Japan, Philippines Agree to Sharply Boost Defense Ties

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to significantly enhance their defense cooperation in light of rising security challenges in the region.

Japan and the Philippines have agreed to sharply boost their defense ties, as the two countries seek to strengthen their security amid rising challenges in the region. During a meeting in Manila on Thursday, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, agreed to cooperate on various defense-related initiatives, including maritime security, […]

Japan considering overseas military aid amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific

Japan is considering providing military aid to countries in the Indo-Pacific region as part of its efforts to counter the growing influence of China in the region.

According to reports, the country is exploring ways to supply military equipment and technology to countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This move comes as Japan is looking to bolster its security ties with other countries in the region and contribute to the maintenance of regional stability. One of the primary goals of […]

Okinawa’s Soft Power Struggle: China and the US Battle for Influence

The island of Okinawa, located in southern Japan, is home to several military bases of both the United States and Japan. These bases have been a point of contention between the two superpowers for many years, with China now seeking to capitalize on the situation to expand its own influence in the region.

China has been ramping up its efforts to expand its influence in Asia and the Pacific, including the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Now, it is turning its attention to Okinawa, where it hopes to win hearts and minds through economic development and cultural exchange programs. The Chinese government has been pouring money […]

India raises concerns over Chinese spy post on remote Myanmar island

India has reportedly confronted Myanmar over a Chinese-built observation post on an island in the Bay of Bengal, which it claims could be used for spying. The post is located on Coco Island, which is around 18 km from India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India has expressed concerns about the potential security threat posed by the observation post to its naval assets and security interests in the region. The Indian government reportedly raised the issue with the Myanmar government during a meeting between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers in New Delhi. The Indian delegation is said to […]

Chinese Ambassador Stresses Importance of International Support for BARMM Peace Process

The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, has expressed his support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (BARMM) peace process and emphasized the need for international cooperation in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

During a meeting with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Ambassador Huang noted that China believes the peace process is crucial for long-term peace and stability in Mindanao. He stressed the importance of international support and cooperation in achieving these goals. The ambassador also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between China and the Philippines, and […]

The Embassy of China Clarifies Ambassador’s Remarks About OFWs

The Embassy of China has issued a statement clarifying that the recent remark made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian regarding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been misinterpreted.

According to the embassy, Ambassador Huang’s comments were intended to emphasize the need for both China and the Philippines to work together to better protect the rights and interests of their respective citizens, including OFWs. In the statement, the embassy reiterated China’s commitment to providing a safe, stable, and welcoming environment for OFWs and other […]

Calls for Recall of Chinese Ambassador to Philippines Over Controversial Remarks

Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for the immediate recall of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian following controversial remarks that some officials and citizens have deemed "disgraceful."

The controversy began when Ambassador Huang defended China’s efforts in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in response to a social media post critical of the Philippine government’s handling of the crisis. His comments sparked criticism, with some accusing him of meddling in Philippine affairs and showing disrespect for the country’s sovereignty. In response, the Department of […]

China Criticizes Indian Minister’s Visit to Arunachal Pradesh

China has criticized the recent visit of Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a violation of its territorial integrity. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry condemned the visit and warned India to respect China's sovereignty.

Arunachal Pradesh is a northeastern Indian state that China claims as part of its own territory. The two countries have a long-standing border dispute that has resulted in several military clashes in the past. Rai’s visit on April 8 was to review security arrangements along the border with China. The move was part of India’s […]

US-Philippines Joint War Games Aim to Send a Message to China

The United States and the Philippines have kicked off joint military exercises aimed at sending a message to China amidst increasing tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The war games, known as "Balikatan," involve around 1,700 US and Philippine troops and will focus on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism operations. However, the exercises were scaled down from their usual size due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

China has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, claiming much of the disputed waters as its own. This has led to pushback from several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, resulting in heightened tensions in the region. The United States has been supporting these nations in their efforts to counter China’s territorial claims, […]

China’s Green Leap Forward is a Nightmare for Saudi Arabia and Other Oil Producers

China's efforts to transition to a more sustainable economy are bad news for oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia. The country's leaders have set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, and this is forcing them to look for alternatives to oil and gas.

China’s shift towards a green economy has been spurred by growing concerns about climate change and air pollution. The government has set a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 and has been taking significant steps towards achieving this target. One of the main ways that China is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels is […]