment should be led by the Solicitor General as an official lawyer of the government,” he said. Escudero stressed a High Court’s recognition could be a “better alternative instead of bringing the WPS concerns” before the United Nations General Assembly—which he sees as having disadvantages. The senator said his suggestion could be one of the options in giving flesh to the intentions of Senate Resolution 718, which condemned China’s continued aggression in the WPS and urged the Philippine Government to “take appropriate action in asserting and securing the Philippines' sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone.” While pushing for the “Special Action for Recognition of Foreign Judgment”, Escudero admitted that the Philippines has no case similar to the arbitral ruling. However, he cited a parallel analogy in Article 26 of the Family Code that “allows recognition of a foreign divorce obtained by the foreigner spouse abroad.” Once the SC decides that it recognizes the arbitral ruling, Escudero said it will become part of the country’s law, and even if Congress did not pass any measure related to this, the said portion, could not be altered or revisited. “The Constitution is part of the law of the land. The Constitution says all decisions, final and executory of the Court, whether it be the higher or lower court, shall form part of the law of the land,” he said. While the Senate has adopted Resolution 718 and presented it to Malacañang, Escudero lamented it will ultimately be up to President Marcos which direction to take insofar as the country's foreign policy is concerned. He admitted not supporting the resolution on the WPS should his colleagues in the chamber would insist on bringing the issue to the UNGA. While the government seeks a peaceful route to resolving the conflicting claims in the WPS, Escudero pressed that the Philippines should strongly assert its right over the WPS. “The Philippines should continue what it has been doing," Escudero said, referring to the government's consistent move of filing diplomatic protests every time a Chinese harassment incident occurs in the WPS. "Tatayuan natin at hindi natin bibitiwan ang ating karapatan at pagmamay-ari sa lugar na iyan habang hinahayaan natin magpatuloy ang iba't-ibang uri ng ugnayan at relasyon sa bansang Tsina na pinagkakasunduan naman ng dalawang bansa," Escudero said. "We can agree to disagree on certain points but we can also move forward and cooperate on points that we have agreed upon, such as trade. For me this is the best way to approach the issue," he added. Escudero noted that he already discussed this proposal with Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros prior to the approval and adoption of SR 718 last 1 August. The post Escudero to gov’t: File petition before SC of Hague ruling over WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’
Despite being dismissed as a spoiled brat and a weakling by both his father and the man he succeeded, Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first year in office, stood up to China and showed he is more like the older Marcos than Duterte. Always underestimated, Marcos Jr., observers noted, spent much of his political career surrounded by powerful women, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos. But this shouldn’t fool one into thinking that he is not his own man. Only days after winning last year’s presidential elections, he asserted his independence by denying top allies, including running mate Sara Duterte, key cabinet positions. He also showed his own distinct approach on the foreign policy front by holding cordial meetings with diplomats from both traditional and regional partners. While emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement with China, Marcos Jr., notes the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, reiterated the finality of the arbitral tribunal ruling in the South China Sea, and made clear he “will not compromise it in any way,” calling the country’s sovereignty “sacred.” “Taking into consideration the widespread skepticism towards Beijing among Filipinos and within the country’s defense establishment, Marcos Jr. adopted a calibrated assertiveness towards China while welcoming pragmatic cooperation on the economic front,” AMTI said. The perceived wisdom on the younger Marcos’s foreign policy, according to AMTI, is that he is nothing but a mild-mannered version of Duterte. In fact, he was the only candidate during the elections who publicly backed full continuity in the country’s Beijing-friendly policies. He barely mentioned the treaty alliance with the United States, emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement. “Whatever we do, we can’t go to war… we don’t want to go to war with China,” he was quoted to have said. A year into office, however, it is obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute. It was, according to one analyst, a middle-of-the-road decision aimed at appeasing both superpowers, China and the United States. Indeed, it was a balancing act complicated by both internal and external factors. While Duterte was reluctant to confront China over the South China Sea, Marcos Jr. has adopted tougher rhetoric, showing a better appreciation of how the Philippines should position itself given the very uncertain strategic environment it is facing. He is said to have been able to forge closer relations with Washington because his family already has long-standing ties with Beijing which affords him a degree of capital. A year into office, however, it was obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute As AMTI related, the Marcos connection to Beijing goes deep, stretching back to the height of the Cold War period when his father formalized bilateral relations with Maoist China. As the then-announced successor, Bongbong even personally met Chairman Mao, who warmly welcomed the princeling and his family to Zhongnanhai. The Marcoses maintained those linkages even after their ouster from power in Malacañang, albeit on a sub-national level. As overlords of the northern province of Ilocos Norte, the Marcos dynasty continued to welcome trade and diplomatic relations with their Chinese counterparts under the emerging Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Despite the growing Chinese coercive actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos Jr. welcomed continued economic engagement with China under his “Friend to all, enemy to none” policy first espoused by Duterte during his pivot to Beijing. Balancing act Compared to former presidents before him, Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy is truly a balancing act not much different from his father’s. