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Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’
US President Joe Biden met China's foreign minister for talks on Friday as the two countries seek to smooth ties ahead of a possible visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Biden told top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi that Washington and Beijing must "manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication," the White House said. With the Israel-Hamas conflict raging in the Middle East, Biden also "underscored that the United States and China must work together to address global challenges," it added in a statement. Biden has invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but he has also stood firm on China in the run-up, keeping up a stream of sanctions and backing US allies in disputes with Beijing. Wang Yi has been on a two-day visit to Washington during which he also met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The Chinese foreign minister had been expected to meet Biden too after Blinken met Chinese president Xi in Beijing in June, but it had not previously been confirmed. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had said on Thursday that this week's talks were a "milestone in that effort to keep the lines of communication open with the PRC (People's Republic of China)." Sullivan was going to raise "areas of concern" including China's behavior in the South China Sea, where it has been forcefully asserting its maritime boundaries. Stabilize Wang said after meeting Blinken on Thursday that he wanted to "stabilize US-China relations" and "reduce misunderstanding" after years of tensions. Acknowledging that differences will still come up, Wang said China would respond "calmly, because we are of the view that what is right and what is wrong is not determined by who has the stronger arm or the louder voice." Biden and Xi have had no contact since a meeting in Bali in November 2022. Relations have been tense for years between world's top two economies as they vie for influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and as Beijing boosts cooperation with Russia in a bid to reduce US dominance. Tensions have been particularly high over Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing that over the past year has launched major military exercises in response to actions by US lawmakers. The United States and China have also traded barbs over the conflict in the Middle East, where Biden has been Israel's foremost ally. US officials have repeatedly spoken of creating "guardrails" with China to prevent worst-case scenarios and have sought, without success, to restore contact between the two militaries. Biden on Wednesday warned China of US treaty obligations to the Philippines, which said that Chinese vessels deliberately hit Manila's boats in dispute-rife waters -- an account contested by Beijing. Speaking alongside Australia's prime minister, a key Asia-Pacific ally, Biden vowed to compete with China "every way according to the international rules -- economically, politically, in other ways. But I'm not looking for conflict." The post Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law
China has adopted a new law strengthening so-called patriotic education, state media said, the latest step in President Xi Jinping's drive to reassert the Communist Party's ideology in the country's classrooms. A crackdown on the highly lucrative world of for-profit private tutoring in 2021 was also seen as part of efforts to reassert ruling party control over the education system. The moves banned tutoring firms from hiring overseas teachers, with critics saying it was cutting off Chinese children from outside influences. The new law, which comes into effect on January 1 and was approved on Tuesday, will "strengthen patriotic education in the new era" and seek to impart a "patriotic spirit" in China's youth, according to state-run news agency Xinhua. A Xinhua commentary hailing the law's adoption by Beijing's top lawmaking body said that education had been "facing challenges" recently. "Some people are at a loss about what is patriotism," the commentary read. It attacked "the influences of some social thoughts, such as historical nihilism" -- a term often employed by Beijing's leadership to condemn accounts that run contrary to official rhetoric about the party. The law contains provisions already included in other legislation, the commentary said, including those banning "insulting the national flag and distorting or denying heroes' deeds and spirit". Zhao Leji, China's top lawmaker, said the law would help the country in "forging a mighty force" to build a "strong" nation, Xinhua reported. Education has long been used by the Communist Party to boost its legitimacy in the eyes of China's 1.4 billion people. Much of its narrative centers on its role in conquering absolute poverty and asserting China's position in a hostile international climate. But conspicuously absent are detailed discussions of the party's role in instigating China's bloody Cultural Revolution and Great Famine, in which millions died. The post China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines summons Chinese envoy after sea clashes
Manila has filed a diplomatic protest over incidents in the South China Sea, asserting 'sovereign rights? over an area claimed by BeijingThe Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest with China and summoned its ambassador over maneuvers by Chinese maritime police vessels that it says led to collisions with ships of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the South China Sea, officials in Manila.....»»
