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ASEAN foreign ministers urge peace, restraint amid South China Sea tensions
Top diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations expressed concern over escalating tensions in the South China Sea and called on all parties involved to engage in peaceful dialogue. .....»»
PBBM brings home $120-million investment contract from Saudi Arabia trip
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday said he secured a $120-million investment contract for the Philippines amid a short trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In his arrival speech at Villamor Airbase in Pasay, Marcos said Saudi Arabia expects to invest in the Philippines, making their partnership a "two-way street." "It's time that they bring investment to the Philippines to support their food supply situation, and to support the industries that they are going to expand," Marcos said. Still, the Philippines relies on its labor export background. The country signed multiple Saudi investment deals. Marcos claimed $4.26 billion in deals will help 15,000 Filipinos "in training and employment opportunities across a wide range of professions in the construction industry." A $120 million investment in the Philippines will train at least 2,000 Filipinos in construction crafts. To work on Saudi projects, Filipino skilled laborers are to be sent. Marcos' backing for these ventures reflects the Philippines' long-standing labor export program, which has produced billions in remittances. Marcos also told Filipinos that he would continue to promote the Philippines as a dynamic economic environment and deepen links with the Arab country on his overseas journey. "Let me assure you that we will continue to advance our national interest as we further expand our partnerships abroad," he added. Marcos also assured that his administration promoted the country's priority abroad. He emphasized collaboration in food and energy security, logistics and supply chains, digital transformation, and free trade. President Marcos declared he wanted to protect and upskill 2 million hardworking Filipinos in the Middle East. Marcos asked his fellow leaders from the two blocs to preserve a rules-based international order to ensure world harmony, especially with the Israeli-Hamas war. "The summit also provided ASEAN and GCC leaders an opportunity to convey their views on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. I shared our hope for peace, that it should prevail, and for the welfare and safety of civilians to be upheld in accordance with international humanitarian law," he said during his arrival speech. He urged Gulf governments to collaborate with ASEAN to promote "peace, security, and stability in both our regions, the South China Sea, and the Arabian Sea, grounded on the rules-based international order to ensure stability and prosperity of our countries and the rest of the world." The post PBBM brings home $120-million investment contract from Saudi Arabia trip appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shun mass protests in Egypt
Filipinos in Egypt have been advised to avoid joining any protests following the mass demonstrations, denouncing the bombing of a hospital in the Gaza Strip that reportedly killed at least 500 civilians. In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy in Egypt cautioned Filipinos against joining the random demonstrations and planned mass actions. “The Philippine Embassy in Cairo advises everyone to exercise caution, keep away from mass congregations, and stay home unless necessary,” it said. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are 1,990 Filipinos in Egypt. Egyptians took to the streets to express their anger over the bombing of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, which left hundreds of Palestinians dead. In one of the demonstrations, a Palestinian flag was raised while an Israeli flag was burned. The demonstrations came after Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi called on Egyptians to express solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. This developed as top diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday denounced the ongoing war in the Middle East. End bloodshed In a statement, the foreign ministers of the 10-member regional bloc called for an immediate end to the bloodshed. “We strongly condemn the acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injuries of civilians, including ASEAN nationals,” the foreign ministers said. “We urge the immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties and call for the full respect of international humanitarian law,” it added. Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are engaged in armed conflict following the surprise attack launched by the terror group on Israel last 7 October. The attack by Hamas has left more than 1,400 dead, most of them massacred on the first day of the assault. Meanwhile, the widespread airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have reportedly left at least 3,478 dead. ASEAN also called on “all parties to create safe, rapid and unimpeded passages of human corridors.” Last week, Israel imposed a 24-hour deadline for 1.1 million civilians to evacuate northern Gaza ahead of its ground offensive in the Palestinian territory. Since then, millions of civilians, including foreign nationals, have scrambled to move from northern Gaza to southern Gaza in hopes of exiting the war-torn territory. The bulk of civilians are swarming to the Rafah border in an attempt to enter Egypt despite the border remaining closed and the restricted availability of food, water and electricity. Two-state solution Meanwhile, ASEAN reaffirmed its support for a “negotiated two-state solution that allows Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace and security consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.” “This will be the only viable path to resolving the root cause of the conflict,” it said. The regional bloc also called on the “international community to support the peace process in order to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the region.” “We have issued our respective national statements on the escalation of armed conflicts in the Middle East,” it said. On Wednesday, the Philippines, one of the founding members of ASEAN, expressed its “profound sadness” over the bombing of a hospital in the Gaza Strip, which reportedly killed at least 500 civilians. Israel and Hamas denied being behind the attack and blamed each other for the bombing. The Philippines said all parties should “do their utmost to protect civilians in times of war and armed conflict.” “We support efforts of the United Nations to provide humanitarian relief in the conflict areas,” it said. