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Biden boosts U.S. influence on G20, Vietnam
United States President Joe Biden arrives in India Friday for the Group of 20 summit and proceeds to Vietnam Sunday, both aimed at boosting US influence amid division caused by the war in Ukraine and territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Biden is hoping to seize on the absence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit. The US president said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was showing his country’s commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver. White House officials said Biden would in particular stress a plan to increase World Bank and International Monetary Fund lending power for emerging nations by some $200 billion as a better alternative to Beijing’s “coercive” Belt and Road Initiative. But the absence of Xi and Putin underscores the divisions in the G20 and could hamper Biden’s bid to keep the bloc as the leading forum of global economic cooperation. In Hanoi, Biden and ruling Vietnamese Communist party chief Nguyen Phu Trong are expected to sign a major upgrade in ties between the two countries, who have overcome the painful legacy of the Vietnam War to grow close. They are expected to sign off on a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” Hanoi’s highest level of diplomatic ties. Currently, Vietnam only has ties at the same level with Russia, India, South Korea and China. Biden is betting that Vietnam won’t mind being closer to Washington at a time when China’s sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea have fueled tensions with its Southeast Asian neighbors. However, Vietnam won’t be keen to play a role in balancing Washington and Beijing, Nguyen Quoc Cuong, the Vietnamese ambassador to US from 2011 to 2014, said. WITH AFP The post Biden boosts U.S. influence on G20, Vietnam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Subservient no more
While the United States and China face off in the West Philippine Sea, the balanced diplomatic policy of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. enables him to keep the lines open to both superpowers. The Philippines has a “traditional” alliance with the United States imbued, as a former colony, with a cultural affinity that had resulted in deep relations. Both countries share experiences in history, primarily in World War 2 where the commitments of both countries to defend each other emanated. Former President Rodrigo Duterte tried to deviate from the norm and sought closer relations with China while asserting that the Philippines should not be subservient to the Americans, which was a track that showed success but Beijing fell short of its commitments. A more pragmatic tack was taken by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. which is gaining recognition as the right approach with China and the United States. The country has resumed its normal relations with the US while BBM works for deeper economic and diplomatic relations with the mainland. The direction President Marcos has taken is meant to prove to the two superpowers that it is in the best interest of the Philippines that its relations remain strong and balanced with all countries. The US helps with military modernization, while both countries maintain assistance with various development projects, mainly infrastructure. The country’s role in the volatile West Philippine Sea issue is then relegated to the background. The Philippines has the international community behind it as a result of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which, even as it avoided settling the territorial claim, favored the Philippines in terms of the exercise of maritime rights. The 2016 arbitral award significantly invalidated the nine-dash line claim of China on the West Philippine Sea. Enforcing the ruling is difficult since China did not recognize the proceeding but the importance of the decision has emerged in terms of being a reference of countries in addressing the incursions in the West Philippine Sea. Elbridge Colby, former Pentagon Deputy Assistant Secretary and co-founder of the think tank Marathon Initiative, said in a recent forum that the Philippines is “on the right track in building up its defense capabilities.” Building such capabilities will “blunt” potential aggressions in the region, he added. Colby, who engineered the United States 2018 National Defense Strategy, said, “The Chinese are not going to take your diplomacy seriously if you’re operating from a position of weakness; they take it seriously if it’s backed by force that they don’t think they can mess around.” The twin moves of President Marcos to strengthen defense capabilities through the long-held pacts with the US while modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines have become a cornerstone of the defense strategy in deterring maritime aggression. Colby underlined the importance of effective deterrence which is meant to avoid the escalation of conflict in the region. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is firm in asserting the position of the country to be independent of the superpowers as it tracks its course amid the heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. President Marcos added that he will not allow provocative actions by any country nor allow the Philippines to become a staging post for any kind of military action. The position of strength comes from the ability of the nation to express what it wants within its international rights that other countries should learn to respect. The post Subservient no more appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Survey shows Filipinos view the challenge of health longevity with growing concern
Health longevity, or the length of a time people think they will remain in good health, is an emerging concern among Filipinos surveyed, especially as they consider the financial costs of critical illnesses amid a backdrop of economic uncertainties, according to a new study by Manulife. The new Manulife Asia Care Survey 2023 shows that while the surveyed Filipinos on average expect to retire at 59 years of age, they anticipate only remaining healthy for three years post-retirement. Of those surveyed, Filipino millennials aged 25 to 34 are the most pessimistic, believing they will only remain healthy until they are 55, below the average perceived health longevity. The study noted that the financial risk posed by poor health lies in the cost of medical treatment, a significant concern for many Filipinos. Nearly half (49 percent) of those surveyed said that the expense of treatment was their number one health management worry. Other concerns of those surveyed include loss of income or job because of illness (37 percent) and not knowing who will take care of them in the event of illness (26 percent). Almost all of those surveyed are worried about at least one illness, with heart disease, diabetes and cancer being their top three main fears. It also found that around a third of Filipinos surveyed believe they currently enjoy excellent physical and mental health. With concerns about both their current health and health longevity, nearly all Filipinos surveyed