Beijing ‘violated’ 3 maritime laws
China violated at least three international maritime rules during the collisions of its ships with Philippine vessels at Ayungin Shoal on 22 October. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said vessels of the China Coast Guard and Beijing’s maritime militia infringed on provisions of the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, or COLREGs. “The first one violated was Rule 2 or the responsibility of the vessel. This rule emphasizes that nothing in the COLREGs can absolve any vessel from the duty to avoid a collision,” he said. Tarriela explained that deliberately blocking a vessel “not only increases the risk of collision” but also disregards the “fundamental principle of taking action to prevent a potential collision.” China also ran afoul of Rule 7, or the risk of collision, which requires every vessel to “use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if a risk of collision exists,” he said. Tarriela said that Rule 7 is considered in conjunction with other relevant rules and factors, such as Rules 5 (look-out), 6 (safe speed), and 8 (action to avoid collision). During the incidents, China ignored Rule 18A or “the responsibilities between vessels” which requires a vessel to keep out of the way of another vessel if the latter has the right of way, Tarriela said. By deliberately blocking a vessel, “you are not allowing the other vessel to proceed in accordance with their right of way,” he explained. Shadowed He noted the active participation of the Chinese militia ships in the harassment and blocking of the supply contingent from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “For the first time, the Chinese maritime militia vessels are also doing such dangerous maneuvers. They even collided with our PCG vessel. Before, they were just taking orders from the CCG,” he said. During the resupply mission, the Philippines was outnumbered by five CCG vessels, eight militia ships, and two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels. The Chinese ships shadowed and harassed the Philippine vessels. A CCG vessel collided with the AFP-chartered resupply ship, Unaiza May 2, as it attempted to block the latter’s path to the BRP Sierra Madre at about 10.5 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal on Sunday. On the same day, a separate collision occurred between the BRP Cabra and a CMMV some 6.4 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal. The post Beijing ‘violated’ 3 maritime laws appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market
Even if neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region are advantageous in terms of being technology savvy, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. “We see strong demand for the Philippines, the only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand for the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling. Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” according to Giancarlo Nogales from the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge tech tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of today’s remote and hybrid workforces but also to address significant challenges faced by businesses as they digitize operations across departments. “Lenovo research shows that managing a remote workforce and global teams remain central tasks for CIOs.1. That is why the new offerings integrate impressive processing power, immersive 3D, and advanced security to create a unified, human-centered experience,” the company said. Further, Nogales added that sales for Lenovo in the Philippines will continue to soar as the country has a bigger population which connotes demand compared to other nations in SE Asia. What Lenovo can count on with the Philippines is the demand for laptops and tablets that are now being used by students, educators, workers, and even the government. “Actually, we have an ongoing engagement with the government sector. I was at an event with the DICT (Department of Information and Communications) and we had discussions with the Department of Education as well, but we still understand what they are looking for. Of course, with DepEd, it’s a big agency, and what I can say is we are working with them across whatever we can offer—cloud technologies, among others,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Nogales said he sees an ongoing digital transformation within organizations and will continue over the coming years. Digital transformation is an ongoing journey Meanwhile, VST ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go stressed that in the ever-evolving world of technology, organizations are charting a course - through a landscape that has seen profound advancement in recent years. “It's important to understand that digital transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Every day, we bear witness to the unveiling of new digital technologies. In this dynamic environment, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are blurring, creating a phenomenon known as phygital convergence," he said. He said organizations nowadays stand at the threshold of a remarkable technological revolution. “Generative AI is the talk of the town with Chat GPT and other AI, offering organizations the power to intelligently automate customer experiences and streamline internal operations. The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Microsoft is launching CoPilot and most software applications are incorporating AI in their applications. Gartner predicts that by 2030, a staggering 80 percent of people will interact with smart robots daily, and in just two years, these smart robots will become workforce partners for 90 percent of global companies,” he said. Further, Go stressed that AI and machine learning, once a novel concept, have become integral to the products and services offered by major companies. “A mere decade ago, we were learning to communicate with machines. Today, machines understand and adapt to our language, erasing the boundaries between humans and technology. While AI is currently the headline in the tech world, we must not lose sight of the critical need to modernize our IT infrastructure,” he stated. For organizations to embrace technology, he said it’s a pivotal step in allowing organizations to embrace the latest technology trends, including Multi Clouds, Quantum computing, Data explosion, RPA, Generative AI, and more. “Investments in Connectivity solutions, Digital Infrastructure, Cloud technologies, Cybersecurity, Big data, Storage, Automation, and Collaboration tools remain vital to prepare for the ever-evolving Tech landscape. In the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, Technology plays a very important and critical role in their war strategies. Computers, AI, Starlink, and drones are heavily used in their strategies,” he said. The post Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign interest
