MANILA
Philippine military chief warns his forces will fight back if assaulted again in disputed sea
Philippine military chief warns of defending against any future assaults from China's coast guard in the South China Sea. Tensions rise after a clash resulted in injuries and boat damage. Demands for damages and the return of seized rifles are made during talks with Chinese officials.
Poised along the Indian border, Chinese troops are there for the long haul
The Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College published an in-depth report examining PLA activity along the mountainous border in Aksai Chin opposite India in 2020-21. It considered how the PLA rapidly moved troops into the region as violence flared between Chinese and Indian troops in Galwan Valley on 15-16 June 2020. However, Blasko, a former US defence attache in Beijing and Hong Kong, also provided a useful assessment of current and future conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Philippines says June 17 South China Sea incident 'most aggressive' recent Chinese action
The Chinese Coast Guard's actions against Philippine vessels conducting a routine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea last month were deemed by a senior Philippine navy official as the "most aggressive" in recent history. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine navy on South China Sea matters, characterized the maneuvers as deliberate, planned, and escalatory. The incident on June 17 resulted in a Philippine sailor being seriously injured due to what the military described as intentional high-speed ramming by the Chinese Coast Guard.
China deploys aircraft carrier off Philippine coast amid tensions over South China Sea
China's second aircraft carrier 'Shandong' has been deployed to patrol waters off the Philippine coast amidst growing tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea, serving as a deterrent against perceived provocations. The carrier's presence is seen as a signal of China's resolve to protect its sovereignty amid escalating maritime conflicts with Manila. The deployment follows China's introduction of a new law authorizing its coast guard to detain foreign ships and crews in contested waters.
President Ferdinand Marcos says Philippines must 'do more' than protest China sea actions
President Ferdinand Marcos said Thursday that the Philippines needs to do more than protest Beijing's "illegal actions" in the South China Sea. "So, although there were no arms involved, nonetheless, it is still a deliberate action and it is essentially an illegal action that was taken by Chinese forces."
Philippines rules out invoking defence treaty with US after South China Sea clash with the Dragon
The Philippines announced on Friday that it has no intention of invoking its mutual defense treaty with the United States following a violent confrontation with Chinese coast guard at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident involved the ramming, boarding, and damage of Philippine navy boats, as well as the seizure of rifles. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s advisers clarified in a news conference that Manila does not consider the incident an armed attack, a prerequisite for invoking the treaty.
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Chinese sailors wield knives, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines
In the South China Sea, Philippine naval vessels clashed with Chinese coast guard sailors near Second Thomas Shoal. This comes amid escalating tensions as Chinese forces brandished weapons and confiscated Philippine equipment. Manila accused Beijing of piracy. The United States reaffirmed its defence commitments to the Philippines, highlighting regional instability amid ongoing territorial disputes in the strategic maritime region.
Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea
The Philippine military chief has demanded China return rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard and pay for damages after an incident in the South China Sea's disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese personnel rammed and boarded Philippine navy boats, seizing supplies and wounding Filipino personnel. Video footage shows the chaotic confrontation. China claims the Philippine personnel "trespassed," while the U.S. reiterated its defense obligations to the Philippines. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, involving multiple regional claimants and the potential for broader conflict.
Philippines says Beijing's words not matching actions in South China Sea
The ministry denounced China's "illegal and aggressive actions" during a routine resupply mission in the South China Sea on June 17, which the Philippine military said had severely injured a navy sailor and damaged Manila's vessels.
Amid run-ins with Philippines, China says US provoking arms race in South China Sea
"At present, the biggest security challenge in the South China Sea comes from outside the region," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said in comments published by his ministry, after attending a meeting on East Asian cooperation in Laos.
Exit polls throw the gateway to deep south open for BJP
Exit polls predict the BJP will gain 1-3 seats in Kerala and 1-4 seats in Tamil Nadu in the 2024 elections, signaling a breakthrough in traditionally non-BJP regions. Prime Minister Modi's focus on South India, strategic candidate placements, defections from Congress, and alliances have bolstered BJP's prospects in these states
ADB commits USD 2.6 billion in sovereign lending to India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed USD 2.6 billion (about Rs 21,500 crore) in sovereign lending to India in 2023 for various projects. The fund is aimed to strengthen urban development, support industrial corridor development, promote power sector reforms, build India's climate resilience, and enhance connectivity.
