US Undersecretary Jacob Helberg commits to the Philippines that the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, part of a US-led AI supply chain initiative, will not erode Manila's sovereignty, despite concerns over job creation, farming community displacement, and environmental impact.
US President Donald Trump expresses trust in Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping's assurances that their countries are not supplying weapons to Iran, despite allegations from some US circles.
China and Asean foreign ministers released a joint statement in Manila, addressing the ongoing energy crisis and the Middle East conflict, calling for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution, and welcoming US-Iran negotiations.
Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated after the Philippine Coast Guard accused its Chinese counterpart of firing a water cannon at government vessels near Scarborough Shoal for the second day, risking collision. China claims its actions were lawful amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
The Philippine economy faces fragility due to internal political turmoil, a corruption scandal, energy shocks, and extreme weather, despite inflation easing to 6.4% in June. ING's report highlights ongoing economic pressures, suggesting the central bank may not yet declare victory over inflation.
Hong Kong's weather forecaster will issue a No 1 warning signal Friday evening as Typhoon Noul is expected to come closest to the city between Saturday night and Sunday morning, moving northwest from near Manila.
Jerri Roby, 69, received a life sentence for the December 2023 murder of her son, John Gaither, in Gulfport, Mississippi. She concealed his body behind a false wall and impersonated him to family members, having been previously convicted of murder in 1995.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met for 35 minutes at the ASEAN summit in Manila, their first talks since September 2025. They discussed Ukraine, bilateral ties, and the Persian Gulf. Russia reiterated its peace terms, while the US called for new proposals, noting Kiev rejected prior ones, highlighting stalled peace efforts.
Analysts view a proposed Indonesia-Philippines power link as crucial for addressing Philippine domestic energy issues, despite geographical and supply-chain challenges. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is advancing regional energy cooperation, while also addressing US-Iran tensions at ministerial meetings.
Vietnam's VinEnergo and the Philippines' SunAsia Energy will build 422 MWp of solar power across three Philippine sites using an innovative "Solar on Stilts" design. This approach, lifting panels above active fish ponds, aims to allow continued fish farming and mitigate water use conflicts, with plants targeted for 2027-2028 operation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first in-person talks since September 2025 on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila. The 35-minute meeting, requested by the US, aimed to revive stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but no breakthroughs were reported.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to meet on July 23 in the Philippines during ASEAN ministerial events. The agenda includes discussing US President Donald Trump's statements regarding a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
A tropical depression near the Philippines is forecast to intensify into a typhoon and approach Hong Kong this weekend, with a possible landfall in eastern Guangdong, China, less than 400km from the city.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned his Philippine counterpart, Theresa Lazaro, that Manila would face "bitter consequences" if it provoked Beijing with external help, lodging a protest over a recent ramming incident at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
Top Chinese and American diplomats, Wang Yi and Daniel Kritenbrink, met in the Philippines to discuss President Xi Jinping's planned US trip and the South China Sea dispute. Wang described the meeting as "pragmatic, positive and constructive," urging "strategic stability" and "peaceful coexistence" despite acknowledged differences.
An Indigenous Tao group from Taiwan's Lanyu Island recreated an ancestral sea voyage to the Batanes islands in the Philippines, rowing a 39-foot boat. The journey, the first in 300 years, aimed to preserve seafaring culture and demonstrate the historical practices of their Austronesian ancestors.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong will warn China against provocative actions in the South China Sea and caution world leaders on weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating Middle East conflict and rising fuel prices. The address will be delivered at the ASEAN meeting in the Philippines.
Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro and Chinese diplomat Wang held "candid, comprehensive and constructive" talks at the ASEAN meeting, discussing maritime disputes, security, trade, and regional stability, with Lazaro reiterating Manila's protest over China Coast Guard actions near Second Thomas Shoal.
Japan is developing a project to map alternative shipping routes around Malaysian states, providing data on depths and hazards, to avoid the Strait of Malacca due to rising geopolitical tensions. This initiative aims to secure Japan's crucial trade, especially energy imports from Gulf states, following US attacks on Iran.
Nafarrete has been appointed as the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replacing General Romeo Brawner Jnr. His 36 years of combat experience in Mindanao are highlighted, signaling continuity in security policy as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region prepares for its first parliamentary election on September 14.
Sailors from the Chinese and Philippine navies clashed with oars and batons near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in a head injury to a Filipino sailor. Both nations summoned each other's ambassadors, while the US and Australia condemned China's actions.
Chinese capital has continued to support Filipino private businesses, providing nearly $9 billion in loans over two decades, including a $3.9 billion syndicated loan to Dito Telecommunity in 2023, despite geopolitical friction.
A clash near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal involved a Chinese coastguard vessel and two Philippine Navy dinghies. China accused Philippine servicemen of using tools to attack its officers, summoned the Philippine ambassador, and stated its actions were 'reasonable and lawful' while condemning Philippine 'false accusations'.
The Philippines and China are blaming each other for a tense physical confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, resulting in a Filipino navy staff injury. The incident occurred amidst regional meetings, with the US condemning China's actions and Australia providing support to the Philippines.