The Philippines is earning plaudits for the Marcos administration’s tough balancing act of asserting its territorial claim on the West Philippine Sea while preventing the tense situation with China from escalating. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made it his policy to improve relations with the United States that were strained under the last administration, while continuing to engage with China but recognizing the need to respect each country’s position. Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute cited recent moves by the country that showed it will not back down from China’s assertiveness, but neither will it take actions to provoke its anger. “While Beijing attempts to tighten its grip on the region with a new ten-dash line, a multi-billion dollar military modernization drive is underway in the Philippines,” a Lowy report said. It said many analysts believe that Manila’s pronouncements about confrontation are “gestures” rather than real attempts to challenge China. An open conflict would have tremendous geopolitical and economic costs for the Philippines. “Beijing remains Manila’s top trade partner and import supplier,” Lowy said. It cited instances in which the Philippines stepped back from adding fuel to the fire. “The Philippines’ decision to skip last month’s joint military exercise with the United States, Australia and Japan in the South China Sea is seen as a way of avoiding conflict with China,” it noted. It said that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro had refused to cooperate with Taiwan on security issues, which has been viewed as the country’s continued adherence to the One-China policy. “Despite his harsh remarks on Beijing, some Chinese international relations experts are optimistic about the appointment of Teodoro Locsin as Manila’s Special Envoy to China as he has not only favored cooperation with Beijing but has been critical of the West,” it added. Lowy said Locsin’s appointment is read as Manila’s attempt to stabilize ties with Beijing, adding that “others are disappointed with the choice.” This recognition from independent observers indicates the Marcos administration is skillfully threading a thin line to show it is insisting on its sovereign stake while pushing back against Beijing. Manila’s resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre landing craft, for instance, which is considered the eye of the storm in the current friction, has been a pure play by Philippine forces. Manila’s supply and coast guard ships are constantly in a game of tag with huge Chinese Coast Guard vessels which try to frustrate the provision of supplies to the platoon of Marines guarding the outpost. Last month, China’s coast guard water-cannoned a Navy supply boat. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified this as “safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with law” and criticized Manila for “ignoring China’s goodwill and sincerity.” China then demanded the Philippines remove the beached Sierra Madre. Lowy reported that “Manila has further aggravated Beijing by describing the danger of conflict in the Taiwan Strait as a ‘major security concern,’ in its newly published National Security Policy.” It quoted various state mouthpieces in China as having criticized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s condemnation of the ten-dash line and his claim that Manila “wouldn’t resist a fight” for its maritime rights. China has always referred to the Duterte period as when an ideal engagement had existed with the Philippines. Duterte initially exerted efforts to win the trust of the Chinese but had always indicated to President Xi Jinping that he would have to raise at some point the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that favored the Philippines. China continues to follow its playbook that the Philippines is being manipulated by the US to take bold actions in the West Philippine Sea conflict. Beijing glosses over the fact that when the late President Noynoy Aquino bungled the handling of the 2012 faceoff with China, it was the US that abandoned the Philippines as it did nothing to stop the reclamation of features in the disputed area. Similarly, China has advocated dialogue but, thus far, nothing has come of it, even after the Philippines gave way to its wishes over the past six and more years. The post Sovereign interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Doing right
Plucky 54-year-old Filipino fisherman Arnel Satam best characterizes where we should be following last week’s significant incidents at a disputed atoll variously called Scarborough Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal. Bucking a tense standoff between Filipino and Chinese government vessels at the shoal’s southeast last 22 September, Satam, aboard a tiny wooden light blue “bangka” (outrigger boat), sped towards the shallow, fish-rich waters of the atoll’s inner lagoon. He just wanted to fish. Responding speedboat-riding Chinese coast guardsmen hotly pursued Satam for several thrilling minutes before Satam willingly turned back. But Satam, whose daring act was caught on video, had already made his indelible mark in one of the tensest areas in the South China Sea. “Hindi ako natatakot (I wasn’t scared),” said Satam, who told reporters he often baits the Chinese to chase him. “Pinagtatawan-tawanan ko lang sila. Inaasar ko lang sila eh (I just laugh at them. I only pique them).” Earlier that same Friday, the China Coast Guard was caught in the act of installing a 300-meter floating barrier around Panatag’s inner lagoon by a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources boat on routine patrol. Like Satam, Filipino coast guard divers the following Monday afternoon did the unthinkable, vividly executing a first-ever underwater operation, also dramatically captured on video, against Chinese bullying in the West Philippine Sea. Using only knives, the divers cut the rope connecting the buoys that held up the barrier and hauled up an anchor holding the floating barrier in place. Filipino fishermen said the Chinese frequently put up barriers to keep them from Panatag, a traditional rich fishing ground of fishermen mostly sailing out of Zambales. Some 50 Filipino fishing boats, in fact, were near the shoal when the Chinese installed the floating barrier. Filipino fishermen could only fish outside the shoal because Chinese vessels had blocked the inner lagoon since the 2012 standoff between the Philippines and China over the shoal. After the successful “special operation,” authorized by President Marcos himself, the PCG reported that China Coast Guard vessels, probably awed by the Filipinos’ audacity, were seen calmly picking up pieces of the torn barrier. Still, that same calm demeanor could also mean the Chinese “might still return the floating barrier,” said PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, particularly since last Tuesday China tersely warned the Philippines not “to provoke and cause trouble.” But the PCG and the military establishment have vowed to make the Filipino presence felt at the shoal, even permanently, with Tarriela expressly saying, “We have shown the world the Filipino people will not back down, and we’re still going to consistently carry out whatever is