claim that they are taking actions to manage their well-being through exercise (65 percent), better diet (62 percent), regular body checks (52 percent), and closer self-monitoring (50 percent). Despite their concerns about the future, especially with regard to health, most of those surveyed (57 percent) feel confident about their current finances, with more than three quarters (77 percent) expecting their finances to improve in the coming 12 months. Almost three-quarters expressed confidence in being able to achieve their financial goals (72 percent), such as saving for retirement (55 percent), paying for healthcare and medical treatment costs (43 percent) and emergencies (36 percent). This optimism, which may be reflective of a post-Covid euphoria and, to an extent, the mobility of the workforce, is tempered by the threat of inflation (75 percent), which emerged as the most prominent financial concern among Filipinos surveyed, more than in any of the other markets surveyed in the region. The other main threats cited are an economic slowdown (56 percent) and rising healthcare costs (38 percent). These concerns may have merit given that 81 percent of Filipinos surveyed said that cash and bank deposits are the primary ways they believe will help achieve their goals. The Manulife study showed that the majority of Filipinos surveyed (80 percent) view positively the idea of retirement planning, well above the regional average (68 percent) and, for many, it is their top personal finance goal (55 percent). Yet, despite that, only a third of them (30 percent) have such a plan in place. However, including those with plans already in place, 70 percent said they will have plans set up within three years. Most are looking at relying on their cash savings or deposits (46 percent), potential inheritance from family members (18 percent), government or state subsidy (18 percent), or support from their children (17 percent). With their interwoven concerns about their health, finances and the economy, the Filipinos surveyed are clearly interested in insurance (80 percent), the highest in the region (average 68 percent), mainly because of the protection it offers against financial risk (54 percent). However, their current ownership of insurance (59 percent) is the lowest in the region (average 70 percent). During the coming 12 months, however, 87 percent of those surveyed said they intend to buy insurance, with health (36 percent), life (34 percent) and hospitalization (33 percent) insurance topping the list. To address the heightened need for health protection, Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life offer HealthFlex, an affordable and customizable health insurance plan that allows customers to choose their critical illness coverage depending on their needs and budget. Customers may choose which types of illness will be covered by their insurance: cancer only; cancer, heart attack, and stroke (the top three critical illnesses); cancer plus other elderly and critical illnesses; or the top three illnesses, plus other elderly and critical illnesses. It also provides guaranteed coverage until the age of 100 for more than 112 critical illnesses and may be further upgraded through protection riders. The Manulife Asia Care Survey was conducted via online self-completed questionnaires in seven markets: mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. A total of 7,224 people, aged 25 to 60 years old, were surveyed in late December 2022 and early January 2023. In the Philippines, 1,004 people were surveyed. Each person surveyed either owns insurance or intends to buy insurance. The post Survey shows Filipinos view the challenge of health longevity with growing concern appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden to meet Marcos amid rising tension with China
United States President Joe Biden will welcome Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House on May 1 in a sign of a warming bond between the two nations amid US tensions with China over Taiwan. Biden will reaffirm Washington’s "ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines, and the leaders will discuss efforts to strengthen the longstanding US-Philippines alliance," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The White House announcement comes a week after the largest-ever joint US-Philippines military exercises in the disputed South China Sea in the face of China's growing assertiveness in the region, particularly over Taiwan, the self-governing island it claims as its own. Last week, the US secretaries of Defense and State met with their Philippine counterparts in Washington in a high-level summit, days after the US gained greater military access in the Philippines. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of "a troubling increase in coercion and dangerous operational behavior" in the South China Sea, an apparent reference to a three-day Chinese military exercise that simulated a blockage and targeted strikes against Taiwan. The White House statement said Biden and Marcos would discuss other matters including economic cooperation, clean energy and respect for human rights. "The two leaders will also discuss regional matters and coordinate on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific," the statement said. Manila earlier this month announced the locations of four more military bases it is allowing the US military to use on top of the five agreed on under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, known as EDCA. The deal allows US troops to rotate through and store defense equipment and supplies. China warned last week the expanded military deal could endanger regional peace, and accused Washington of a "zero-sum mentality." The four additional bases include sites near the hotly disputed South China Sea and another not far from Taiwan. Marcos said China's reaction over the expanded military deal was "not surprising," but assured them the Philippines is only shoring up its territorial defense. "We will not allow our bases to be used for any offensive actions. This is only aimed at helping the Philippines whenever we need help," Marcos told reporters. "If no one is attacking us, they need not worry because we will not fight them." US-Philippines ties stalled under former president Rodrigo Duterte, who favored closer ties with China. But Marcos, who succeeded Duterte in June, has adopted a more US-friendly foreign policy. The post Biden to meet Marcos amid rising tension with China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Trade with China should continue’
The Philippines should continue to pursue stronger trade ties with China despite rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Indian Coast Guard ship docks at Manila port amid tensions in South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): Amid tensions in the South China Sea, the Indian Coast Guard ship, Samudra Paheredar docked at the Manila Bay in the Philippines as part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstrating ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official release on Tuesday. The ICG ship which arrived at the port on Monday, is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN c.....»»
