PHILIPPINES
US forces ready with a "range of options" to deal with South China Sea aggression, US admiral says
US Admiral Samuel Paparo stated that American forces are prepared with several options to address increasing aggression in the South China Sea if directed to do so, in coordination with treaty ally the Philippines. The Philippines' military chief Gen Romero Brawner Jr highlighted escalating tensions with China and affirmed their capability to defend their waters.
Philippines eyes mid-range missiles, 40 fighter jets to modernise military
The Philippines plans to spend at least $33 billion to upgrade its military with mid-range missiles and advanced fighter jets. Military chief Romeo Brawner and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro have stated the country is reviewing offers to buy weapons. The U.S. and the Philippines are preparing for their largest joint military exercises next year.
Philippines says US offered to escort supply ships in disputed sea
The United States has offered to assist Manila's resupply missions to contested outposts in the South China Sea amid Beijing's increased attempts to hinder them. However, the Philippines will only accept the offer if essential supplies cannot be delivered independently. Recent incidents highlight escalating tensions between Chinese and Philippine vessels.
China's Wang Yi warns US official over support to Philippines in sea dispute: State media
China's top diplomat Wang Yi warned US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan against supporting the Philippines in the South China Sea disputes. Wang emphasized China's commitment to its territorial sovereignty during Sullivan's three-day visit to Beijing. The tensions come amid recent accusations from Japan and the Philippines against China for regional disruptions.
Philippine defence chief says China is 'the biggest disruptor' of peace, seeks stronger censure
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has criticized China as "the biggest disruptor" of peace in Southeast Asia, following a recent incident where China blocked Philippine vessels from delivering supplies to a Philippine Coast Guard ship at Sabina Shoal. Speaking at an international military conference in Manila, Teodoro called for stronger international actions against China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.
Philippines says China 'biggest disruptor' of peace in Southeast Asia
China is posing the greatest threat to peace in Southeast Asia, according to the Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro, speaking on Tuesday. This comment comes amid growing tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
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China, Philippines clash in South China Sea despite efforts to rebuild trust
The South China Sea saw another clash between the Philippines and China over a resupply mission for Filipino fishermen. Manila accused China of aggressive tactics, prompting a call for Beijing to cease provocative actions. Chinese ships reportedly used perilous maneuvers, forcing the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries vessel to abandon its mission. The U.S. echoed Manila's concerns, condemning China's actions and seeking regional peace and stability.
Philippines says new mpox case 'not' deadly variant
The Philippines has reported its first mpox case for the year, identified as the mild Clade 2 variant. The infected individual, a 33-year-old male with no recent travel history, indicates possible local transmission. President Ferdinand Marcos has ordered health officials to closely monitor susceptible regions and populations.
Philippine says China coast guard are hindering confidence-building
The Philippines criticized China's coast guard for undermining confidence-building efforts in the South China Sea, following an incident where Chinese vessels allegedly rammed and damaged Philippine ships near the Sabina Shoal. The altercation occurred during a resupply mission by the Philippines to contested islands in the Spratly chain. The Philippines urged China to adhere to international law and avoid aggressive actions. China disputed Manila's account, accusing the Philippine coast guard of acting dangerously. The incident drew condemnation from the United States and Japan, both of which called for peaceful resolution of disputes.
Philippines, Chinese vessels 'collide' in South China Sea, both countries blame each other
On Monday, the Philippines reported that two of its coast guard vessels were rammed and subjected to aggressive maneuvers by Chinese coast guard ships at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine vessels, en route to supply Lawak and Patag islands, encountered the Chinese ships early in the morning.
China deploys drones in Vietnamese airspace, experts point to Philippines tie-up
Chinese drones recently entered Vietnamese airspace on August 2 and August 7, coinciding with heightened collaboration between Vietnam and the Philippines. These incursions, involving Wing Loong-10 UAVs from China's Hainan Island, followed joint Coast Guard drills between the two Southeast Asian nations. Vu Duc Khanh, a law professor, suggested that China’s actions are aimed at disrupting regional cooperation. The drills mark a significant step in mutual support against China's expansionist activities in the South China Sea. The Philippines had also engaged in joint maritime exercises with Australia, Canada, and the US, further highlighting the region’s strategic dynamics.
Philippines says actions of China air force 'illegal', 'reckless'
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr criticized Chinese air force maneuvers in the South China Sea as 'unjustified, illegal and reckless.' This followed an encounter where Chinese aircraft dropped flares near a Philippine patrol around the Scarborough Shoal. Marcos called for responsible actions from China amid the ongoing territorial dispute.