necessary for us to maintain our presence.” Emphasizing our “presence” at Panatag is a crucial and careful distinction. The 2016 arbitral award ruled that Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino fishermen had traditional fishing rights at Panatag Shoal. Our maritime authorities, therefore, are in the right insofar as asserting that Filipino fishermen have the same rights as the Chinese to safely navigate around Panatag to fish, and that China has no right whatsoever to drive them away or bar them. Frustratingly, however, some imprudent Filipinos toe China’s self-interested and false sovereignty claims despite the due care with which Filipino maritime authorities qualify their actions. Oddly enough, too, these same imprudent Filipinos quickly blame the victims of China’s abusive actions. It is as if these imprudent Filipinos are so invested in their fear of China that they are now losing their willingness to defend Filipino fishermen and their livelihood bit by bit, without even noticing. We cannot be like them. We must all finally realize that to assert ourselves in the world; we must bravely stand up to any form of bullying against fellow Filipinos. We individually need to be an Arnel Satam. The post Doing right 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......»»
‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate National Defense Committee, stressed in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in light of the removal of a Chinese-installed floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal. "My previous position d'yan, kung ano po ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours. Ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin," Go declared. For years, the Scarborough Shoal, located 200 kilometers away from the Philippines, has been a contentious area due to disputes over territorial claims and fishing rights. It is administered as a political subdivision of Zambales. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out a special operation to dismantle the floating barrier that had been hindering Filipino fishermen. "Trabaho po 'yun ng ating mga nasa gobyerno, sa Executive Department, DFA, PCG. I'm sure alam nila ang kanilang ginagawa," Go said, expressing confidence in the government's actions. Go also addressed the issue of barriers that had been removed but were still causing concerns. "Na-clear na ba? Dapat lang. Kung ano nga po ang atin ay atin 'yun, 'wag nating hayaang nakaharang d'yan ang mga barriers. Kung agrabyado naman tayo, kung ano nga po ang atin, ipaglaban po natin. What is ours is ours," he emphasized. Eliminating the barrier has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, with the latter asserting ownership of more than 90 percent of the commonly referred to as" South China Sea". Go also expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s order to remove the barrier. Previously, Go criticized the series of reported harassments by China particularly in the disputed waters of Ayungin Shoal. He elaborated on the need for a unified stance to protect the country’s rights and rightful claims to its territories and Exclusive Economic Zone. "Dapat po ay respetuhin ang ating karapatan. Kung ano ang karapatan natin na mag-resupply tayo, atin po ‘yon, karapatan po natin ‘yun. Ipaglaban po natin ang ating karapatan," Go reiterated. On 8 September, the Philippine Coast Guard faced interference from the China Coast Guard while navigating to Ayungin Shoal, yet successfully executed their resupply mission. This episode adds to a pattern of maritime tensions, including a prior incident where a Chinese vessel deployed water cannons against a Philippine military ship and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The post ‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCG eyes entry of Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal
The Philippine government will help Filipino fishermen to once again enter and go fishing in the lagoon of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea. Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard for WPS, said they are collaborating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Armed Forces of the Philippines to enter the area after it removed the floating barriers installed by the Chinese Coast Guard in the southeast entrance of shoal. “The PCG together with the BFAR, and of course with the support of our AFP, through the intelligence cooperation that we have already established, we will be able to sustain this patrol with the end goal of once again allowing fishermen to be able to go inside the lagoon,” Tarriela said in a television interview on Tuesday. “And also to open this, as you said it was already decided by the arbitral award that it is not just for Filipinos but this is a traditional fishing ground for Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipinos. So we are going to abide by the decision of the international ruling and that is our end goal,” he added. Tarriela said it was still possible for the Philippines to assert its rights over Scarborough Shoal, after the 2012 standoff—wherein Chinese vessels began guarding the lagoon and barred Filipino ships and fishing boats from entering the area. “As I have said, since the new administration took office, we have already strategized how can we be able to take control once again of Bajo de Masinloc, especially the lagoon,” he stressed. “For so many months, we were able to calibrate our deployment in such time that we can already anchor the distance of 300 meters,” he added. Tarriela said these efforts by the Philippines will continue. “This will be sustained in the next coming days but I don't want to detail in public how are we going to do that,” he noted. Tarriela said the removal of the floating barriers was done upon the instructions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who also heads the National Task Force on the WPS. "The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal," he said. The post PCG eyes entry of Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND chief: China charge ‘hypocritical’
