The interview came at perhaps the toughest moment for #Ukraine since the early days of the war. #Zelenskiy insisted, however, that it was too early to write off the country, and that he remained positive despite all his frustrations. “I’m not in despair at all … I don’t feel like we are on a sinking ship which is going to the bottom. We are not shouting ‘save us’.”

'Time is our life’: Volodymyr Zelenskiy on balancing urgency with diplomacy in the war against #Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2024/may/31/time-is-our-life-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-balancing-urgency-with-diplomacy-in-the-war-against-russia

Zelenskiy also requested for medical aid & mental health professionals - we have some of the best 👍
---
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked his Philippine counterpart on Monday (June 3) for Manila's participation in a high-level #PeaceSummit later this month, describing it as a "very strong signal" towards achieving peace in his war-torn nation. #Ukraine

#Zelenskiy meets #Philippine's #Marcos Jr in #Manila [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/zelenskiy-meets-philippine-s-marcos-jr-in-manila/vi-BB1nwAnh?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

#MANILA, #Philippines — The United States Coast Guard (#USCG) will deploy its assets to support the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) “in upholding its #SovereignRights” in the #WestPhilippineSea amid the looming implementation of #China’s anti-trespassing policy which encroaches on the country’s #exclusiveeconomiczone #WestPHSea

PCG: US Coast Guard to deploy assets in WPS amid China’s trespassing rule
https://www.inquirer.net/405847/pcg-us-coast-guard-to-deploy-assets-in-wps-amid-chinas-trespassing-rule/#ixzz8cHtrkeRg

In a move which a security analyst deems to be permissible, the #PhilippineNavy reportedly dismantled and confiscated Chinese #FishingNets installed within the vicinity of #AyunginShoal (#SecondThomasShoal) in the #WestPhilippineSea.

China’s state publication #Xinhua on Tuesday claimed that the personnel of #BRPSierraMadre “repeatedly damaged” Chinese fishermen’s nets last May 15. #WestPHSea #Philippines

Philippine Navy destroys Chinese fishing nets in Ayungin
https://www.inquirer.net/405841/philippine-navy-destroys-chinese-fishing-nets-in-ayungin-report/#ixzz8cHwby4CB

North Korea's all-out military support of #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine is also hardening the #US and #SouthKorea's response.
----
The #US and #SouthKorea participated in a precision guided bombing drill over the peninsula in the wake of #NorthKorea sending balloons carrying #trash into #seoul a signal of growing tensions in the region. CNN's Will Ripley reports.

US B-1B bomber drops live munitions in ‘show of force’ against North Korea [VIDEO]
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/05/world/video/us-south-korea-live-munitions-exercise-north-korea-trash-balloons-ripley-digvid-ebof

This isn't good news for the #Philippines either. We're getting US support & funding to acquire & upgrade second-hand #F16s but pilot training may also be a problem for us. #WestPHSea
---
Kyiv is increasingly frustrated by the limited training pipeline. The U.S. says it has other customers.

Ukraine frustrated with US over F-16 pilot training
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/05/investing/nvidia-stock-apple-microsoft-market-value/index.html

#PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral #ArmandoBalilo said Thursday the ongoing conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#Asean) coast guard in #DavaoCity will pave the way for the crafting of such rules of conduct between coast guards of member states.

#Philippines bats for Asean coast guard protocol amid #SouthChinaSea woes
https://www.inquirer.net/405884/philippines-bats-for-asean-coast-guard-protocol-amid-south-china-sea-woes/#ixzz8cMAl1nj5

European nations hold stakes in the #SouthChinaSea, one of the #Philippines’ main concerns, as 30% of trade between #Asia and #Europe goes through the contested waterway.

The Philippines and #France also rank third and fourth, respectively, on the list of countries with the biggest #CoralReef covers. #WestPHSea

Philippines and France commit to protect oceans, ratify #HighSeasTreaty
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/france-blue-nations-initiative-june-2024/

Japanese, U.S. and South Korean #CoastGuard vessels conducted their first three-way drill on Thursday off #Japan's coast as the countries strengthen their maritime ties in response to increased assertiveness by #China in pressing its territorial claims.

#Japan, #US, #South Korea coast guards hold 1st joint drill off Japan's coast as China concerns rise
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/japan-us-south-korean-coast-guards-hold-1st-joint-drill-off-japan-s-coast-as-china-concerns-rise/ar-BB1nKu3J?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

The Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) on Friday, June 7, condemned what it called #China’s “barbaric and inhumane” attempt to block and harass a Philippine mission to evacuate sick soldiers in the #WestPhilippineSea last month.