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are 135 Filipinos in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Deep concern In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, the Chief Executive expressed deep concern over the rising number of victims and the safety of those affected by the conflict. In his intervention during the 1st ASEAN-GCC Summit here on Friday, Marcos said, “All parties (should) exert their utmost efforts to de-escalate the situation, stop all violence, and engage in dialogue and diplomacy.” He called on the members of the GCC and ASEAN to work together to promote peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea and the Arabian Sea. Marcos also underscored the importance of cooperation between member countries of the two regional groups to ensure their continued prosperity. “As the two regional organizations located astride the major sea gates and vital corridors of the world’s commerce and communications, it is imperative that we work together to promote peace, security, and stability in both our regions, the South China Sea and the Arabian Sea, grounded on the rules-based international order to ensure the stability and prosperity of our countries and the rest of the world,” Marcos said. “Peace and stability are indispensable to ensuring continued prosperity in our respective regions and the world,” he added. The six GCC member countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while the 10 ASEAN member countries are Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. President Marcos attended the ASEAN-GCC Summit, where he discussed business opportunities in the Philippines and urged investors to invest in the Maharlika Investment Fund, among other significant opportunities in the Philippines. The post Shun mass protests in Egypt appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan will continue transparency about ALPS treated water release
The Daily Tribune recently published the opinion entitled “Releasing Fukushima water amid protests?” by Mr. Bernie V. Lopez, which worsens the misperception of Japan’s discharge plan. Therefore, I would like to provide explanations based on scientific evidence and facts as well as Japan’s efforts to take the measure in the most accountable and transparent manner. First of all, the water to be discharged is NOT “nuclear wastewater”.” It is “ALPS (advanced liquid processing system) treated water,” which has been sufficiently purified until the concentration of radioactive materials other than tritium is below the regulatory standard and then is further diluted before it is discharged. Tritium is a radioactive material that exists in nature, and can be found in rainwater and also in our bodies, but does not accumulate in the body. The reason for the discharge of ALPS-treated water is not a fear of the dangers of storing large amounts of nuclear wastewater but to restore life in Fukushima and achieve reconstruction. The Subcommittee on Handling ALPS Treated Water considered five options: geosphere injection, discharge into the sea, vapor release, hydrogen release, and underground burial. Of those methods, discharge into the sea was determined to be the best from a risk management perspective, because it has a proven track record in domestic and international nuclear facilities and is easy to monitor. Discharge of ALPS-treated water is an issue that cannot be postponed to construct new facilities to safely proceed with the decommissioning work, which will be more fully underway in the future. On 4 July 2023, The International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA, the world’s authority on nuclear-related issues, published the Comprehensive Report on the Safety Review of the ALPS Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, which presents the findings of a nearly two-year review conducted by the IAEA and independent international experts based on scientific evidence. The report states that Japan’s plans to discharge the ALPS-treated water into the sea and associated activities are consistent with relevant international safety standards, and the discharge will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. On 24 August 2023, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, or FDNPS, initiated the discharge of ALPS-treated water to promote the reconstruction of Fukushima. Since the start of the discharge, it has been confirmed that the concentration of nuclides including tritium in seawater and marine products is far below the standards, which indicates that the discharge is safe as planned. Specifically, Japan is implementing three types of monitoring (monitoring of treated water in tanks, real-time monitoring of a wide range of nuclides, mainly tritium) with the involvement of the IAEA. If a problem is detected during this monitoring process such as detecting radioactivity levels exceeding standards, appropriate measures will be taken, including immediate suspension of the discharge. In more detail, we will manage the annual discharge volume of tritium so it will not exceed 22 trillion Bq, which is equivalent to the target discharge management value for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station before the accident. It is worth noting that other countries also discharge tritium into the sea in compliance with their domestic laws and