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China launches Southeast Asia outreach amid tensions with Philippines
Taipei, Taiwan - China launched a fresh round of diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asia this week, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto Monday and foreign ministers from Laos, Vietnam and East Timor began to arrive in Beijing Tuesday.The diplomatic charm offensive comes amid territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, and efforts by t.....»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
China ‘appreciates’ Marcos Jr. affirmation of one-China policy
China is pleased with the Philippines’ reaffirmation of commitment to the one-China policy, as articulated in a media interview by President Marcos who also stressed he was not endorsing Taiwan independence......»»
‘Government not giving up West Philippine Sea claims’
The Marcos administration is on the right track in its consistent lodging of official protests against China’s incursions and harassment in the West Philippine Sea, as the protests prove to the world the country’s determination to defend its sovereignty, House Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said yesterday......»»
Influence ops target journalists, expert as China vessels patrol West Philippine Sea
Filipino reporters and a known maritime expert received a barrage of messages from unidentifiable sources in 2023 that attempted to divert public attention away from Chinese vessels’ actions in the West Philippine Sea to Vietnam’s supposed “militarization” there. .....»»
FACT CHECK | Constitutionality, not ‘noble intentions’, basis for allowing joint ventures in West Philippine Sea – Supreme Court
In her column published on manilatimes.net on Dec. 23, 2023, Anna Malindog-Uy proposed, among others, possible joint ventures in the utilization of the resources in the South China Sea to pave the way for a non-confrontational resolution of maritime and territorial claims involving the Philippines and China. The article consistently used the term South China […].....»»
PCG reports ongoing dangerous maneuvers from Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard is sounding the alarm as Chinese vessels continue in engaging in dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea, despite the presence of PCG and Philippine maritime assets......»»
Navy ready to support PCG patrols in West Philippine Sea
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has reassured the Philippine Coast Guard that the military, primarily through the Philippine Navy, is ready to provide more support in patrol operations being carried out in the West Philippine Sea......»»
News on China s actions in WPS need to shift focus
MEDIA FOLLOWED recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea as Chinese vessels engaged in maneuvers to block patrol boats of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on February 12. The news on February 17 also reported the disturbing allegation of China's use of cyanide, causing damage to the resources and the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.Although China's harassment of Philippine vessels a.....»»
Tough love: La Salle captain Coronel takes De Jesus criticism in stride amid steady rise
Often the target of helpful criticism by legendary La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus, Lady Spikers captain setter Julia Coronel bravely absorbs his lessons as she leads their title defense.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
Navy confirms increased cyberattacks in West Philippine Sea
The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday confirmed an increase in cyberattacks on the country’s military ships in the past three to four years in the West Philippine Sea, but assured the public that such efforts to disrupt communications and jam signals in Philippine territorial waters are not a cause for alarm......»»
More PCG, BFAR vessels to be deployed in West Philippine Sea
Manila has ordered increased deployment of Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels in Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, aimed mainly at protecting the country’s interests and fishermen in the area......»»
Vietnam, Philippines seal deals on South China Sea security
The two memoranda of understanding on security covered 'incident prevention in the South China Sea' and 'maritime cooperation' among Vietnamese and Philippine coastguards, according to a Vietnamese official announcing the deals.....»»
Gearing up vs China blocking actions near Ayungin Shoal
China has been stepping up its pressure tactics in the West Philippine Sea, deploying a naval warship alongside the China Coast Guard and maritime militia in blocking an unarmed Philippine boat carrying supplies to the troops manning an outpost aboard the ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal......»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
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.....»»
Atin Ito plans another try at civilian mission to West Philippine Sea - Rappler
Atin Ito plans another try at civilian mission to West Philippine Sea Rappler.....»»
DFA slams Chinese consul general’s false narratives on West Philippine Sea
The Department of Foreign Affairs slammed a Chinese official yesterday for again making false claims on the West Philippine Sea issue......»»
Philippines, US hold another joint activity in West Philippine Sea
Naval forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command completed another joint activity in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, in what officials stressed was a show of commitment of both nations to boost regional security and stability......»»