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.
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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?
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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/
Seven soldiers, including one who had his finger cut off, were hurt and weapons were seized in China's aggressive action against Filipino personnel performing rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal on Monday, June 17, a reliable source told GMA Integrated News.
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.
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"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/
#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
The president of the Philippines says his country will not yield to “any foreign power” after Chinese forces injured Filipino navy personnel and damaged at least two military boats with machetes, axes and hammers in a clash in the disputed South China Sea, but added the Philippines will never instigate a war. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew with his top generals and defense chief to the western island province of Palawan on Sunday to meet and award medals to navy personnel who came under assault by the Chinese coast guard Monday as they attempted to deliver food and other supplies to an outpost on the hotly contested Second Thomas Shoal.
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
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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
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#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
More than a dozen aircraft accompanied Russian leader Vladimir Putin on his trip to North Korea last week, NK Pro analysis shows, what appears to be an unprecedented number of planes for a foreign delegation that underscores the two countries’ sweeping effort to bolster ties. At least 13 Russian planes were parked at Sunan International […]
"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/
(1st UPDATE) A visit to Palawan by President Marcos results into 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
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 🤦♂️
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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/
#MANILA, #Philippines – Chinese ships attempted to block the #PhilippineCoastGuard’s (PCG) rescue mission on Saturday, June 29, when the agency was responding to an incident in waters near #BajoDeMasinloc after the engine of #FilipinoFishingBoat “Akio” exploded, leaving two fishermen injured. #WestPHSea
#China briefly blocks rescue of Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-tried-to-block-rescue-filipino-fishermen-near-bajo-de-masinloc/
Image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Sindangan_(MRRV-4407)
More details about the Akio fishing boat rescue by the PCG.
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Based on the photos shared by #PCG to members of the media, the damaged motor banca #FFBAkio was being towed by a PCG patrol vessel at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
According the the PCG, the #ChinaCoastGuard tried to hamper rescue operations even after they were informed of the emergency. #WestPHSea
PCG: 2 Pinoy fishers hurt after boat explodes near #BajoDeMasinloc
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911723/2-pinoy-fishermen-hurt-after-boat-explodes-near-bajo-de-masinloc/story/
#Manila’s first #BrahMos #MissileBase in #WesternLuzon positions the supersonic anti-ship #CruiseMissiles
to strike targets 290-300 kilometers away.
#ScarboroughShoal, a disputed feature between the #Philippines and #China that has been de facto occupied by Beijing’s naval forces since 2012, is roughly 250 kilometers from the new base. #WestPHSea #Zambales
PH Builds First BrahMos Anti-Ship Missile Base Facing #SouthChinaSea
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/06/philippines-builds-first-brahmos-anti-ship-missile-base-facing-south-china-sea/
A visiting #Vatican official in the #Philippines on Tuesday urged parties in the #WestPhilippineSea conflict to "resolve any differences peacefully" and "abide by #InternationalLaw." #WestPHSea
Vatican calls for peaceful resolution of West Philippine Sea conflict
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911965/vatican-resolution-west-philippine-sea/story/
Paratang ng #ChinaCoastGuard sa pagdadala umano ng #ConstructionMaterials sa #Sabina Shoal o #EscodaShoal, sinagot ng #PhilippineCoastGuard. #WestPHSea #China #Philippines
The #Philippines and #China agreed on Tuesday to "de-escalate tensions" over the #SouthChinaSea, #Manila said, following a violent clash in the disputed waters last month.
#ChineseCoastGuard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe surrounded and boarded three #PhilippineNavy boats on June 17 during a resupply mission to #SecondThomasShoal. #WestPHSea
Philippines Says It Agrees With China To 'De-escalate' South China Sea Tensions
https://www.barrons.com/news/philippines-says-manila-beijing-agree-to-de-escalate-south-china-sea-tensions-5ca8e79c
#Taiwan said the Chinese coast guard boarded a Taiwanese #FishingBoat Tuesday near the #Kinmen archipelago before steering it to a port in mainland #China.