Indian Navy warships complete Manila visit as part of operational deployment to South China Sea
Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan completed their visit to Manila, Philippines as part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea, emphasizing India's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power
The Philippines and the United States agreed to train Filipinos in building and operating nuclear power plants to boost the Southeast Asian country's electricity supply. Following a November nuclear cooperation agreement, the new deal will offer scholarships and exchange programs for Filipinos to study civil nuclear power and renewable energy. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce for clean energy infrastructure. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is determined to adopt nuclear power, including potentially reviving a mothballed $2.2 billion plant.
Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Ships arrive in Manila to participate in Maritime Partnership Exercise
Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan arrived in Manila, Philippines, as part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. The visit aims to strengthen the friendship and maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines. The ships were warmly welcomed by the Philippines Navy and will engage in professional interactions, sports fixtures, and community outreach programs. This visit comes amid tensions between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime partnerships in the region.
Indian ships in Philippines to boost maritime cooperation
Three Indian Navy ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, have arrived in Manila to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Philippines. The ships are part of an operational deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. They will engage in professional interactions, sports fixtures, cultural visits, and community outreach programs.
Philippines to buy 5 Japan-made coast guard ships in $400 mn deal
The Philippines agrees to buy five coast guard patrol ships from Japan to counter Chinese pressure in the South China Sea. Tokyo will provide a loan for the vessels to enhance maritime operations of the Philippine Coast Guard. The deal signifies the strengthening ties between the two countries amid regional security challenges.
Philippines sends ships to disputed atoll where China building 'artificial island'
Philippines monitors China's activities in the South China Sea, focusing on small-scale reclamation at Sabina Shoal. National security adviser calls for expelling Chinese diplomats. Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling challenges China's claims.
South China Sea: Why are China and Philippines tensions heating up?
An escalating diplomatic row and maritime incidents between China and the Philippines have heightened tensions in the South China Sea. China's assertive claims over disputed features within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, despite an international court ruling against them, have led to confrontations, including dangerous encounters at sea. International condemnation of China's actions has prompted the Philippines to adopt a firm stance and seek support from allies like the United States and Japan, while refraining from invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty to avoid escalating the conflict.
Muhammad Ali's 'Thrilla in Manila' shorts up for auction
Bids -- including the latest for $3.8 million -- have been rolling in since late March for the Everlast-brand shorts, which are white with black stripes and are signed by Ali.
EAM Jaishankar visits Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar in Philippines
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, in Manila Bay, Philippines. The ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. The visit underscores India's commitment to maritime cooperation in the region. The ship's equipment includes specialized marine pollution control equipment and a Chetak Helicopter in pollution response configuration. The deployment aims to demonstrate India's marine pollution response capabilities and strengthen bilateral cooperation with maritime agencies in the ASEAN region.
Indian Coast Guard ship in Philippines to bolster bilateral maritime cooperation
The ICG ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries -- the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei -- from March 25 to April 12."The visit of a specialised Pollution Control Vessels is part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG's marine pollution response capabilities and shared concern and resolve towards marine pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
N. Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul
Washington and Seoul wrapped up one of their major annual joint military training exercises last week, prompting angry retorts and live-fire drills from nuclear-armed Pyongyang, which condemns all such exercises as rehearsals for invasion.
Indian industry delegation visits Philippines to boost defence modernisation tie-up
An Indian delegation is currently in the Philippines to showcase homegrown military technologies and equipment and explore defense industry tie-ups to bolster Manila’s defense modernization efforts. At a defense industry seminar organized by the Indian Embassy in Makati City, 18 Indian companies presented defense items ranging from aircraft, drones, helicopters to artificial intelligence-based technologies.
GMR group among favorites to win $3 billion Manilla airport project
Saurabh Chawla, Executive Director (Finance & Corporate Strategy) of GMR Group, stated that the group plans to continue operations both domestically and internationally. They are awaiting the bid results for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport redevelopment project, which will be announced on February 14.
Philippines says more than 135 Chinese boats 'swarming' reef off its coast
The Philippines said Sunday more than 135 Chinese vessels were "swarming" a reef off its coast, describing the boats' growing presence as "alarming". "No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," Manila's coast guard said, describing the boats' presence as "alarming" and "illegal".
Chinese fighter jets 'orbit' Philippine patrol aircraft, Manila says
Two Chinese fighter jets were observed orbiting a Philippine aircraft during patrols with Australia in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Australia conducted a second day of sea and air exercises in the region, following patrols with the US. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for over $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.
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