3 Navy personnel hurt amid China’s continuous aggression in WPS
3 Navy personnel hurt amid China’s continuous aggression in WPS.....»»
Consider alliances with Netherlands, Norway, DFA urged
The Department of Foreign Affairs should consider alliances with non-defense allies like Norway, the Netherlands and other countries for maritime exploration, research and development amid conflict with China over the West Philippines Sea (WPS), Sen. Francis Tolentino said yesterday......»»
WPS tension: Chinese vessel blocks PH research ship
A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel again made “dangerous maneuvers” on Thursday and tried to block a Philippine fishery vessel carrying marine scientists conducting research in the West Philippine Sea or WPS. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS, told a press briefing on Friday that CCG vessel 5204 crossed the.....»»
Diffusing tension
In his 2024 State of the Union Address, President Joseph Biden doubled down on his rhetoric against China as he boasted revitalized partnerships in the Pacific. He rattled off India, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Pacific Islands. He said the United States is standing up against China’s economic practices while standing up for peace across the Taiwan Strait......»»
US Bolstering Philippines Amid Increasing Assertiveness by China
washington - The U.S. and Philippines will for the first time venture outside Manila's territorial waters when they begin joint annual combat drills in April, a Philippines government spokesman said Thursday.Colonel Michael Logico said elements of the Balikatan 2024 drills would be conducted about 22 kilometers (more than 12 nautical miles) off the west coast of Palawan, an island in the archipelago nation that.....»»
Australia, Britain Criticize China for Actions in Hong Kong
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain on Friday criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea and its support of Russia, after a meeting in which London and Canberra deepened their security ties.The two countries called out 'recent unsafe and destabilizing behavior by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,' in a statement that contain.....»»
‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ ekis sa mga lokal na sinehan, bakit kaya?
PAGKATAPOS ng pelikulang “Barbie,” naging kontrobersyal naman ngayon ang bagong pelikula na “Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” dahil sa pagpapakita ng “nine-dash line.” Kung matatandaan, unang ipinagbawal ang “Barbie” dito sa Pilipinas at sa Vietnam dahil nahagip sa pelikula ang mapa ng South China Sea kasama ang nine-dash line. Ngunit nanindigan ang Movie and Television.....»»
TikTok facing ban in America; penalized $384 million in Europe
The US House of Reps has passed a bill to ban TikTok unless it cuts ties to Communist China. Chinese parent ByteDance must sell TikTok to another nationality in six months or be shut down......»»
Biden to Host Japan PM Kishida, Philippines President Marcos
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a White House summit next month amid growing concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, provocative Chinese action in the South China Sea and differences over a Japanese company's plan to buy an iconic American steel company.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a sta.....»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
Marcos: PH avoiding conflict amid China’s rising threats
President Marcos said on Wednesday that the Philippines will strive to avoid provoking China while addressing its increasing threat in the South China Sea. However, Manila intends to assert its sovereign rights more assertively in the disputed waters. Marcos emphasized the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between defending maritime rights and preventing conflict in.....»»
FACT CHECK: No Marcos order expelling China from West PH Sea
Marcos says the government will defend the Philippines’ territory amid ‘worrisome’ Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea but does not make reference to any expulsion of China.....»»
Resupply missions in West Philippine Sea to continue – AFP
Amid continuing harassment by China, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the military will continue to carry out rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal......»»
‘China destroyed 21,000 acres of West Philippine Sea coral reefs’
The country faces a decline in fisheries production amid reports that China has destroyed at least 21,000 acres of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea an expert from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute warned yesterday......»»