Kinmen lies a short distance off China’s coast but is controlled by Taiwan. #SouthChinaSea
Taiwan says China's coast guard has detained a Taiwanese fishing vessel and demands its release
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/taiwan-chinas-coast-guard-detained-taiwanese-fishing-vessel-111617345
#CCG901, the world's largest #CoastGuard ship known as "The Monster," proceeded to #EscodaShoal after it was spotted in #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea
There, the China Coast Guard ship reportedly "kept watch" over Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) #BRPTeresaMagbanua which had been stationed at the shoal since April. #WestPHSea
China’s ‘monster ship’ keeps watch over BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912192/china-s-monster-ship-brp-teresa-magbanua/story/
Image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Teresa_Magbanua
#PAF has 2 candidates - the Lockheed #F16 & the SAAB #Gripen. Both are good choices for an #MRF.
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Brawner said the President gave the green light on the measure during Thursday's first-semester command conference in #CampAguinaldo, #QuezonCity.
However, he said a decision has yet to be made on what #MRFs the #Philippines would buy. #WestPHSea #JAS39Gripen
Brawner: PBBM OKs AFP's 'intention' to acquire multi-role fighters (#MRFs)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228277
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has already approved the military's "intention" to acquire multi-role fighters (MRFs) to be used in boosting the country's defensive capabilities, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Thursday. Brawner said the…
Both countries have had hostile encounters with #China's Coast Guard in their own respective #EEZ's.
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The #Philippines and #Japan will sign a defence agreement on July 8 that will allow their military forces to visit each other’s soil, said the Philippine President’s communications office on July 7. #SouthChinaSea #EastChinaSea #WestPHSea
Philippines, Japan to sign landmark defence deal on July 8
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/philippines-japan-to-sign-landmark-defence-deal-on-july-8
#MANILA – The #Philippines and #Japan signed on July 8 a landmark #DefenceDeal that allows both nations to hold joint #MilitaryDrills in each other’s territories for the first time, a move seen to boost their cooperation to resist a more aggressive #Beijing in the #EastChinaSea and #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
Philippines, Japan sign landmark defence deal in move to counter #China
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-japan-sign-landmark-defence-deal-in-move-to-counter-china
Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force(#PAF), said the PAF would send four #FA50 light fighters, its interim aircraft while preparing for the acquisition of #MultiRoleFighters.
This will be the first time the #Philippines will deploy air assets to participate in an international exercise outside of the country. #PitchBlack2024
PAF planes join #Australia-led exercise
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241966/paf-planes-join-australia-led-exercise#ixzz8fSJGnxIg
The four fighter jets from the #PhilippineAirForce arrived here on Wednesday afternoon to participate with 20 other countries in what is considered the largest Pitch Black exercise ever.
This is an historic first for the PAF which sent #FighterJets for the first time to the biennial multinational exercise. #Philippines #Australia
PAF fighter jets arrive in Australia for #PitchBlack2024 military exercise
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912956/paf-fighter-jets-arrive-in-australia-for-pitch-black-2024-military-exercise/story/
Nearly 50 aircraft from the #German, #French, and Spanish air forces are embarking on a series of exercises across the #IndoPacific region from June to August, with the #US Air Force jumping in on several as well. #Spain
Dubbed ‘#PacificSkies,’ the massive deployment highlights #Europe’s growing interest in the region, even as the war in #Ukraine continues to dominate the continent. #PitchBlack2024 #EU
European Nations Deploy Fighters to Indo-Pacific, Joined by USAF
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/germany-france-spain-usaf-indo-pacific/
Reports of aggressive and #DangerousConduct by #ChineseVessels in the fiercely contested #SouthChinaSea have surged over the past 17 months.
