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Tech advancements in agri sans job threats in Date 2024
Despite the pivotal role of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agricultural development, farmers and laborers in Davao Region face no immediate threat......»»
Jaishankar, Philippines counterpart discuss shared interests in ensuring maritime safety
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): India has briefed the Philippines on the Indian Navy's deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter ongoing threats, external affairs minister Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar, who is on a visit to the archipelagic country, said that he discussed with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo discussed shared interests in ensuring maritime safety. Addr.....»»
After Ayungin harassment, China tells PH: Prepare ‘to bear all potential consequences’
The Philippines, meanwhile, says it 'will not be deterred – by veiled threats or hostility – from exercising our legal rights'.....»»
EXCLUSIVE: Jayda inispluk ang pinakamahalagang advice nina Jessa, Dingdong
KAHALAGAHAN ng work ethics at pantay-pantay na respeto sa lahat ng tao. Ito lamang ang ilan sa mga magagandang payo na tumatak kay Jayda mula sa celebrity parents na sina Jessa Zaragoza at Dingdong Avanzado. Matapos ang press conference ng singer para sa bagong hugot single na “Right Lover, Wrong Time,” nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang.....»»
President Marcos wants Army to bolster cybersecurity capabilities
Amid “emerging threats” to the country’s stability and sovereignty, President Marcos has called on the Philippine Army to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities and keep up with rapid technological advancements......»»
Jayda bet na bet ang pagiging ‘Pambansang Sad Girl’: I will take that 100%!
KAHIT ang singer na si Jayda Avanzado, tanggap ang pagiging certified “Pambansang Sad Girl.” Ito ang inamin niya sa isang exclusive press conference kasabay ng pag-release ng kanyang latest single na “Right Lover, Wrong Time.” “I will take that, 100%!” sey niya matapos tanungin ang tungkol sa kanyang reaksyon na binabansagan siya bilang “Pambansang Sad.....»»
EXCLUSIVE: Jayda chinika ang hinahanap na katangian ng ‘right lover’
ANO-ANO kaya ang mga katangian na hinahanap ni Jayda Avanzado sa isang ideal “right lover?” ‘Yan ang inisa-isa niya sa BANDERA nang makachikahan namin ang singer kasabay ng pag-release niya ng latest single na “Right Lover, Wrong Time.” Sa exclusive interview, inamin ni Jayda na gaya ng maram ay gusto rin niya ng taong marunong.....»»
Jayda may hugot sa TOTGA, nilabas ang single na ‘Right Lover, Wrong Time’
PINAGTAGPO, pero hindi itinadhana. Ito ang mensahe sa bagong hugot song ng OPM artist na si Jayda Avanzado na pinamagatang “Right Lover, Wrong Time.” Kamakailan lang, nagkaroon ng exclusive press conference ang singer at isa ang BANDERA sa mga naimbitahan niya. Nag-open up si Jayda tungkol sa bagong kanta at inamin na hango ito mismo.....»»
China, Not Russia, Still Tops List of Threats to US
WASHINGTON - Russia's war in Ukraine - portrayed by top U.S. officials as posing a danger to the United States itself - still trails China when it comes to long-term threats to America's security, according to a top Pentagon official.The warning from Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, comes in testimony prepared for a hearing Wednesday by the House Armed S.....»»
Roque proposes solutions to conflicting claims on West Philippine Sea
Lawyer Harry Roque has proposed a “no all-or-nothing rule” and a “common maritime heritage zone” for the five claimant states to the Spratly Islands, which could help peacefully resolve the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute......»»
