Anthony Albanese has praised the partnership between Australia and the Philippines, saying the countries were united by a vision of a “peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific”. Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr addressed both houses of parliament on Thursday, declaring the Philippines would “not allow any attempt by anyContinue Reading
The Philippines wants a “Christmas convoy” to cheer up troops and sailors stationed in the middle of the South China Sea. And it could spark an international crisis. Manila has given the green light for a group of 40 civilian boats to sail through the contested Spratly Islands to distributeContinue Reading
A radio anchor in the Philippines has been shot dead while performing a live Facebook broadcast. Juan Jumalon, known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot twice in Calamba after a gunman brazenly entered the home studio pretending to be a listener, cops said. Mr Jumalon was live-streaming on Facebook atContinue Reading
After a decade of slow but steady escalation, it’s crunch time in the South China Sea. As the world is distracted by the horrors in the Holy Land and the valiant struggle by Ukraine against Russia’s invasion – Beijing is “making mischief” in Philippine territory. And fears are soaring thatContinue Reading
The Philippines condemned China’s Coast Guard on Sunday for firing water cannon at its vessels in the disputed South China Sea, describing the actions as “illegal” and “dangerous”. China said it had taken “necessary controls” against Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. Beijing claims almost all of theContinue Reading
The Philippines is making a “David versus Goliath” stand in the South China Sea, and it hopes its courage against overwhelming odds will reign in China’s growing aggression. This new tactic is already having the desired effect. Washington has demanded Beijing stop “harassment and intimidation” of Philippine fishing and coastContinue Reading
China is angry that Australia’s building eight submarines. Meanwhile it’s busily expanding its own fleet to 70. It’s part of what Chairman Xi Jinping this week declared will be a “Great Wall of Steel”. And neighbouring countries are increasingly worried they’ll get trapped behind it. In the first speech ofContinue Reading
Last year, an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft was forced to dodge a Chinese fighter that had dumped a load of metal foil in its path. Now Canberra’s set to up the tempo of its South China Sea patrols to help the Philippines stand against Beijing’s escalating aggression. The listContinue Reading