regulations; for instance, according to the China Nuclear Energy Association website, China, discharging 112 trillion Bequerel, or Bq, from Yangjiang Nuclear Power Plant , 102 trillion Bq from Ningde NPP, 90 trillion Bq from Hongyanhe NPP in 2021. The amount of tritium in the ALPS-treated water is far smaller than the amount of tritium discharged from many nuclear power plants and other facilities in other countries. Consultations with stakeholders Furthermore, the aforementioned article states that “Japan planned the release unilaterally — no transparency, no consensus. They never made an effort for international awareness and inspection.” However, the fact is that Japan has provided information and has engaged in consultations with the interested parties including both international and domestic ones in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence, with an emphasis on providing sufficient data. In addition, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized that every possible measure would be taken to ensure the safety of discharge and that any emission that would harm the health of citizens or the marine environment would not occur. He also explained Japan’s efforts regarding the discharge of ALPS-treated water at ASEAN-related Summit Meetings in Jakarta on September 6 and 7 and the G20 New Delhi Summit on September 9 and 10, which led to a wider and deeper understanding of our approach. The positive recognition and support in the international community for Japan’s efforts and its commitments are currently spreading. Many countries including the U.S., Australia, and NZ officially welcomed the IAEA’s Comprehensive Report, and also Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) acknowledged Japan’s efforts. Recently, on the margin of the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meetings, H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his understanding of Japan’s position. In addition, on the margin of the G20 New Delhi Summit, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye said that he is aware of Japan’s sincere efforts, and H.E. Mr. Mark RUTTE, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands expressed his full support to Japan’s approach. Therefore, the author’s claim that Japan had “no transparency, no consensus” is inaccurate. As the author correctly stated, “Secrecy will be Japan’s enemy” and Japan has been and will prioritize our transparency. At the end of the day, all the questions should be left to scientists and experts on nuclear issues, to draw a conclusion that can stand the test of scientific evidence and facts. Having gone through unprecedented hardships since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we remain committed to facing the most difficult challenges with complete transparency in close collaboration with the IAEA. After the start of discharge into the sea, Japan will continue to conduct three types of monitoring in a multilayered manner with the involvement of the IAEA. We hope to gain the understanding and support of the international community. The government of Japan will continue to provide the necessary information transparently based on the conclusion of the comprehensive report and will continue efforts to gain further understanding from the international community, while scientifically refuting politically motivated opinions. The post Japan will continue transparency about ALPS treated water release appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Long-game scenario
Employing lawfare and so-called grey zone tactics may point to China preparing for the long haul, according to experts. The tactic involves wearing down its opponents in the South China Sea conflict while waiting for a suitable administration in the United States, which would again give less importance to America’s stabilizing role in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s preparations for a protracted conflict are evident in its latest moves, from making public the 10-dash line claim, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Jakarta, and the water spraying by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel of a Philippine Navy boat on a mission to resupply the grounded Sierra Madre. Regional analysts said China is employing a combination of lawfare, which is the use of legal systems and institutions to undermine an opponent, and gray zone tactics, which are maneuvers short of war that point to a conflict for the long haul. China’s drafting of a new map was timed to reassert its territorial claims and flex its muscles ahead of the ASEAN and G20 Summits. It did gain a measure of success as in the joint statements customarily issued at the end of the events; there was no explicit mention of China despite most members of the regional blocs expressing concerns about its assertive actions in the disputed waters. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies based at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said the elephant in the room, amid the increasing aggressiveness of the Asian giant, was China’s undergoing multiple crises. Koh said that while lawfare and maritime coercion have been part and parcel of Beijing’s toolkit in the past, “there has been an obvious uptick that coincided with China’s domestic problems, which are property market woes, high youth unemployment, and sluggish exports.” For instance, during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, “the Philippines was subjected to boat swarming tactics similar to those recently seen.” The use of such methods intensified after the Philippines announced an expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, which Beijing interpreted as one of America’s efforts to intervene in its conflict with Taiwan. For China, digging in and preparing for a long engagement is beneficial. At Ayungin Shoal, China has been blocking Philippine missions to repair the dilapidated landing ship grounded there since it knows that the rusting hull would not last too long and nature will take care of its eventual removal. It