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (1965-1986), during his presidency, pursued a foreign policy that sought to balance relations with both the United States and other countries, including those in the Soviet Bloc. He declared martial law in 1972, and this had implications for the country’s foreign relations. The Philippines’ relationship with the US was close, but during his time, Marcos also sought to strengthen ties with our Asian neighbors. Corazon Aquino (1986-1992) focused on restoring democracy and human rights in the Philippines after the end of the Marcos dictatorship. She sought to rebuild relations with other countries that had been strained during Marcos’s rule. Her administration also emphasized diplomatic engagement with ASEAN countries and the international community. Fidel V. Ramos (1992-1998) prioritized economic diplomacy and focused on attracting foreign investment to boost the Philippine economy. He worked to strengthen relationships with ASEAN and APEC countries and fostered ties with the US, Japan, and other regional partners. Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) emphasized national sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. He pursued good relations with ASEAN nations but was criticized for a more inward-looking approach to foreign affairs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2010) focused on economic diplomacy and sought to improve the Philippines’ standing in the international community. She maintained strong ties with the US and also expanded engagement with China. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010-2016) emphasized upholding the rule of law in the region and advocating for the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea. He strengthened relations with traditional allies like the US and worked to foster closer ties with other Asian countries. While Bongbong Marcos is not his father, the legacy of the former Filipino strongman hangs over his administration. This legacy of pragmatism is also reinforced in the sentiments of the defense establishment and the broader Filipino public who want the government to take a tougher stance against China. Unlike Duterte, the younger Marcos has shown in his first year in office that he is adopting a more calibrated foreign policy combining elements of pragmatism and assertiveness towards a major power like China while seeking to leverage Philippine ties with the United States. The post Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WPS issues trigger AFP helm change
The increasing need to resolve the issues in the West Philippine Sea triggered the leadership moves in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, outgoing military chief General Andres Centino said on Thursday. “There is a need to bring focus to the matters in that (WPS) part of the country kaya (that’s why) we have mechanisms as to how these issues should be addressed, we have the National Task Force on WPS, but our leadership has deemed it important to provide focus and importance to the way we address the issues there — on a bigger scale. That’s why they thought of creating an Office of the Presidential Adviser for the WPS,” Centino said. Malacañang on Wednesday announced that Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., will serve as the next AFP chief of staff, while Centino will be appointed as the first-ever Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. Centino cited the need to address the geopolitical issues more appropriately, by establishing an office of presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea that will work closely with the National Task Force on the WPS. “Well, it can be gleaned from what’s happening, there are reports of incursions. There were incidents that happened in the past months and, perhaps, this can be addressed appropriately and we may prevent those (incidents) from happening,” he said, citing the recent dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine Coast Guard ships. The authorities logged several reports of near-collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships as well as the swarming of Chinese fishing vessels within the WPS recently. According to Centino, focusing on external security operations will be “incidental” because there’s a need to complete the resolution of the country’s internal security concerns first. “And then once we are done with that we have to shift towards a more pressing or urgent concern which is the matter in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said it was an “opportune time” for the movements in the AFP leadership given the importance of addressing several “dynamics” in the WPS. “It was the opportune time for a change and the change will be as seamless as possible with as much continuity of policies both in the transition to external defense and internal security,” Teodoro said. He added: “To underscore the importance of the West Philippine Sea and the dynamics of the events which occur there on a daily basis, the President decided to have a presidential adviser with Cabinet stature.” Centino added that addressing concerns in the WPS may entail either a “diplomatic or military” approach or a combination of both. “It will be a combination or mix of everything that we can do. It doesn’t have to be military alone, it has to be a combination of efforts, that’s why the task force would most likely be inter-agency,” he said. ‘Dedicated Armed Forces’ Meanwhile, Centino said he is proud that he will be leaving to his successor a “disciplined, determined and dedicated armed forces” capable of addressing all threats. He said he will be leaving the AFP fulfilled and content that he had done his part for the military organization. The post WPS issues trigger AFP helm change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»