Tarriela said the PCG and #PhilippineNavy still “successfully outmaneuvered the numerous CCG assets and completed the transfer of the sick personnel.” #WestPHSea

China tried to block evacuation of sick Filipino soldiers in #WestPhilippineSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/coast-guard-says-china-harassed-medical-evacuation-team-west-sea-june-2024/

The #JapaneseGovernment said it was the first time that four #ChineseVessels carrying what appeared to be cannons had entered its #TerritorialWaters in the #EastChinaSea surrounding the disputed islands, which #Tokyo calls the #Senkaku and #Beijing calls the #Diaoyu.

Chinese armed vessels patrol waters around disputed islands, angering #Japan
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-armed-vessels-patrol-waters-around-disputed-islands-angering-japan-2024-06-07/

According to the Naval Forces #WesternMindanao, the #PLANavy vessels were identified as a #TrainingShip and an amphibious #TransportDock, passing through the #BasilanStrait within the #ZamboangaPeninsula. #Mindanao #Philippines #China

Chinese navy vessels’ Basilan Strait passage raises local concerns
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/chinese-navy-vessels-basilan-strait-passage-concerns-june-6-2024/

These moves are against #China though, not us 🇵🇭
----
Since November 2023, #Vietnam has created 692 new acres (280 hectares) of land, compared to 404 acres created in the first 11 months of 2023 and 347 acres in 2022. #SouthChinaSea

China, #Brunei, #Malaysia, the #Philippines, #Taiwan and Vietnam have lodged competing claims for some or all of the #SpratlyIslands.

Vietnam speeding up South China Sea island-building pace, US researchers say
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/vietnam-speeding-up-south-china-sea-island-building-pace-us-researchers-say/ar-BB1nP9e7

The Swedish government seeks to deepen defense relations with the #Philippines and other like-minded countries in the region, as it prepares to unveil its #IndoPacific security strategy in the coming weeks. #WestPHSea

#Sweden seeks deeper defense ties with PH
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/238999/sweden-seeks-deeper-defense-ties-with-ph#ixzz8ckQxe09r

"The concern is that we should stop these syndicated criminal activities operating out of our base, which weaken our financial standing, our country ratings, [and] corrupt our society,” Teodoro said. #China #PogoBan #Philippines

#Pogo operations near Philippine military bases should be stopped–Teodoro
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/239298/pogo-operations-near-ph-military-bases-should-be-stopped-teodoro#ixzz8cum4yLy9

#MANILA, #Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (#AFP) is conducting a “thorough review” of the “potential risks” posed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (#Pogo) sites near military bases, its spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said on Wednesday. #PogoBan

AFP reviewing potential risks of Pogo sites near PH #MilitaryBases
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/239281/afp-reviewing-potential-risks-of-pogo-sites-near-ph-military-bases#ixzz8curTcnpy

The militia fleets conduct intrusive journeys through foreign #ExclusiveEconomicZones, blockade disputed #reefs and #islands, and have repeatedly rammed or used #WaterCannon on other vessels in dangerous manoeuvres, including against the #USNavy. #SouthChinaSea #WestPHSea #Philippines

#China’s maritime militia: the shadowy armada whose existence #Beijing rarely acknowledges
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/13/china-maritime-militia-explainer-south-china-sea-scarborough-shoal

Tomorrow, June 15, is D-day. The Chinese Coast Guard is supposed to start enforcing the (illegal) "no-trespassing" rule then.
---
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged #FilipinoFishermen on Friday to continue fishing in the #Philippines’ exclusive economic zone(#EEZ), even as Chinese authorities said that its coast guard personnel may detain “trespassers” who enter “its territories.” #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea

AFP to Filipino fishers: Continue fishing in PH EEZ
https://www.inquirer.net/406414/afp-to-filipino-fishers-continue-fishing-in-ph-exclusive-economic-zone/

“In this regard, we reaffirm that there is no legal basis for #China’s expansive #MaritimeClaims in the South China Sea, and we oppose China’s #militarization, and coercive and #IntimidationActivities in the #SouthChinaSea,” they said. #EastChinaSea #Japan #Philippines

#G7 leaders express serious concern over situation in East and SouthChinaSeas.
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/g7-leaders-statement-situation-east-south-china-seas-june-2024/

Why are we back to this instead of aerial resupply? And why the radio silence on the injured Filipino sailor who had to be medivac'ed?
---
The statement came more than 12 hours after the #ChinaCoastGuard, in a statement, claimed a collision took place between Philippine and Chinese vessels off the waters of #AyunginShoal. #WestPHSea

Ramming and towing’: #Philippines says #China disrupted mission to #AyunginShoal
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-says-china-disrupted-mission-ayungin-shoal-june-2024/

#RayPowell of the #SeaLight project at #StanfordUniversity’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, who tracks operations at #Ayungin and other parts of the #SouthChinaSea through satellite imagery, has observed “a departure from previous resupplies” in which the #PCG played a critical role and the government quickly disclosed developments regarding those missions. #WestPHSea #Philippines

#China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin
https://www.inquirer.net/406601/china-ships-ram-tow-ph-vessels-at-ayungin/#ixzz8dSbhkXH7

Analysts concerned #China could step up #LawEnforcement operations around #DiaoyuIslands and overwhelm #JapaneseCoastguard.