can simply wear down the country’s resolve until it abandons its hold on the shoal, or so China believes. China is trying to prevent a united stand in the region since lawfare can be matched by counter-lawfare, such as by tightening existing legal maritime provisions or creating new ones in line with international law to assert the other claimant nations’ interests, according to geopolitical experts. ASEAN has inherent structural limitations make it challenging to take a united position on the South China Sea disputes. China exploits these limitations, such as the ASEAN decision-making process, where a disagreement by one member defeats a unified stand of the 10-nation group. Thus, the role of powers outside the region remains more important than ever to backstop the efforts to maintain stability while following international law. Previous talk about matching the military prowess of China, particularly for the long haul, would be impossible for the Philippines. This was why the alliance with the United States through EDCA was strengthened — to give the Philippines the minimum defense capability against aggressors. The post Long-game scenario appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl not meddling in China-US conflict — NSC
The National Security Council on Saturday slammed China for framing a narrative that the Philippines is interfering in its conflict with the United States. In a news forum in Quezon City, NSC Assistant Director-General, Jonathan Malaya, said China wants to make it appear that the Philippines would also like to engage in a war with them by taking the side of the US. “That is the position of China which the President clearly denounced — the President said there’s no tension between conflicting powers na nakikisawsaw lang ang ating bansa (that the country is meddling),” he said, reiterating the previous remarks of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the recent ASEAN summit. Malaya said that Marcos clearly pointed out that “this is legitimate Philippine interest — there is a territorial dispute not between China and the United States but the Philippines and China.” “So, when we say that nakikisawsaw lang ang Pilipinas sa isang tunggalian (the Philippines is interfering in conflict ) between China and the United States, it denigrates the position of the Philippines and it’s unfair to the Philippines and is a wrong narrative framing,” he added. Malaya said the Philippines remains firm on its stand to protect sovereign rights and interests within the West Philippine Sea. This after the Chinese Coast Guard’s continued aggression on the country’s territorial waters in Ayungin Shoal, with its most recent dangerous maneuvers trying to block anew the country’s rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre by the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard last 7 September. China is "misplaced bully" In the same forum, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar described CCG as a “misplaced bully” after it again harrassed the Philippine vessels in its EEZ. “What we see there is the presence of the CCG is misplaced and a bully. The CCG is a misplaced bully at the WPS,” he said. Aguilar slammed China for claiming that the Philippines is intruding into their territory, prompting them to conduct law enforcement activity against the AFP and the PCG. “After an incident happened in the West Philippine Sea, they will come up with a narrative—internal for Chinese people, that the Philippines is intruding into their territory and that’s why they are conducting law enforcement activity, they want to regulate our actions—that’s not true!” Aguilar pressed. He lamented that such a narrative increases tensions over the WPS. “So, I think these are simple reasons why we are having this trouble. There is no indisputable claim. The China Coast Guard is a misplaced bully at the West Philippine Sea,” he said. The AFP, meanwhile, announced the successful conduct of the RoRe mission in the BRP Sierra Madre amid the latest blocking attempts and harassment of the CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia against the Philippine vessels. The post Phl not meddling in China-US conflict — NSC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trudeau to be star witness in election meddling probe
The Canadian prime minister could be the star witness in his government’s investigation of alleged national election meddling by China, Russia and other countries. Justin Trudeau was asked by reporters in Singapore Friday on the possibility of him testifying in the case, he replied, “Willingly and with very much enthusiasm.” The prime minister, who was coming from the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, added, “I think it’s important for Canadians to know exactly everything this government has been doing in regards to foreign interference, and to talk frankly about the challenges that we continue to face in our democracies around the world.” His statement came a day after Ottawa named an appeals court judge to lead the inquiry into the allegations surrounding federal elections in 2019 and 2021. Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josee Hogue replaces the investigator who resigned in June. Trudeau faced pressure to explain how it first responded to the claims that Beijing sought to subvert Canada’s democratic process. Relations between Ottawa and Beijing hit a new low this year amid accusations of Chinese meddling in those elections and the attempted intimidation of Canadian lawmakers that led to the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat in May. Beijing has called the accusations “groundless” and responded by sending home a Canadian diplomat from the country’s consulate in Shanghai. The reported accusations included secret campaign donations and that Chinese operatives were working for Canadian candidates and lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy. WITH AFP The post Trudeau to be star witness in election meddling probe 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......»»