Vessels have been rammed, punctured with knives, damaged by #WaterCannon and targeted by military-grade #lasers. Now the #Philippines’ US ambassador has warned the aggression must be reduced to avoid conflict. #WestPHSea
Confrontations in South China Sea surge, raising fears a miscalculation could lead to conflict
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/south-china-sea-conflict-philippines-coast-guard
Vessels have been rammed, punctured with knives, damaged by water cannon and targeted by military-grade lasers. Now the Philippines’ US ambassador has warned the aggression must be reduced to avoid conflict
#MANILA, #Philippines – Every 12th of July, the Philippines – and its allies and friends – commemorate the 2016 arbitral award, a landmark ruling that said #China’s sweeping #9DashLine claim had no basis in #InternationalLaw. #WestPHSea
WATCH: What the 2016 arbitral ruling says and doesn’t say about the #WestPhilippineSea
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/video-summary-2016-arbitral-ruling-west-sea/
A contingent from the French Air and Space Force taking part in the #Pegase24 will stop over at #ClarkAirBase to demonstrate the European country’s commitment to uphold #FreedomOfNavigation and overflight in the region. #WestPHSea #France #EU #Philippines
Both countries are also negotiating a #DefensePact to allow them to send military forces to each other’s territory for joint exercises.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242782/france-air-force-mission-includes-ph-for-first-time#ixzz8g6akzFRq
"I know the people very well, respect them greatly. They did take about 100% of our chip business. I think, #Taiwan should pay us for defence," #Trump said in interview with Bloomberg Businessweek on June 25 but published on Tuesday. #AsiaPacific #China #US
Shares in #TSMC, the world's largest contract #chipmaker and a major #Apple and #Nvidia supplier, fell more than 2% on Wednesday morning.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/17/world/politics/trump-taiwan-defense-tsmc/
#CCG5303 was spotted near #LubangIsland in #Mindoro on Sunday afternoon while conducting an “intrusive patrol,” former US Air Force official and Defence Attaché Ray Powell said on Monday. #WestPHSea
#BRPMelchoraAquino deployed after Chinese vessel passed near Lubang Island
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/913650/brp-melchora-aquino-deployed-lubang-island/story/
#WASHINGTON, #USA – Two senior #Republican #USSenators have asked President #JoeBiden to provide a complete list of options developed by the #Pentagon and #StateDepartment to help support the #Philippines in recent standoffs with #Beijing over a contested shoal in the #SouthChinaSea. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea #BRPSieraMadre
Senior Republican lawmakers ask #Biden for options to support Philippines in Beijing standoff
https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/senior-republican-lawmakers-ask-biden-options-support-philippines-beijing-standoff/
'We must respond with visible and concrete demonstrations of our support. Anything short of this risks our appearing unwilling to honor our bilateral commitments,' reads a letter from Senators Roger Wicker and Jim Risch
The #Philippines #FA50 flyby starts at 18:20 🇵🇭
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The Royal Australian Air Force and international partners will return to Mindil Beach for the Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display between 5pm-6:30pm (ACST) on Thursday, 18 July 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Territory sunset, this free, non-ticketed event will coincide with the regular Mindil Beach Markets. #PitchBlack2024
Exercise #PitchBlack24 | #MindilBeach Flying Display Livestream ✈
https://m.youtube.com/live/iF-163cteno
#Manila’s resupply missions to troops on an atoll in the #WestPhilippineSea will remain purely Philippine operations, the #NationalSecurityCouncil said Sunday, after #Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them.
The #AyunginShoal hosts a tiny Philippine garrison stationed on a deliberately beached old warship which needs regular resupply. #BRPSieraMadre #WestPHSea
West Philippine Sea: Ayungin resupply missions to remain PH operation – NSC
https://www.inquirer.net/409336/west-philippine-sea-ayungin-resupply-missions-to-remain-ph-operation-nsc/#ixzz8gc7CrLSv
According to a report from the #AssociatedPress, two Chinese demands did not make it to the draft deal.
The AP said #Beijing wanted #Manila not to bring #ConstructionMaterials, and to give “advance notice and the right to inspect the ships.” The #Philippines rejected #China’s demands, and the final arrangement did not include these provisions. #WestPHSea #BRPSieraMadre
Philippines, China OK ‘arrangement’ on resupply missions to #AyunginShoal
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-china-ok-arrangement-resupply-missions-ayungin-shoal/
#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippine government said on Saturday, July 27, that “no untoward incidents” happened during a morning resupply mission to #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea — unlike last month’s mission, when the #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) wielded axes and knives and boarded #PhilippineNavy boats. #WestPHSea
PH reports smooth mission to Ayungin in first test of ‘arrangement’ with #China
https://www.rappler.com/sports/paris-olympics-updates-games-results-athletes-2024/
Divisions among #AsiPacific nations surfaced on Saturday, as foreign ministers engaged in exchanges over #Russia’s protracted invasion of #Ukraine and #China’s growing maritime assertiveness in nearby waters.
At the ministerial gathering of the 18-member #EastAsiaSummit, which includes #Asean, Russia, China, the #US, #Japan and #SouthKorea, #NorthKorea’s missile and nuclear development was also discussed.
Rifts surface at East Asia meetings
https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2836816/rifts-surface-at-east-asia-meetings.
