Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines of “bitter consequences” for seeking outside backing in the South China Sea dispute. This warning was followed by China's coastguard expelling two Philippine government vessels near Scarborough Shoal, citing ignored warnings and entry into Chinese-claimed waters.
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.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers expressed "serious concern" over renewed US-Iran hostilities, urging de-escalation to protect global energy and trade. The bloc also addressed South China Sea tensions, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticizing China, coinciding with a deepening China-Philippines standoff near Second Thomas Shoal.
China views the Philippines' "assertive transparency" campaign as a PR strategy to portray China as a bully and secure domestic support for its coastguard. Beijing faces challenges in intercepting Philippine vessels around Renai Jiao.
Philippine President Marcos is visiting Japan to boost defense and other ties, discussing Tokyo's new defense posture and its potential benefits for Southeast Asia amid China's maritime assertiveness and coercive tactics in the South China Sea.
A proposal unveiled by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for a new Southeast Asian maritime centre has raised questions about its most glaring obstacle: Manila’s long-standing South China Sea dispute with Beijing. Analysts warn such a centre would not only have to avoid appearance of being an instrument of Philippine interests in disputed waters, but also risks simply duplicating the work of existing regional bodies. Speaking on Friday at a press conference following the Asean summit in...
The Philippines is pursuing a new equilibrium in its relations with China, with both sides agreeing to take incremental steps toward stable and predictable ties, according to former Philippine ambassador Jaime FlorCruz. His comments come weeks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr announced a reset in Manila's relations with Beijing, signaling a recalibration of Philippine foreign policy amid rising tensions over disputed South China Sea islets.