‘India key to taming China’
Only India has the muscle to flex against China in Asia amid overlapping territorial claims by several nations in the South China Sea, political analyst and University of Santo Tomas professor Marlon Villarin told Daily Tribune and Dyaryo Tirada. Guesting on the digital show “Hot Patatas,” Villarin pointed out that India has an ace up its sleeve when it comes to dealing with China, one that is more economic in nature despite the fact that both New Delhi and Beijing are nuclear powers. Villarin cited India’s nearly adversarial reaction to China’s release of a new map that expanded its discredited nine-dash line claim with an extra dash covering the east of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. He explained that while China is using military might to assume the role of an overlord in the South China Sea, India holds weight when it comes to another critical trade route, the Indian Ocean. “Within Asia, India has the capability to strong-arm China because of the Indian Ocean and the other important trade routes in India that are crucial to China’s economy,” the political science professor said. [caption id="attachment_179490" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Fostering cooperation Before President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. flew to Jakarta, Indonesia for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, he said he plans to promote ‘a rules-based international order — including in the South China Sea,’ among other Philippine priorities. | PHOTOGRAPH BY YUMMIE DINGDING FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_yumi[/caption] Rules-based look He noted that India and China have a long history of trade-relation tension between them. “To cut a long story short, China whimpers when it comes to India,” he said. “India has leverage against China, while if it’s the European Union speaking out against Beijing, nothing happens.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left yesterday for Jakarta, Indonesia for the 43rd ASEAN Summit, saying he’ll bring to the table a rules-based look at the irritants among nations in the South China Sea. Mr. Marcos said the government was still cementing its response to China’s expanded 10-dash line claim, although several high-ranking Filipino officials have joined their Indian and Malaysian counterparts in denouncing China. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s nine-dash line claim had no legal leg to stand on as no one country can control international bodies of water. It also affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlement in the West Philippine Sea. “What’s sad is that while America is angry over China’s intrusion, here comes the United Kingdom mumbling that ‘it’s not really good to escalate [the situation] with China,’” professor Villarin said. He averred that India protesting China’s new map was just another instance of Beijing intruding into Indian territory. Previously, India had protested Beijing’s claim that the whole of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region were part of China. Rational view Arunachal Pradesh is a northeastern state in India while the Aksai Chin region is part of Jammu and Kashmir at the center of the long-standing tug-of-war between the two countries. “Taking Indian territories has been an old habit of China’s,” according to an official New Delhi response published by the news website Anadolu Agency. Earlier, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called on countries to “view this map in an objective and rational manner.” “Updating and releasing various types of standard maps each year is a routine job for competent authorities in China, which aims to provide standard map services for all sectors of society and raise the public’s awareness of the standardized use of maps,” Wang told Beijing-based Global Times. Taiwan, meanwhile, has also protested China’s new map with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu saying, “Taiwan, the Republic of China, is a sovereign and independent country that is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China.” “The PRoC has never ruled Taiwan. These are universally recognized facts and the status quo in the international community,” Liu said. The post ‘India key to taming China’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM to reiterate ‘rules-based int’l order’ for SCS at ASEAN Summit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to reiterate the need for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, amid increasing tensions between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the West Philippine Sea. Marcos made this remark as he left Manila on Monday bound for Jakarta, Indonesia, to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Marcos said he will also bring up issues on strengthening food security, calling for climate justice, tapping the potential of the digital and creative economies, protecting migrant workers in crisis situations as well as combatting human trafficking in the region. “Once again, I will use his opportunity to advance Philippine priorities in ASEAN and work with our other ASEAN member states not only in addressing the complex challenges facing the region but also in pursuing opportunities for ASEAN as an epicenter of growth,” Marcos said. Marcos said there will be discussions covering developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine during the ASEAN Plus 3 and East Asia Summits. “I will also take the opportunity to meet the bilateral partners at the sidelines of the SEAN summit to advance cooperation that will benefit our national priorities,” he said. Marcos said his administration would continue to ensure that the Philippines’ “constructive engagements with ASEAN, dialogue partners and stakeholders” will serve the national interest of the country and the well-being of the Filipino people. The post PBBM to reiterate ‘rules-based int’l order’ for SCS at ASEAN Summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl to strengthen alliances at ASEAN summit amid geopolitical tensions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to push for a rules-based international order and for parties to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea "especially in the South China Sea" during the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit next month, a DFA official said on Thursday. During the