Philippine military says Chinese air force jets endangered its patrol plane with flares, risky moves
The Philippine military chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner, condemned provocative actions by two Chinese air force jets that dangerously maneuvered near a Philippine air force plane over the South China Sea, dropping flares in its path. The Philippine NC-212i plane safely returned to Clark Air Base after the incident near Scarborough Shoal. Brawner criticized the Chinese actions as a threat to lawful Philippine operations and international aviation safety. Despite the risks, Brawner affirmed the Philippines' commitment to continue its patrols in the contested waters, reinforcing its rights under international law.
China holds military drills in South China Sea amidst manoeuvres by US, allies
China carried out air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal - to test "strike capabilities" on the same day that the US, Australia, Canada and Philippines conducted military manoeuvres within Manila's exclusive economic zone.
US, Australia, Canada, Philippines stage naval and air force maneuvers in disputed South China Sea
Naval and air forces from the US, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines carried out joint exercises in the South China Sea, citing a commitment to international law and free navigation. Concurrently, China conducted its own patrols, showcasing ongoing territorial disputes. The maneuvers aim to promote cooperation and avoid further regional conflicts.
China says conducts 'combat patrol' near flashpoint Scarborough Shoal
China conducted a "combat patrol" near Scarborough Shoal testing troops' capabilities, claiming it was a joint patrol in the South China Sea to maintain regional stability. Beijing disputes the international ruling against its claims in the area, blaming recent confrontations with the Philippines on Manila. China asserts its actions in the South China Sea are legal and proportional to protect its sovereignty.
Amidst China's aggression, Philippines warships hold sea exercises with Japan, US
In response to China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, regional nations are bolstering their defenses. For the first time, Philippine and Japanese warships conducted joint exercises in these contested waters. This followed the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Manila and Tokyo, promoting closer security cooperation. The exercises are part of broader efforts, involving allies like the US, Australia, and France, to ensure freedom of navigation and uphold international law. China has reacted with increased provocations, prompting stronger US-Philippine military ties and upcoming joint exercises with Vietnam.
Blinken says US to provide $500 mn in military funding to Philippines
The United States will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, as Washington boosts ties with Manila in the face of China's growing assertiveness. "We're now allocating an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region," Blinken told a joint news conference.
US boosting alliance with the Philippines with military funding and pact amid concern over China
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin are set to announce USD 500 million in military funding to boost Philippine defenses and progress in a proposed military pact. The announcement comes amid China's increasingly aggressive actions in the region, which has led to hostilities between Philippine and Chinese forces in the disputed South China Sea. The US has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fortify Manila's decades-old treaty alliance with Washington.
Philippines and China reach deal to avoid clashes at disputed South China Sea shoal
Philippine and Chinese officials have reportedly reached a deal to prevent confrontations at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, following recent clashes. The agreement, negotiated through closed-door meetings and diplomatic exchanges, aims to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese forces had previously used water cannons and blocking maneuvers to disrupt supplies to Filipino navy personnel at the shoal.
Philippines, China to set up new channels to handle South China Sea rows, source and document say
The two countries have traded barbs repeatedly over jurisdiction in the contested South China Sea as the Philippines, emboldened by support of defence ally the United States, challenges China's permanent presence around strategic features inside Manila's exclusive economic zone.
US renews call on China to stop aggressive actions in disputed sea, where hostilities have flared
The United States, alongside key allies like Japan and Australia, has strongly condemned China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly its recent confrontation with the Philippines. The incident, where Chinese coast guard vessels rammed and destroyed Philippine navy ships, has escalated tensions in the disputed region. The international community, backed by interconnected alliances, calls on China to respect maritime laws, cease harassment of Philippine vessels, and uphold freedom of navigation for all states operating lawfully in the area. This unified stance aims to uphold a rules-based order and safeguard regional stability amidst ongoing territorial disputes.
Nearly 66 Chinese aircraft surround Taiwan in biggest sortie of year
Taiwan detected 66 Chinese aircraft, a record high, with 56 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. Su Tzu-yun linked it to political tensions and PLA exercises involving the Shandong carrier near Miyako island and Balingtang Channel. This follows Taiwan President Lai's meeting with Washington's ambassador. The Philippine military noted China-Russia exercises amid South China Sea tensions.
Japan and the Philippines sign a defense pact in the face of shared alarm over China
Japan and the Philippines signed a landmark defense pact allowing Japanese forces to conduct joint military exercises, including live-fire drills, in the Philippines. The Reciprocal Access Agreement, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, will enable Filipino forces to enter Japan for joint training. This pact, pending legislative ratification, aims to bolster defense cooperation amid China's growing assertiveness. The agreement aligns with Japan's increased defense spending and strategic alliances, and supports the Philippines' efforts to defend its interests in the South China Sea.
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.
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.
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.
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