China accusing the Philippines of being an environmental menace for allowing the rusting BRP Sierra Madre landing ship to remain moored at Ayungin Shoal is “hypocritical,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said. “The statement of China that the grounded Sierra Madre is causing irrevocable harm is, to put it as politely as possible, hypocritical,” Teodoro, reacting to Mao’s statement, told reporters on Saturday. Teodoro was reacting to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning’s statement that the rusting BRP Sierra Madre ship was a pollutant and source of waste in the West Philippine Sea. The BRP Sierra Madre is a landing vessel deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1995 to serve as an outpost manned by a platoon of Marines. Mao called the Philippines to tow the Sierra Madre away from the shoal. He urged to “stop polluting” the waters around it “if it really cares about the environment.” Philippine officials were not amused, however. The Office of the Solicitor General said it is considering filing a lawsuit against China before an international court for destroying corals in at least two key features in the WPS, namely, Rozul or Iroquois Reef and Escoda or Sabina Shoal. Pot calls kettle black “Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. China continues to damage the WPS with its illegal reclamation activities after it was found to be a violator of international law in the 2016 Arbitral Award when such activities damaged the marine environment,” Teodoro said. He described China’s remarks as mere “propaganda” to divert international attention from its illegal activities in the WPS. “Disingenuous propaganda lines such as this only serve to expose China’s insincerity and will only heighten the mistrust of the Filipino people and the rest of the world toward the Chinese government,” Teodoro said. China has repeatedly denied the Philippines’ sovereign right over the WPS based on the 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Coral destruction, a crime The Chinese foreign ministry also recently criticized the Philippines for creating “political drama” when it alleged massive coral harvesting at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. “The destruction of corals goes far beyond drama. It is a violent act and a serious crime against humanity,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Stop making (allegations) that the BRP Sierra Madre is polluting the waters, but blame it (on) your numerous Chinese maritime militia vessels swarming the Philippines’ EEZ,” Tarriela said. Tarriela noted that the PCG conducted extensive underwater surveys of the seabed at both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. “The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem in the subject features appeared to be lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life. Moreover, the surveys conducted at Escoda Shoal revealed visible discoloration of its seabed, strongly indicating that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of the underwater terrain,” he said. On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government would file environmental cases against China for its destructive activities in the WPS before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as it has a lot of evidence to pursue a case. Remulla said the case filing was not connected to the territorial dispute, maintaining that the “destruction of the environment is a sin against humanity.” On the other hand, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed the plan to file charges against China before the arbitral court. @tribunephl_raf The post DND chief: China charge ‘hypocritical’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Exacting accountability for reef damage
Something is revolting about the recent discovery of massive reef damage at two shoals within the West Philippine Sea. Underwater surveys by a special covert mission conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard recently showed “crushed corals,” suggesting deliberate artificial alterations of the underwater terrain. The Escoda and Rozul Reefs, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone or EEZ, have recently become a focal point of international concern due to allegations of deliberate reef damage. These allegations have raised questions about the responsibility of China’s militia ships for the harm caused to these vital marine ecosystems. The two reefs in the West Philippine Sea are rich in marine biodiversity and essential for ecological and economic reasons. They provide a habitat for numerous species of fish and coral, support local fisheries, and contribute to the region’s food security. Moreover, they play a vital role in global climate regulation, acting as carbon sinks and protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. Allegations of deliberate reef damage at Escoda and Rozul Reefs have emerged recently, pointing to China’s militia ships as the culprits. Several incidents have been reported, including the anchoring of Chinese vessels on the reefs, the use of destructive fishing methods, and the construction of permanent structures, such as military outposts. These actions have had detrimental effects on the delicate marine ecosystem of the area. Evidence supporting these allegations includes satellite imagery, eyewitness accounts, and reports from environmental organizations and the Philippine government. Satellite imagery has shown Chinese ships in the vicinity of Escoda and Rozul Reefs for extended periods, and their activities align with the reported reef damage. Eyewitness accounts by local fishermen and Philippine authorities further corroborate these claims. China’s militia ships have been the subject of international scrutiny in recent years. These vessels are often described as a paramilitary force operating under the Chinese government’s direction. They are typically civilian vessels but can be armed and used for various maritime activities, including asserting territorial claims. In the case of Escoda and Rozul Reefs, it is alleged that these militia ships are being used to advance China’s territorial ambitions while causing harm to the marine environment. Among the key factors, however, that should be considered in exacting accountability for the destruction of these reefs is the legal framework wherein the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS provides guidelines for the use of marine resources within EEZs. States are obligated to protect and preserve the marine environment within their EEZs. If it can be proven that China’s militia ships were involved in deliberate reef damage, then they would be in violation of UNCLOS. Diplomacy could also be pursued to address the issue. The Philippines has brought the matter to international attention and should engage in diplomatic negotiations with China to resolve the dispute peacefully. It is likewise crucial to assess the environmental consequences of the alleged damage and determine the extent of the harm caused. It is essential to recognize, too, that the alleged deliberate reef damage at Escoda and Rozul is taking place in the context of broader geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. Disputes over territorial claims, fishing rights, and resource exploitation have strained relations between China and neighboring countries, including the Philippines. These tensions complicate efforts to address the issue of reef damage and may influence how accountability is pursued. Accountability for this damage, therefore, should be pursued through international legal frameworks and diplomatic channels while considering the broader geopolitical context in the South China Sea. Ultimately, the protection and preservation of Escoda and Rozul Reefs are essential for the Philippines and the entire global community, as they are integral to our oceans’ health and future generations’ well-being. E-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Exacting accountability for reef damage 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......»»
