Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro is hopeful that negotiations between China and Southeast Asian nations on a long-awaited code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea will be concluded this year — a move that could help reduce tensions over the disputed waterway. “All parties, including all member states of the Association of Southeast … Read more
ASEAN 2026 hosting means Philippines open for business – Concepcion Philstar.com Brawner calls for ‘unity’ among units tasked for ASEAN 2026 Philippine News Agency ASEAN chair Philippines starts 2026 on ‘weaker footing’ after corruption scandal, trade tensions Fortune PNP beefs up security at Asean summit sites The Manila Times Kinumpirma ng PNP na wala silang namo-monitor na anumang banta … Read more
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Taiwan‘s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung stated that Indonesia has the opportunity to become a significant partner for Taiwan in the development of the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. However, this opportunity is contingent upon Indonesia’s position in viewing Taiwan as an equal partner, especially amid the increasing interconnectivity between technology, economy, and global security. … Read more
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Friday, Jan. 16, formally activated an emergency response task group solely focused on ensuring the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings hosted by the Philippines this year. The OCD said the ceremony, held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon … Read more
Philippines, US bolster ties with seventh maritime exercise Baird Maritime PH, US military units hold 7th bilateral maritime drills in WPS Philippine News Agency Philippine Navy tests new frigate in West Philippine Sea drills with US forces Philstar.com BRP Miguel Malvar successfully completes first official mission in West Philippine Sea | ABS-CBN News ABS-CBN Philippines, US hold joint maritime … Read more
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The EU and the Philippines have expressed concerns about China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures” against Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting lawful maritime operations in the South China Sea, according to a joint statement after Kallas met with Philippine … Read more
At a time when global trade is once again being shaken by tariffs, threats and unilateralism – this time from the United States – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has quietly emerged as a vital anchor for economic cooperation in Asia. Often overlooked or misunderstood in Western discourse, RCEP is the world’s largest free … Read more
The US’s intent has been advanced through concrete demands and deployments. At the SLD, Hegseth pushed Australia to lift its defence spending, reportedly from 2-3% of its GDP. In Japan in March, he announced the upgrading of US Forces Japan into a “war-fighting headquarters” to enhance joint operational capabilities with Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. In the … Read more
Key themes discussed by Asean leaders at the bloc’s 46th summit in Kuala Lumpur last month included regional resilience and strategic diversification. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: As US-China geopolitical tensions escalate across multiple fronts, from tariffs to technology disputes, Asean finds itself navigating the complexities of balancing its ties with the world’s two largest economies. … Read more
ASEAN nations have been closely observing the trajectory of US-China relations and have expressed their apprehensions vis-à-vis the uncertainty arising out of Trump tariffs. Leaders of Singapore and Malaysia have been particularly vocal in expressing their apprehensions. While speaking at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit held at Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian PM, Anwar … Read more