Ex-UK leader Johnson to join right-wing broadcaster GB News
Britain's former prime minister Boris Johnson announced Friday that he was joining the right-wing broadcaster GB News, the latest Conservative politician to take a presenting role on the contentious channel. The scandal-tarred Johnson, who was ousted from power last year by Tory MPs and quit as a lawmaker in June, will start his new "presenter, program maker and commentator" post in early 2024, GB News said. The channel was launched in mid-2021, billing itself as a right-wing, pro-Brexit competitor to mainstream broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky News, and has stoked controversy ever since. It has drawn comparisons to the US network Fox News for its unabashedly populist agenda, blurring the distinction between fact-based reporting and opinion while hiring high-profile right-wingers. In its latest setback, the channel sacked two of its presenters this month after an on-air sexism row that generated nearly 8,500 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom. Ofcom has opened several probes into GB News over alleged breaches of the broadcasting code of neutrality for TV news outlets after it hired several prominent members of the ruling Conservatives as presenters. Johnson, 59, said he was "excited" to be joining "an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following", saying he would be offering his "frank opinions on world affairs". "I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain -- as well as the challenges -- and why our best days are yet to come," he said. GB News's editorial director Michael Booker called Johnson "the most influential prime minister of our generation". "As well as his political skills, he's an incredibly talented journalist and author," he said. Johnson, a former Daily Telegraph columnist who currently writes a weekly column for The Daily Mail, first worked as a journalist for The Times, where he was sacked for making up a quote. He moved on to become Brussels correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, where he made his name writing exaggerated claims about the European Union, including purported plans to standardize the sizes of condoms and bananas. He then entered politics, becoming an MP in 2001 and later serving two terms as London mayor before realizing his life-long dream of being prime minister in 2019. The post Ex-UK leader Johnson to join right-wing broadcaster GB News appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GM Robles assures ironed-ticket claimant of releasing his lotto winnings
The long wait for a jackpot lotto winner with a damaged winning ticket is finally over after Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Melquiades Robles has vowed that his office will abide by the Supreme Court's decision ordering the Agency to turn over the more than P12-million Lotto 6/42 jackpot prize to the bettor. GM Robles warmly received lotto winner Antonio Mendoza who visited him in his office on Wednesday (25 October) before assuring him that the winnings will be turned over once the documentary and other processes have been concluded. “I assured him that I would expedite the process of his claim. Kailangan lang may certificate of finality from SC. I will make sure that he enjoys the fruits of his winnings ASAP. I wanted to put a closure on this issue,” GM Robles declared. This was after the SC issued a 17-page ruling ordering the PCSO to release Mendoza's winnings amounting to P12,391,600.00. To recall, Mendoza, on 2 October 2014, placed three lucky pick bets for the Lotto 6/42 in an outlet in Batangas. He later found out that he won, but his granddaughter had crumpled the winning ticket. Mendoza's daughter then ironed the ticket with a piece of fabric covering it in an attempt to save it. However, this resulted in partially burning the ticket, erasing some details that the PCSO requires to award the prize. On 5 October 2014, Mendoza went to the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City where he submitted a handwritten account of the incident to the legal department. However, since the damaged ticket could not be validated, he was told, on 20 October 2014, that he could not claim the prize. This was based on the PCSO's prevailing conditions on claiming/payment of winnings, "Prizes shall be paid to the holder of share/s of a winning ticket upon presentation and surrender of the same, provided that the ticket/s is/are free from any mutilation, erasure or stain, making any number/s therein illegible, and provided further that no court injunction restraining the PCSO to pay is received before payment."_ This prompted him to seek relief from the SC and after nine years of legal battle, the high court ruled that the circumstances surrounding the fact that Mendoza won the lottery were clearly established; and that the testimonial of Mendoza and his family were admissible. Thus, the PCSO is set to release Mendoza's winnings immediately once the necessary processes are finished. It is also ordered to pay legal interest of six percent per annum from the date of finality of the decision. The post GM Robles assures ironed-ticket claimant of releasing his lotto winnings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intentional, premeditated