#Beijing claims sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands in the #EastChinaSea, but that is disputed by #Tokyo, which refers to the territory as the #Senkaku archipelago and presently exercises administrative control over the uninhabited islands.

Japan wary of new conflict ‘flashpoints’ in East China Sea over coastguard law: analysts
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3267092/japan-wary-new-conflict-flashpoints-east-china-sea-over-coastguard-law-analysts?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage

A Philippine Navy sailor had his thumb severed while a number of naval personnel sustained minor injuries after a resupply mission at #AyunginShoal(#SecondThomasShoal) in the #WestPhilippineSea.

The injuries were due to a ramming incident between #CCG and Filipino boats during the resupply mission for the troops of #BRPSierraMadre on Monday. #China #WestPHSea #Philippines

PH Navy sailor loses thumb, others injured in CCG ramming incident
https://www.inquirer.net/406666/ph-navy-sailor-loses-thumb-in-ayungin-shoal-resupply-encounter-with-china/#ixzz8dVKozY6a

The source said the #FilipinoSoldiers were hurt in a melee with Chinese personnel. Aside from that, eight high-powered #firearms were also seized and their rigid hull inflatable boat (#RHIB) was punctured.

Unlike previous operations, the source added that this was an operation by the AFP (Armed Forces of the #Philippines) with the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) providing discreet support. #WestPHSea

#ChinaCoastGuard seizes PH guns in latest #Ayungin encounter
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910397/china-coast-guard-philippine-guns-ayungin/story/

On June 17, Chinese forces – from its navy, coast guard, and maritime militia – disrupted a routine mission to rotate troops and bring supplies to the #BRPSierra Madre in #AyunginShoal or #SecondThomasShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea, hurting a #FilipinoSoldier.

#Australia's statement came just after Chinese Premier #LiQiang wrapped up a four-day visit to #Canberra.

Australia hits #China for ‘pattern’ of ‘destabilizing behavior’ in #SouthChinaSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/australia-statement-hits-china-destabilizing-behavior/

#Brawner said he wants to remove the impression that the #FilipinoSoldiers only stood by, stressing that they fought "with their bare hands" amid the lack of #weapons.

“We saw in the video how the Chinese even threatened our personnel by pointing their knives… Despite this, lumaban po yung ating mga sundalo, 'no? Lumaban po with their bare hands no,” he said. #WestPHSea #Philippines

#ChinaCoastGuard acted 'like pirates' in latest #AyunginShoal incident, says Brawner
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910535/china-coast-guard-pirates-brawner/story/?top_picks&order=2

The Armed Forces of the #Philippines has released photos of members of the #ChinaCoastGuard brandishing bladed and pointed weapons at #FilipinoTroops on a routine rotation and resupply mission to the #AyunginShoal on Monday. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea

AFP pics show #China Coast Guard wielded #BladedWeapons at Filipino troops
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910595/afp-photos-china-coast-guard-brandished-bladed-weapons-at-filipinos-soldiers/story/

The #KalayaanIslandGroup is the farthest island territory of the #Philippines on the west and is located beyond its 200 nautical mile #ExclusiveEconomicZone.

#PagAsaIsland, where a civilian population lives, is part of the Kalayaan Island Group. #WestPHSea

#China protests PH’s extended continental shelf claim in #WestPhilippineSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-protests-philippines-extended-continental-shelf-claim-west-philippine-sea/

She's right. Sidelining the #PhilippineCoastGuard(#PCG) at the last #Ayungin resupply mission was a bad idea.
----
"We must push for the #demilitarization of the #WestPhilippineSea. I call on (the) Government to put politics and diplomacy back at the captain’s wheel with #PCG, #WestPhilippineSea fisherfolk, and civilian actions." she said. #Philippines #WestPHSea

Diffuse West Philippine Sea tensions with #CivilianAgencies –#Hontiveros
https://www.inquirer.net/406959/hontiveros-diffuse-west-philippine-sea-tensions-with-civilian-agencies/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112644150408631930

#China has threatened to impose the #DeathPenalty in extreme cases for “diehard” #Taiwan independence separatists, a ratcheting up of pressure even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the democratically governed island.