Malacañang Press Briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said Marcos would participate in the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia from 5 to 7 September 2023. Under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," Espiritu said the summit will serve as a platform for leaders to exchange views on key regional and international issues, build consensus on matters of mutual interest and provide policy direction for the ASEAN community in the future. "The second summit will (follow) the May summit and will accelerate the momentum of the ASEAN community-building process," Espiritu told Malacañang reporters. "The Philippines will continue to uphold and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law," he added. Espiritu said Marcos is also expected to have meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Additionally, the Foreign Affairs official said Marcos is set to engage in one-on-one discussions with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. Plans for meetings with other leaders are currently in the process of being organized, Espiritu added. "With Vietnam, the focus will be on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries and, of course, cooperation on rice and food security," he said. "We will reassure Timor Leste of our cooperation with their country in the years to come, especially in their preparation for final membership in ASEAN," he added. Espiritu mentioned that there are anticipated discussions between Marcos and Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding exploring new realms of collaboration. Furthermore, the Philippine leader intends to convey his appreciation to Korea for its assistance during Typhoon Egay. "Also, they intend to donate, under the ASEAN Plus 3 Rice Reserve Arrangement, a total of 750 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, 400 of that are already in the pipeline," he said. On the other hand, Espiritu said Marcos and Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet would be discussing matters of "mutual concern between our two countries." He added that the President will also continue to emphasize the country's efforts to protect migrant workers in crises and combat human trafficking, especially with the use or abuse of technology. Espiritu said Marcos will also discuss other priority areas of cooperation with dialogue partners. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual will join Marcos at the ASEAN Summit. According to Espiritu, the President will also bring a business delegation. The post Phl to strengthen alliances at ASEAN summit amid geopolitical tensions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t seeks Indon capital
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno presented to Indonesia’s business community the Philippine economic plans for securing investments in infrastructure, energy and technology. In a statement by the Department of Finance on Thursday, it said Diokno conducted the talk in Jakarta City on Wednesday ahead of the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting from 24 to 25 August. The listeners included members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Business Club Indonesia, and officials of foreign embassies in Jakarta. Diokno said the Philippine lawmakers are now studying all measures for faster public-private partnerships or PPPs as the Marcos administration aims to build 197 infrastructure flagship projects, including railways, airports and water management, among others. PPP crucial “The PPP Act, which is currently pending in the Senate, consolidates all legal frameworks on PPP and creates a unified system for investors to refer to when engaging in PPP projects,” DoF said. To build more capital for Philippine infrastructure development and diversify investment channels, Diokno said government agencies are now crafting the rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund. “This is the Philippines’ first sovereign investment fund that will serve as a platform for investors to engage in direct equity investments in Philippine ventures,” he said. Diokno said both the legislative proposal and newly approved sovereign fund will support economic expansion from liberalized investment laws passed by the previous Duterte administration. Diokno shared amendments to the Public Service Act which now allows full foreign ownership from 40 percent previously of various businesses, such as airlines and telecommunications. Amid growing concerns with climate change, the finance chief said this applies also to renewable energy facilities, such as solar plants. Indonesia, along with China and India, is among the world’s largest exporter of coal, according to the International Energy Agency. However, Indonesia vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, while it is 2050 for the Philippines. To ensure efficient management and profitability of infrastructure, Diokno said the government also eased processes for foreign investors under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. “To help foster the development of high quality, modern, and sustainable infrastructure in the country, we wasted no time in building a fertile business and investment ecosystem for private players,” Diokno said. The post Gov’t seeks Indon capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN, China resume South China Sea Code of Conduct talks
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China on Tuesday resumed negotiations for a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region. Manila is the country host for the resumption of the 40th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea on 22-24 August. The ongoing negotiation is the third round of the COC talks among members of the ASEAN and China. The first two were held in Jakarta, in March, and in Vietnam in May. Four of the ten members of the ASEAN are primary claimants of the South China Sea such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. According to Ma. Teresita Daza, spokesperson of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines joined the negotiations to prevent future incidents similar to the recent altercation between the Philippines and China in the Ayungin Shoal. “We are negotiating a Code of Conduct precisely because we would like to prevent incidents such as the last one at the Ayungin Shoal from happening,” Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message. “We hope that all participants would come to the negotiating table in good faith and help create a conducive environment for talks,” she added. The DFA official is referring to the 5 August incident in the Ayungin Shoal, where China used a water cannon and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels en route on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The event sparked a word war between the Philippines and China. Daza said the Philippines “remains committed to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC.” The People’s Republic of China is claiming the vast South China Sea, an important shipping passage for global trade and investments worth $5.3 trillion annually. The post ASEAN, China resume South China Sea Code of Conduct talks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application
Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to make “personal appearances at consular offices” as a “non-negotiable requirement” for some categories applying for electronic-visa or e-visa to ensure national security is still in place. Binay welcomed the pilot implementation of the country’s first-ever e-visa services on 24 August but stressed that DFA and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency should come up with “better security policies” to prevent possible non-technical loopholes. She added the authorities should ensure that the “probability” of organized syndicates exploiting tour groups and junkets will be lessened, including human trafficking. “We welcome the implementation of e-visas not only to positively boost tourism but also as our commitment to facilitate ease of travel. In the same vein, we urge the DFA and NICA to refine national security policies to deter undesirable travelers from extra-legally bypassing immigration laws,” Binay said. The senator likewise urged the DoF and NICA to review the existing exemption system to avoid any misuse and abuse by some foreign nationals of the Philippine e-visa. Binay cited the country’s digital version of the standard visa allows foreign travelers to enter a certain country for a specific period or purpose. In lieu of physical holographic stamps or stickers on the passport, applicants instead receive an e-visa approval code—which is linked to the passports. Binay urged authorities to make sure that national security would not be compromised amid plans to improve the digitalization of government processes. “Though the e-visa system temporarily gives us an opportunity to recover and jumpstart Philippine tourism, kailangan natin magkaroon ng (there’s a need to have) serious strategic decision on embracing the system as a modern travel solution,” she said. “Every visa decision has a national security dimension. Certain parameters on security should be in place, and apply a multi-layered safety plug plus a face-to-face interview to a narrow category of travelers para talagang salang-sala ang mga pumapasok sa bansa,” she added. Binay said vetting on transnational organizational criminals or TOC-related grounds and extensive security screening should be the prime considerations in approving visa applications. "Mas laganap ngayon ang transnational crimes lalo na ang human trafficking and prostitution na mula Mainland China. Gaano ba kasigurado tayo na ang nabibigyan natin ng e-visa eh talagang mga lehitimong turista? As a matter of national interest, I share the DFA's position to require face-to-face interviews with tourist visa applicants whose profiles fall in marked categories," she said. Hence, Binay advised the DFA to proceed with caution saying that the Bureau of Immigration “should also have a system to check on foreign nationals overstaying in the country.” Considering that the Philippines is the only ASEAN country with a Tier 1 status under the US State Department’s annual human trafficking report, Binay said the DFA cannot turn a blind eye on media reports involving the alleged trafficking of Chinese workers to the country. “Lalo pa ngayong unti-unti nang nanunumbalik ang turismo (now that tourism is reviving)—we also cannot ignore that China is a big market. I share the opinion that we have to take advantage of the global 'revenge tourism' phenomenon, but targeting visitor quotas need not dilute national security interests. At the end of the day, safety nets in homeland security should be in place,” she said. Binay noted that visa applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for e-visa acquisition, whether they are applying for tourism, business, or emergency purposes. The policy must apply to all foreign nationals, and we always have to be on the side of caution and prudence, she added. The DFA is set to pilot the e-visa in China and India beginning on 24 August. It will later allow foreign travelers to enter the country for tourism and business to apply for temporary visas online. The post Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Australia to provide Phl with drones, military training
The Australian government on Thursday said it will provide drone equipment and military training to the Philippines amid the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced this after her first bilateral meeting with her counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. "We want to work with the Philippines to support ASEAN's vital contribution to regional peace and security, including through maritime cooperation," Wong said. “We discussed today, the way in which we will enhance our cooperation, this includes Australia providing drone equipment, training, and other technology to strengthen your coast guards’ maritime domain awareness and protection capabilities,” she added. Wong also said the Australian government will be providing information and technical assistance to Philippine maritime officials to increase their capacity to deal with illegal fishing activities in the maritime zone. The Armed Forces of the Philippines previously admitted that its air and naval assets are not enough to properly secure and monitor the West Philippine Sea. Last month, dozens of Chinese fishing vessels believed to be conducting illegal activities, including illegal fishing, were spotted near the Philippine exclusive economic zone. ‘Security partners’ Wong said Australia sees the Philippines as a vital long-standing security partner in the Indo-Pacific region. “Your President said that in order to achieve our common goal of peace