In a prior editorial, this paper raised the possibility that the Chinese vessels hitting a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a resupply boat it was escorting to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea might have been intentional. While we let readers read between the lines, factual narrations of the event tended to show how improbable it would have been for two separate collision incidents, involving several Chinese and Philippine vessels, to happen by accident in the wide expanse of ocean. The two collisions happened miles away from each other amid fair weather conditions with the sun shining brightly, thus neither poor visibility nor questionable seamanship could have been a factor in the incidents. As in most cases, the simplest explanations often prove to be the correct or accurate ones. In these incidents, the latest in China’s aggressive maneuvers in the WPS, the actions taken by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels smacked of premeditation. On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed in a press briefing that the Chinese vessels “intentionally” hit the Philippine boats trying to resupply troops stationed on the intentionally grounded navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre. “While conducting legitimate rotation and resupply operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. It was a conclusion that would not have required the title Defense Secretary to make. Video footage and photos of the first incident showed a China Coast Guard ship chasing the very small resupply boat. As if the David-versus-Goliath affair were not enough, a second CCG vessel then cut off the boat. All the pieces of evidence considered, the word “collision” does not apply to the actions China took because this would presuppose the possibility of their being mere accidents. The operative word should be “bumped” or, if the incident resulted in grave damage to the Philippine vessels, “rammed.” The stern of the smaller resupply vessel and the bow of the Chinese coast guard ship were seen briefly touching in the video released by the Philippine military. According to a statement from the National Security Council, the supply boat sustained damage. It added that a second resupply boat was able to complete its mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. With the United States and Canada condemning China over the incident, the collision may not be the last or it may just be a portent of more serious “interactions” to come between China and the Philippines as both assert their respective sovereign claims in the WPS. If only to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region, countries that have pledged to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea should start doing so. The burden of checking Beijing’s expansionist designs in the region should be shared not only by other claimant nations, but by governments that benefit from the trillions of dollars in trade that pass annually through the South China Sea. We cannot expect the Philippines’ summoning of the Chinese ambassador over the incidents to amount to anything, except to register the country’s strong and continuing opposition to Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS. China can never claim Ayungin to be part of its sovereign waters because it lies 1,000 kilometers from its nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, while the shoal is only 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This proximity of Ayungin Shoal to Palawan, along with other proof presented by the Philippines to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, was primarily considered by the court in ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. China had refused to recognize the arbitral ruling precisely because it did not go its way. In fact, the court declared as baseless China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. CCG’s ramming of Philippine vessels is a calculated act of provocation. It is a message to the Philippines and the rest of the world that China is willing to use force to achieve its goals. Beijing’s actions are a threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations must not allow China to succeed in its bullying tactics. The international community must take a stand and not allow China to undermine the rules-based order in the Asia-Pacific. The aggression being shown by Chinese maritime assets is a threat to the world, and must be stopped. The post Intentional, premeditated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global trade’s call
The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration award has proven to have a more significant value than favoring the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea dispute as international law experts said it plugged the legal loopholes on the freedom of navigation. China insists on its historical claim to the West Philippine Sea, or WPS, but it never articulated the legal status of the sea areas within the “nine-dash line,” which lie beyond its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “However, by laying ‘historic’ claim to all the WPS features (islands, rocks, and reefs) and referring to all these as islands entitled to EEZ and Legal Continental Shelf status, it has implicitly claimed sovereign jurisdiction over the entire sea area enclosed within the nine-dash line,” National Maritime Foundation of New Delhi Executive Director Gurpreet Khurana said. “Based on such assumed sovereign rights — though disputed by other claimant states — China has been curtailing freedom of navigation in these areas, particularly for warships,” Khurana added. He recalled that in the days leading to the international tribunal’s verdict on the China-Philippines arbitration, Beijing declared a “no sail zone” in the area of dispute during a major naval exercise from 4 to 11 July 2016. Initially, it was solely the United States that had been actively conducting naval operations to protect the international sea lanes, but Beijing’s increasing aggressiveness raised the threat level in the region. The WPS is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Ships carrying goods between markets in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas transit through it. An estimated $5.3 trillion in trade passes through the sea annually. One country controlling the sea lane may require ships to circumnavigate it, which would involve considerable expense and delays in delivering goods. Thus, most nations have a direct stake in ensuring that freedom of navigation is respected in the WPS. Geopolitical analysts said the actions of China, mainly the setting up of infrastructure in the disputed maritime zone, have been the source of the escalation of threats of direct conflict. Beijing has accused the Philippines and the United States of scaling up the stakes in the disputed waters through provocative actions like the recent expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA. China, nonetheless, has left out the need to keep the lanes open to all nations, which is the paramount issue. The US has said it does not take a position on territorial disputes over features in the WPS. Its involvement concerns the illegal claims to the waters surrounding sea features and the illegal restrictions on navigation. Several states in the region have made excessive maritime claims that illegally limit the freedom of navigation. Washington said it conducts freedom of navigation operations in the WPS to protest these claims. China has accused the Philippines of being complicit with the US in the latter’s actions in the WPS, and when it comes down to the issues involved, the accusation could only be true. The Philippines joins other countries in ensuring that the sea passage remains open to all nations, and a single country’s control of the international waters should never be allowed. Despite Beijing’s oft-repeated claim that it adheres to UNCLOS, its actions in the WPS are inconsistent with the law. Just recently, it expanded its historic claim to a 10-dash line. As a responsible member of the international community, nations expect China to adhere to the international tribunal ruling. China respecting the arbitration award would not only contribute to peace and prosperity, it would be in the long-term interest of all, including that of the superpower. The post Global trade’s call 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......»»
London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
After New York, the fashion world descended on London Friday for a catwalk extravaganza showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names. Ahead of the official start, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour on Thursday evening hosted a star-studded event billed as Britain's answer to New York's Met Gala. Supermodels Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford were joined by stars of music, theatre, and film from Kate Winslet and Brian Cox to Annie Lennox and Rita Ora. Actress Sienna Miller however stole the show with a daring pregnancy bump-baring outfit. Last year's London Fashion Week, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning. This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations. "It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers of the British Fashion Council. But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation -- the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July -- and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop. That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes. In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year. Fresh UK finding On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program. The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow. The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC. Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010. On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry. "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion" showcases about 100 designs, some of which have gone down in pop culture history. This year, about 20 designers are benefiting from the NewGen program. Most are recent graduates, but who have already managed to dress some of the biggest stars. Outfits by Ukrainian designer Masha Popova have been worn by singer Dua Lipa. Di Petsa has dressed actress Zendaya. Among the more established names are 16Arlington, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, and Simone Rocha. But Burberry, the London fashion house founded in 1856, remains the most eagerly awaited show. It takes place on Monday afternoon and will be only the second collection for British creative director Daniel Lee, following on from his February show. The ex-Bottega Veneta designer replaced Riccardo Tisci a year ago. Sales have soared in China for the brand with the distinctive check print. On the final day, Tuesday, Ukrainian designers will present their collections with London once again hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week due to Russia's invasion. The BFC is also trying to make London an increasingly inclusive venue for catwalk shows. It has launched a survey aimed at all those working in the sector, with questions on their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social background. "The audit is long overdue and marks the first step towards the vital measurement of the UK fashion industry's collective progress towards the goal of fair representation," the BFC said. The results will be announced later this year. The post London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
After New York, the fashion world descends on London from Friday, showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names of the future. Last year's event, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning. This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations. "It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers the British Fashion Council (BFC). Fashion bible Vogue rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night for a gala launch event. But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation -- the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July -- and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop. That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes. In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year. Fresh UK funding On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program. The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow. The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC. Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010. On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry. "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion" showcases about 100 designs, some of which have gone down in pop culture history. This year, about 20 designers are benefiting from the NewGen program. Most are recent graduates, but who have already managed to dress some of the biggest stars. Outfits by Ukrainian designer Masha Popova have been worn by singer Dua Lipa. Di Petsa has dressed actress Zendaya. Among the more established names are 16Arlington, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, and Simone Rocha. But Burberry, the London fashion house founded in 1856, remains the most eagerly awaited show. It takes place on Monday afternoon and will be only the second collection for British creative director Daniel Lee, following on from his February show. The ex-Bottega Veneta designer replaced Riccardo Tisci a year ago. Sales have soared in China for the brand with the distinctive check print. On the final day, Tuesday, Ukrainian designers will present their collections, with London once again hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week due to Russia's invasion. The BFC is also trying to make London an increasingly inclusive venue for catwalk shows. It has launched a survey aimed at all those working in the sector, with questions on their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social background. "The audit is long overdue and marks the first step towards the vital measurement of the UK fashion industry's collective progress towards the goal of fair representation," the BFC said. The results will be announced later this year. Another must-see fashion event in London is the exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto", which opens on Saturday at the V&A museum. It retraces the 60-year career of "Coco" Chanel, featuring some of her greatest creations that revolutionized women's wardrobes. (AFP Photos) [caption id="attachment_184160" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Canadian model Winnie Harlow poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184161" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British model Jodie Turner-Smith poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184162" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British model Georgia May Jagger poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184163" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Irish writer Sinead Burke poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184164" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British actress Simone Ashley poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] The post London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoC reveries
An aversion to table the West Philippine Sea conflict and speeding up the progress of the Code of Conduct, or CoC, between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, and China is very evident in the ongoing Summit in Indonesia. The maritime conflict is not even on the official agenda and will be tackled only through optional bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the yearly assembly, which is all under the wishes of China. ASEAN, thus, is pushing itself into irrelevance by acceding to the wishes of China and its cohorts in the regional bloc like Cambodia. Despite its existence as an Economic Community since its inception, with full integration envisioned in 2025, much of its aspirations, including being a cohesive body to advance the interests of its members, remain a pipe dream. The CoC would have been a stellar achievement, but it was described as a moving goal post for more than two decades. In the ongoing ASEAN meeting, all that host Indonesia was able to commit to was a three-year deadline to finalize a CoC. Another set of guidelines is, thus, expected after the Jakarta assembly instead of a pact that will bind all the claimants in the maritime conflict. The guidelines, moreover, will have to be endorsed by regional leaders during the ASEAN-China Summit that is scheduled later. The Philippines is not confident about a substantial progress in the CoC despite its being the most urgent matter to maintain stability in the region. An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs said the outcome of talks on the long-delayed CoC will be limited “to mere reporting of past discussions.” “At most, there will be a report on what happened during the last meeting in the Philippines of the joint working group on the CoC,” which hardly equates to progress. During the third round of CoC talks in Manila from 22 to 24 August, discussions were stuck on the contentious issues of whether or not the CoC would be “legally binding.” China has historically resisted a legally binding CoC, the reason for the existence of the non-binding 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, or DoC. In 2019, Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated his optimism that a CoC would be completed within three years, or by 2022. It is now 2023. He also announced that China supported a CoC that had “binding force” and was “an upgraded and strengthened version” of the DoC. The discussions then came to a head due to the different perspectives among those at the negotiating table, which are the same obstacles blocking the resolution of the maritime rift. China has refused to recognize the Permanent Court of Arbitration award that the Philippines and other claimant countries use as a basis for their position in the DoC negotiations. In not recognizing the arbitral ruling and insisting on its historical basis for the territorial claims, China and ASEAN are not on the same page in the negotiations, meaning that hopes for an agreement are futile. Like what happened in the local context when the Communist Party of the Philippines sued for negotiations with the government and used it to consolidate its forces, China uses the CoC discussions as a delaying tactic to fortify its position. Its recent release of the 10-dash line, which was a rewriting of its territorial boundaries again based on historical data, proves China is not about to change its position. According to reports on the Summit, China will only support a legally binding code when its historical version prevails. Another term that China wants included in the negotiations is barring countries outside the region from interfering. It also wants economic activities at sea, including oil and gas development, “to be conducted in cooperation with companies from countries outside the region.” China also wants the CoC signatories not to “hold joint military exercises with countries from outside the region, unless the parties concerned are notified beforehand and express no objection.” The untenable conditions appear designed to prevent the CoC from ever coming into being. The post CoC reveries appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India rebuffs China’s ‘stay calm’ remarks following release of ’10-dash’ map