China threatens death penalty for Taiwan independence ‘diehards’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/22/china-threatens-death-penalty-for-taiwan-independence-diehards

The president of the #Philippines said Sunday his country would not yield to “any foreign power” after #ChineseForces injured #FilipinoNavy personnel and damaged at least two military boats with machetes, axes and hammers in a clash in the disputed #SouthChinaSea, but added the Philippines would never instigate a war. #WestPHSea #China

Philippines says it won’t back down, but won’t start a war, after clash with #ChineseCoastGuard
https://apnews.com/article/philippines-china-marcos-south-china-sea-palawan-4f056ea5da9c750885dd7155f9007074

Cuaresma said Masinloc fishermen could now only reach up to 100 nautical miles from #BajoDeMasinloc, unlike before when they could go near the triangular coral reef formation famed for its rich waters and marine resources. #ScarboroughShoal #WestPHSea #Philippines

#Zambales fishers say #ChinaCoastGuard seen 30 nautical miles from Masinloc
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/911001/zambales-fishers-say-china-coast-guard-seen-30-nautical-miles-from-masinloc/story/

#China's learning from #Russia's mistakes in #Ukraine
---
But despite the relentless demonstration of the military’s increasing sophistication, some analysts wonder how much confidence Chinese President #XiJinping has in his armed forces.

Last week, Xi told a military conference that there were “deep-seated problems” throughout the armed forces and change was necessary. #MilitaryCorruption

Xi eyes military supremacy as he reorganises China’s armed forces
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/24/xi-eyes-military-supremacy-as-he-reorganises-chinas-armed-forces

I'll just echo what many are already thinking at this point - #Putin is no longer quite sane. #SouthKorea already has a big pending arms deal with #Poland. They won't hesitate to arm #Ukraine if this goes on any further. #NorthKorea #China #US
---
#NKPro analysis shows at least 13 Russian aircraft made trip, demonstrating extent of two sides’ efforts to boost ties

Putin likely took unprecedented number of planes to North Korea for summit | Anton Sokolin
https://www.nknews.org/pro/putin-likely-took-unprecedented-number-of-planes-to-north-korea-for-summit/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

"The United States, ROK, and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia that prolong the suffering of the #UkrainianPeople" #Ukraine

#SouthKorea, #US, #Japan condemn deepening #Russia-#NorthKorea military cooperation 'in strongest possible terms'
https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240624004500315?section=national/diplomacy

A visit to #Palawan by #PresidentMarcos results in two developments: the calling of #China’s actions during the resupply mission as ‘deliberate’, and the scrapping of a proposal to announce to the public schedules of these missions. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea #Philippines #China #ChinaCoastGuard

Not a misunderstanding’: PH changes tune on China’s Ayungin harassment
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/not-misunderstanding-changes-tune-china-harassment-ayungin-shoal-june-2024/

The #Philippines is seeking to schedule a call with #Beijing "very soon" amid an emerging crisis in the #SouthChinaSea, according to the #SouthEastAsia country's ambassador to the #US.

At issue is the #BRPSierraMadre, a rusting World War Il-era ship run
aground on a reef known as the #SecondThomasShoal . #WestPHSea #AyunginShoal

Philippines seeking call with China over emerging BRP Sierra Madre Crisis
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/06/26/philippines-seeking-call-with-china-over-emerging-sierra-madre-crisis/

#Japan and the #Philippines' foreign and defence ministers will meet in #Manila next month for talks that could include a breakthrough #DefencePact that would allow their military forces to visit each other's soil.

The Philippines has been ramping up its ties with neighbours and other countries to counter what it describes as #China's growing aggression in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

Philippines, Japan foreign and defence ministers to meet July 8 in Manila
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-japan-foreign-defence-ministers-meet-july-8-manila-2024-06-28/

..just before my first cup of morning coffee too 🤦‍♂️
---
President Vladimir #Putin said on Friday that #Russia should resume production of intermediate and shorter range #Nuclear-capable #missiles and then consider where to deploy them after the #UnitedStates brought similar missiles to #Europe and #asia

Putin says Russia may resume deploying missiles, adds US brought them to the #Philippines
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911637/putin-says-russia-may-resume-deploying-missiles-adds-us-brought-them-to-ph/story/

#LaNavalDeManila, a #shrine that honors a 17th-century victory against #DutchInvaders, releases an ‘#OratioImperata in times of grave tension’.

The oratio imperata reflects the growing concern of #Filipinos, including the religious sector, about the #WestPhilippineSea dispute. #WestPHSea #China #Philippines

La Naval, church of 1646 naval victory, prays for West Philippine Sea
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/la-naval-de-manila-oratio-imperata-tension-west-philippine-sea/