and prosperity for our peoples we need to work with like-minded partners. We are like-minded partners and we see you as such and we recognize that no single country can do this alone,” she said. “We want a region that is predictable, that operates by agreed rules, standards and laws in which sovereignty is respected,” she added. Wong also hinted at the possibility of a joint maritime patrol between Manila and Canberra in the West Philippine Sea. “We are committed to continuing Australia's long-standing presence in the region including in the west Philippines Sea [and] South China Sea,” she said. “We are open to cooperating with all our partners to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight and the Philippines is a long-standing important security partner for us,” she added. A joint maritime patrol between the Philippines and Australia was first made public by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during his visit to the country in February. According to Wong, the Defense departments of the two countries are already “discussing the best pathway to take this forward and we want to keep working with the Philippines on that.” Wong also noted that Australia will aid the Philippines mitigate the environmental impacts of the recent oil spill in Mindoro and support women’s leadership in maritime security. ‘Trade, investment cooperation’ The Australian foreign minister also announced that Australia’s Official Development Assistance to the Philippines will increase to an estimated AUD89.9 million in 2023-2024 to support programs including cooperation on shared priorities such as inclusive economic growth, education, training and scholarships, disaster and climate resilience, and peace and stability in Mindanao. She said this is in addition to an AUD10.95 million commitment to support the Philippines to establish a new immunization information system and a strengthened laboratory network and surveillance system, addressing disruptions to routine immunization during the pandemic. Likewise, Manalo and Wong agreed to enhance trade and investment cooperation, including exploring possible cooperation on critical minerals, and to continue exploring opportunities to improve two-way tourism. The Philippines and Australia said that both nations “looked forward to further strengthening people-to-people connections through the Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement being negotiated between the two countries.” The post Australia to provide Phl with drones, military training appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND: Phl not meddling in global controversies
The Philippines will remain an advocate for peace and mutual respect as well as protect its national interest above all global controversies, Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Saturday. “The Department of National Defense takes exception to the statement of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian that the Philippines is meddling in the internal affairs of China concerning Taiwan,” Andolong said in a statement in response to Xilian’s remarks that the United States expanded its access to Philippine military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in order to interfere in the situation between Beijing and Taiwan. The DND also didn’t welcome Xilian’s likening the situation in Taiwan to the concerns in Mindanao. “We wish to emphasize that the issues are different from each other. The whole context and rich experience of our peace process in Mindanao allowed the participation of the international community,” he said. Andolong was referring to the long-time Bangsamoro peace process where countries like Malaysia, the European Union, Turkey, Japan, Brunei, Australia, Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Germany, and even international groups such as the UN, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Australian Aid and the like, were granted access to participate in pursuing lasting peace and development in Mindanao. They were aligned with the Philippines’ position of resolving disputes peacefully, Andolong said, as he emphasized that the Philippines observes the “One China Policy” and maintains the Asean principle of non-interference in approaching regional issues. “We reiterate that our primordial concern in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of the Filipinos living and working on the island,” he said. “Amid the tensions in the cross-straits, however, the department deems it prudent to prepare for any contingencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos overseas, especially those based in Taiwan.” Xilian advised the Philippines to oppose Taiwan if “it genuinely cares about the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers” there, instead of giving the US access to its military facilities near the Taiwan Strait under EDCA. In response, the DND underscored that the implementation of EDCA does not target any country but is in line with the Philippines’ efforts to modernize its alliance with the US. The Philippine government has repeatedly stated that EDCA is eyed to enable collective defense and peace, promote the national interest, protect national sovereignty, ensure the livelihood and welfare of Filipino fisherfolk and communities, and enhance our capability to respond to emergencies and disasters, as well as provide quick humanitarian assistance during trying times. The post DND: Phl not meddling in global controversies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN factories seen to gain from US-China friction
Southeast Asian countries are seen to benefit in terms of manufacturing investments amid the ongoing friction between China and the US, according to think tank Oxford Economics......»»
Du30 vows strong partnership with Asean, China
President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to remain a strong partner of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, saying multilateral ties are necessary amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis......»»
Supply chain diversification impact on ASEAN mixed
Companies seeking to reduce dependence on China by diversifying supply chains amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic would have mixed implications on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economies, Moody’s Investors Service said......»»
US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»