It is only natural for countries affected by the newly published map of China to react over the inclusion of their sovereign territories in Beijing’s ’10-dash’ map, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said Friday. “Broadly speaking, I would say that countries should be sensitive to each other's concerns and when some actions are taken, it is natural that those affected will express their concern," Kumaran told reporters in a press briefing organized by the Indian Embassy in the Philippines. He issued the remarks after the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended its newly published map and called on countries affected by their new map to “stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue.” The 2023 version of China’s Standard Map issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China on 28 August covers the exclusive economic zones of Southeast Asian claimant states in the South China Sea, prompting the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam to release strongly-worded statements against it. India also lodged a protest over the inclusion of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin plateau as official Chinese territory. For Kumaran, countries that have rejected the new map of China are just being “forthright in expressing their concerns.” “That does not in some way imply that those countries are being not so calm. I think they are being forthright in expressing their concerns,” he said. “I think countries like India and the Philippines have been quite forthright when our interests are affected, I think we could continue to be forthright,” he added. According to the Indian diplomat, India and Bangladesh were once in the position of China and the Philippines. However, India chose to adhere to international law. "You have to adhere to international law whether it goes to your favor or not. In the case of the award between India and Bangladesh, it was favorable to Bangladesh, but that did not mean India would walk away from it," he said. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration -- a landmark decision that China continues to reject. Kumaran also said that India is in solidarity with the Philippines in the recent actions of China in the South China Sea. “I would express my solidarity with the sentiment in the Philippines with regard to such efforts at what I would call ‘cartographic expansionism,’” he said. “I think it's important to state our positions and our views. I think both India and the Philippines have done that,” he added. The post India rebuffs China’s ‘stay calm’ remarks following release of ’10-dash’ map appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl gov’t skillfully employs 2016 arbitral ruling on WPS — expert
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to take advantage of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea will provide the country with enough leverage to advance the national interest and sovereign rights over its territory, Prof. Richard Heydarian said over the weekend. The arbitral tribunal adjudicating the country’s case against China’s claims over the WPS ruled “overwhelmingly in favor” of the Philippines. In a news forum in Quezon City, Heydarian lambasted those who are claiming that the 2016 arbitration award is “just a piece of paper and no value” noting that China was able to limit itself from utilizing its supposed “nine-dash-line” in the South China China. “So, it is not true that the arbitration award is not working, it gave us a leverage. The fact is, we have not yet maximized that leverage, and for me, in fairness to President Marcos, I think he recently mentioned that we are talking to—potentially do what Indonesia and Vietnam are doing which is you know maritime border delimitation based on prevailing international law,” he said. Heydarian cited arbitral ruling upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone. “Finally, we’re seeing under the current administration some efforts to leverage what was not leveraged, for whatever reason, that we have right now; and I hope that the concerns on West Philippine Sea will not become a partisan issue,” he said. The Permanent Court of Arbitration issued its decision on 12 July 2016 and ruled that China's claim of historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line had no basis in law. The decision likewise serves as the "twin anchors" of Manila’s policy and actions over the WPS, which is the official designation by the government for the parts of the South China Sea that are included in the country's EEZ. Heydarian said Filipinos must “have unity with purpose and have oneness in terms of appreciating the validity of the arbitral ruling” based on the prevailing international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “Even Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been invoking the 2016 arbitration award directly or indirectly with regard to threats posed by China and also in defending their claims because they see the value of what we did,” he added. The professor insisted that the arbitral award is allowing non-claimant countries, such as the United States, to conduct and operate freedom of navigation within the disputed waters. “Even the other countries like India, Japan, Europe even though, though they are recognizing the freedom of navigation operations, they limit themselves to entering in the 12 nautical miles of Chinese fake islands, they’re still moving in the area,” he said. The post Phl gov’t skillfully employs 2016 arbitral ruling on WPS — expert appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»