The number of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jets detected near Taiwan in the first half of this year more than halved compared to last year, marking a three-year low in operational tempo. No large-scale drills were staged, a first since 2022.
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.
Secretary Rubio will meet Lavrov in Manila to discuss the Ukraine war and potential cooperation. He also discussed a South China Sea incident with China's Wang Yi, while ASEAN ministers negotiate a non-aggression pact.
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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila to manage bilateral tensions ahead of a Trump-Xi summit. Discussions covered China's South China Sea conduct, US war against Iran, and US election meddling claims, with Rubio reiterating US defense treaty obligations to the Philippines after a recent maritime incident.
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.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confronted Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at an ASEAN meeting regarding Beijing's "destabilising" missile test in the South Pacific and "dangerous conduct" in the South China Sea. Wang urged Australia to avoid "double standards," while the Philippines also lodged a strong protest over maritime incidents.
China's Foreign Ministry urged Australia to cease "exaggerating tensions" in the South China Sea after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Beijing's "destabilising" conduct. This follows a physical confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, injuring a Filipino sailor, amidst the ASEAN meeting in Manila.
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.
Hong Kong's Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung will issue a serious reprimand to High Court judge Wilson Chan Ka-shun for extensive plagiarism, requiring him to undergo targeted training. This marks at least his seventh instance of copying, leading to previous adjustments in his judicial duties.
Hong Kong's July rainfall has already surpassed typical levels by 23%, with a meteorologist warning of more extreme downpours due to global warming. The Observatory expects further rainstorms this weekend as a tropical cyclone approaches, following weeks of heavy rain and numerous warnings.
An analysis in the Pacific Journal recommends Beijing strengthen inter-agency coordination and build credible deterrence to protect its maritime rights along the first island chain, which spans from the Kuril Islands to Borneo, including Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
EU foreign ministers approved a position paper labeling China a "critical long-term strategic challenge," accusing Beijing of amplifying security threats and enabling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite a prior "de-risking" policy and ongoing trade partnership. This new stance will shape future EU policy on investment and trade.
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.
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.
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.
Booksellers at a seven-day event, likely the Hong Kong Book Fair, reported dampened business due to shifting consumer habits and unstable weather. Sally Ng Wai-shan, an editor at Match Media, estimated overall sales could drop by 30 to 40 per cent, noting significantly reduced foot traffic compared to last year's already subdued levels. An SCMP reporter observed fewer visitors carrying purchases, highlighting a stark contrast to past bustling fairs.
A Chinese missile destroyer fired live rounds in Japan's EEZ for the first time during a drill on Sunday, prompting Tokyo's concern. This preceded a clash between Chinese and Philippine sailors in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions.
The U.S. condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions against Philippine navy personnel in the South China Sea, after a Chinese coast guard officer reportedly injured a Filipino sailor. The incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal ahead of U.S. and Chinese foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
A Philippine sailor was injured in a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, leading to a blame game between the two nations. The US condemned China's actions.
Hong Kong's first-time lawmakers in the eighth Legislative Council have submitted fewer questions to the government compared to veterans but recorded higher attendance. Political observers suggest this reflects a balance between respecting the executive-led system and providing checks.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is expected to announce confidential filing and lower market capitalization requirements for listings by the end of this month, following months of consultations with market participants.