US, Vietnam agree to deepen ties as China worries grow
US President Joe Biden hailed closer ties with Vietnam on Sunday as the two countries struck a deal to deepen cooperation, including on semiconductors, but said he was not aiming to contain China. The "comprehensive strategic partnership" with Hanoi is part of Washington's push to bolster its network of allies around Asia and the Pacific in the face of Beijing's rising influence. Biden accused Beijing of seeking to bend the international order to its will. "One of the things that is going on now is China is beginning to change some of the rules of the game, in terms of trade and other issues," Biden said. Sometimes to Beijing's chagrin, Washington has invested heavily in building alliances as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, including the Quad security dialogue with India, Australia and Japan, and the AUKUS pact with Britain and Australia. Biden said he wanted establish clear ground rules for relations. "I don't want to contain China. I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what it's all about," he said. Biden flew in to Hanoi straight from a G20 summit that failed to agree to a phase-out of fossil fuels and highlighted deep divisions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US president said he had met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 -- a meeting the White House had not announced -- and discussed "stability". Semiconductor deal Global supply chain shocks and fears about US reliance on China for strategic resources have further driven the push to boost ties with the likes of Vietnam. The new partnership includes an agreement on semiconductors, with the United States committing to help Vietnam develop its capabilities and expand production. There is also a section on rare earth minerals, which used in the manufacture of high-tech devices such as smartphones and electric car batteries. Vietnam has the world's second-largest deposits of rare earths after China and US officials say it has a key role to play as it looks to diversify and strengthen its supply chains. Biden moved last month to restrict US investment in Chinese technology in sensitive areas including semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. "This can be the beginning of even a greater era of cooperation," Biden said as he met Nguyen Phu Trong, the head of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party and the country's paramount leader. "Vietnam and the United States are critical partners at what I would argue is a very critical time." The deal puts the United States on a par with China -- as well as Russia, India and South Korea -- at the top level of the Vietnamese hierarchy of diplomatic relations. Trong thanked Biden for his contribution to improving US-Vietnamese ties and said his country would work hard to implement the new agreement. Although it is careful to be seen as not taking sides between the United States and China, Vietnam shares US concerns about its neighbour's growing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea. However, The New York Times reported just ahead of Biden's visit that Vietnam was secretly arranging to buy arms from Russia in contravention of US sanctions. The report cited a Vietnamese finance ministry document that laid out plans to fund arms purchases from the Kremlin through a joint oil and gas project in Siberia. AFP has contacted the Vietnamese government for comment. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer told reporters that Washington acknowledged Vietnam's decades-long military relationship with Russia. But he said there was "increasing discomfort on the part of the Vietnamese with that relationship", and the new partnership would help Hanoi "diversify away from those partnerships" by allowing it to source from the United States and its allies. Human rights Biden said he had raised human rights in his meeting with Trong and pledged to "continue our candid dialogue in that regard". Vietnam has a dire rights record. Government critics face intimidation, harassment and imprisonment after unfair trials, and there are reports of police torture to extract confessions, Human Rights Watch says. While Biden has often criticised China's human rights record, he has largely stayed quiet on Vietnam and campaigners feared he may not raise the subject. On Monday Biden visit a Hanoi memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US senator shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War who in later years helped rebuild ties between the two countries. The post US, Vietnam agree to deepen ties as China worries grow 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......»»