The package includes $1.2 billion for #Taipei, $500 million for #Manila and around $300 million to spread around other partners, such as #Vietnam, parts of #SouthAsia and island nations in the #Pacific.
Top of the list for the #Philippines will be equipment to help defend against #China's bullying in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
US close to sending $2 billion in security aid across the #IndoPacific
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-close-to-sending-2-billion-in-security-aid-across-the-indo-pacific/ar-BB1qgLN6
The #UnitedStates will upgrade the US Forces #Japan to a #JointForceHeadquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” US Secretary of Defense #LloydAustin told reporters on Sunday after the so-called “2+2” talks between the defence and foreign ministers from the two countries in #Tokyo.
US to revamp military command in Japan amid #China’s threats
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/28/us-to-revamp-military-command-in-japan-amid-chinas-threats
After Tokyo, Blinken and Austin will hold security talks with the #Philippines re: #WestPHSea.
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The talks attended by #Australia's #PennyWong, #India's #SubrahmanyamJaishankar, #Japan's #YokoKamikawa and #AntonyBlinken from the #US, follow security discussions between #Tokyo and #Washington on the region's strategic challenges. #China
#Quad foreign ministers meet in Tokyo for talks on #MaritimeSecurity, #cyber
https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/quad-foreign-ministers-tokyo-talks-maritime-security-cyber-defense/
The talks attended by Australia's Penny Wong, India's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japan's Yoko Kamikawa and Antony Blinken from the US, follow security discussions between Tokyo and Washington where the allies label China the 'greatest strategic challenge' facing the region
Territorial confrontations are rising between #China and a host of other nations in waters that are key to global trade. Here is a map and guide to the region, showing why its fate matters | Rebecca Ratcliffe
#Philippines #Vietnam #Malaysia #Taiwan #WestPHSea
#SouthChinaSea: a visual guide to the key shoals, reefs and islands
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/30/south-china-sea-map-visual-guide-key-shoals-reefs-islands
#Philippines President #FerdinandMarcosJr has welcomed US Secretary of State #AntonyBlinken and Defence Secretary #LloydAustin to #Manila, stressing the need for regular and open engagement between Manila and #Washington to ensure an “agile” response amid continuing tension in the disputed #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
Marcos Jr welcomes US support as Blinken and Austin arrive in Philippines
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/30/marcos-jr-welcomes-us-support-as-blinken-and-austin-arrive-in-philippines?traffic_source=rss&utm_source=press.coop
The #US officials are set to formally announce $500 million in #ForeignMilitaryFinancing for the #Philippines, as #Manila hosts the 2+2 meeting format for the first time.
Closer bilateral ties and commitments to foreign military financial (aid) come at a crucial time for the Philippines, as it asserts its sovereign rights in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
US vows $500 million in military financing to Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-military-financing-manila-july-30-2024/
It's confirmed, kasama pala yung Coast Guard. Expect big news from our AFP soon.
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The #UnitedStates on July 30 said it is giving the #Philippines US$500 million (S$672 million) to boost #Manila’s military capabilities, as the South-east Asian country defends its claims against a more aggressive #Beijing in the disputed #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
US to give Philippines US$500 million in military aid to counter #China
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/us-to-give-philippines-us500-million-in-military-aid-to-counter-china
The #Philippines and #Japan held their first joint military exercises in the #SouthChinaSea on Friday, August 2, the Philippine armed forces said, in the latest collaboration between countries that have pushed back against #China’s regional assertiveness. #WestPHSea
Philippines, Japan militaries hold first joint exercises in South China Sea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/first-joint-exercises-south-china-sea-with-japan-august-2-2024/
In a January visit to #Vietnam by Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the two countries agreed to boost #CoastGuard cooperation in the #SouthChinaSea and "peacefully solve incidents at sea."
#CoastGuardPH #CoastGuardVN #WestPHSea
PH, Vietnam to hold South China Sea exercises
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/915640/philippines-vietnam-south-china-sea/story/?top_picks&order=2
The #Philippines and #Germany on Aug 4 committed to signing a defence cooperation arrangement in 2024, vowing to stand for the international rules-based order in the #IndoPacific region.
#Manila and #Berlin are deepening military ties as tensions have flared in recent months between #China and the Philippines, which have traded accusations over run-ins in disputed areas of the #SouthChinaSea
Philippines, Germany commit to concluding broader defence agreement
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-germany-commit-to-concluding-broader-defence-agreement
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