BRP Sierra Madre resupplied amid new CCG harassment
China attempted anew to block a Philippine resupply mission to the latter’s permanent outpost in the West Philippine Sea, the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed this yesterday, saying that Chinese ships conducted dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels conducting a third rotation and logistics run to the Sierra Madre. Nonetheless, the AFP Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard successfully delivered fresh troops and supplies to the World War 2-era ship, according to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). AFP spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar, said the government will remain firm in asserting the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal, it being part of its exclusive economic zone. “The unprofessional acts and dangerous maneuvers conducted by the China Coast Guard and its maritime militia will never prevail over our conduct of legal and legitimate operations that support a rules-based international order,” he added. Nansha Islands China defended its attempt to intercept the Philippine vessels by saying the two replenishment ships and two PCG vessels entered waters adjacent to Ren’ai Reef in its so-called Nansha Islands. It claimed the PCG and AFP boats entered the area “without the permission of the Chinese government.” “The China Coast Guard strictly warned the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, tracked and monitored the vessels all the way and effectively regulated them,” CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said in an interview. Yun averred that Beijing has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Nansha Islands, including Ren’ai Reef and its adjacent waters, and firmly opposes the illegal transportation of construction materials by the Philippines to the grounded warship. “The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the sea areas under China’s jurisdiction according to the law,” Yu said. Yu’s comments earned a rebuke from the NTF-WPS, describing the CCG actions as illegal, aggressive, and destabilizing. It may be remembered that the CCG used a water cannon against a Sierra Madre resupply mission earlier. “We reiterate and reemphasize that these operations are pursuant to our government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, firmly anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the NTF-WPS said. Humanitarian mission Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Senate is “constantly monitoring” developments in the WPS. “This is a humanitarian resupply mission. Only barbarians at the gate will delight in seeing soldiers on a peaceful mission denied food,” he said. “As long as the law and truth are on our side, illegal barriers to what is ours will continue to be pierced — by the sharp tip of world opinion that upholds our cause as just,” he added. He said the Senate is ready to assist the AFP and the PCG through their budgets for the coming fiscal year “with the aim of developing a credible self-defense posture that will allow them to continue protecting our country and our people.” The post BRP Sierra Madre resupplied amid new CCG harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. During his intervention in the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - China Summit here, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the rules-based order in the South China Sea. "The Philippines continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted," Marcos said. "We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes." Marcos also expressed hope that the two countries can progress in the negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea. "The early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, remains the goal for ASEAN and for China," he said. Marcos' remarks come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its claims over disputed waters. The Philippines is one of several ASEAN countries with overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea. In his remarks during the intervention, Marcos also highlighted the importance of cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas such as trade, investment, and connectivity. He said that such cooperation can help to achieve the goal of making ASEAN the "epicentrum of growth." "The ongoing ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations will also encourage stronger ties between ASEAN and China," Marcos said. "It is also our hope that we identify and leverage on complementarities between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific." Chinese Premier Li Qiang, for his part, claimed that China has been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to "preserve regional stability." He asserted that "mutual trust" between the two parties has "grown deeper." "We have been committed to treating each other sincerely, and our political mutual trust has grown deeper," Li said during the ASEAN-China Summit. "No matter how the international situation evolves, China and ASEAN have maintained close exchanges and communication, respecting each other's development path," he said. China, which has emphasized that regional parties should be in charge of resolving disputes like those involving the South China Sea, has stated that "the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way" due to their shared "understanding about hardships." Chinese ships obstructed Philippine resupply ships in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in August by using water cannons. The Hague-based international arbitration court received a complaint from Manila in 2013 against Beijing, but China ignored the proceedings there as well. Beijing has continued rejecting the judgment rendered in that case in 2016, and in July it charged the US with being the "mastermind" behind the Philippines' lawsuit. The post PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight
One of the world’s biggest auto shows opens in Munich on Monday, with Tesla ending a 10-year absence to jostle for the spotlight with Chinese rivals as the race for electric dominance heats up. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will officially inaugurate the IAA mobility show, held in Germany every two years, on Tuesday. But Monday’s press preview will already give carmakers a chance to show off some of the new models that will be hitting the road soon. The industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles will be front and center at this week’s fair, with Chinese carmakers out in force as they eye the European market. US electric car pioneer Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will return to the IAA for the first time since 2013 and is expected to unveil a revamped version of its mass-market Model 3. That Tesla, usually a holdout at such events, is coming to Munich shows it is taking the growing competition seriously, said Jan Burgard from the Berylls automotive consulting group. “The electric car market with its many new players will be divvied up over the next few years and people want to know: who is offering what?” Burgard told the Handelsblatt financial daily. Having captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market, Chinese upstarts are now hoping to win over European customers with cheaper electric cars. Chinese manufacturers are starting “their assault on Europe with the IAA,” said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Meantime, Chinese groups benefit from lower production costs, allowing them to offer cut-throat prices at a time when entry-level EVs are still a rarity, said industry expert Eric Kirstetter from the Roland Berger consulting firm. “The only thing they don’t have is brand credibility,” Kirstetter said. with AFP The post Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair
One of the world's biggest auto shows opens in Munich on Monday, with Tesla ending a 10-year absence to jostle for the spotlight with Chinese rivals as the race for electric dominance heats up. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will officially inaugurate the IAA mobility show, held in Germany every two years, on Tuesday. But Monday's press preview will already give carmakers a chance to show off some of the new models that will be hitting the road soon. The industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles will be front and center at this week's fair, with Chinese carmakers out in force as they eye the European market. US electric car pioneer Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will return to the IAA for the first time since 2013 and is expected to unveil a revamped version of its mass-market Model 3. That Tesla, usually a holdout at such events, is coming to Munich shows it is taking the growing competition seriously, said Jan Burgard from the Berylls automotive consulting group. "The electric car market with its many new players will be divvied up over the next few years and people want to know: who is offering what?" Burgard told the Handelsblatt financial daily. Having captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market, Chinese upstarts are now hoping to win over European customers with cheaper electric cars. Chinese manufacturers are starting "their assault on Europe with the IAA", said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Muted European presence Chinese groups benefit from lower production costs, allowing them to offer cut-throat prices at a time when entry-level EVs are still a rarity, said industry expert Eric Kirstetter from the Roland Berger consulting firm. "The only thing they don't have is brand credibility," Kirstetter said. "They will create their brand universe by stepping up their marketing investments more than others, including through trade fairs," he added. In all, 41 percent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China, including brands such as BYD and Leapmotor. Contrary to the Asian onslaught, participation from European carmakers at the IAA will be muted. Germany's homegrown champions Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will be joined by Renault from France, but the 14-brand Stellantis Group will only be represented by Opel. BMW presented its "Neue Klasse" (New Class) generation of electric cars in Munich on Saturday, a series of six vehicles that will be manufactured from 2025. BMW and fellow European carmakers are investing heavily in the switch towards zero-emission driving as the European Union aims to end the sale of polluting engines by 2035. The historic transition however comes at a challenging time. While the supply chain problems caused by the pandemic years have eased, surging energy prices in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine and a weaker global economy are weighing on European manufacturers. Although car sales in the European Union have steadily improved over the last 12 months, they remain around 20 percent below their pre-coronavirus levels as inflation and higher interest rates dampen appetites for new vehicles. Some 700,000 visitors are expected to attend this week's IAA. Climate groups have vowed to stage protests during the fair, including acts of "civil disobedience" aimed at disrupting the IAA. The post Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
We are definitely against it, we reject it—DFA on China’s 2023 map
The Philippines lodged a protest against China's release of the 2023 edition of its map depicting its expanded claim in the South China Sea, with a "10-dash line" covering most of the West Philippine Sea. During the Malacañang Press Briefing, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Daniel Espiritu confirmed Manila filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing regarding the issue. For context, Beijing unveiled its revised map featuring a sequence of ten dashes arranged in a U shape earlier this week, asserting control over almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its own. This region's boundaries included parts of self-ruled Taiwan and several parts of the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Indonesia. "Suffice it to say that we have already expressed our opposition to that matter," Espiritu told Palace reporters. "We are definitely against it, we reject it, and we continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution of disputes in that aspect," he added. Asked how this would affect the upcoming position of the Philippines when Marcos meets the Southeast Asian and Chinese counterparts during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, Espiritu said the leaders would not complete their discussions on the matter in just one, two, or three meetings. "Progress that has been made (...) we also expressed our profound satisfaction with recent developments in the South China Sea, particularly the issue of water cannoning," Espiritu said. "We emphasized that these actions must be avoided, as they erode trust, escalate tensions in the South China Sea, and destabilize the peace and stability in the region," Espiritu added. In a separate statement on Thursday, the DFA said, “(t)his latest attempt to legitimize China’s purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” It highlighted that Beijing's claims regarding the contested waters under the former nine-dash line had been rendered void by the 2016 Arbitral Award. This ruling said the “maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the ‘nine-dash line’ are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention,” the department added. DFA then urged China to demonstrate responsible behavior and adhere to its responsibilities as outlined in the UNCLOS and the arbitration ruling of 2016. The post We are definitely against it, we reject it—DFA on China’s 2023 map appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»