Author: Jeoffrey Maitem

Manila and the United States are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT) to help each other in times of external aggression. The recent clash in the South China Sea has raised tensions between the Philippines and China, with Chinese coastguards accused of violating maritime laws and Philippine sovereignty. Despite the incident, the Philippines remains committed to upholding the rule of law and regional stability. The US has reaffirmed its commitment to defend its ally, the Philippines, in case of armed attacks. A dilapidated but still active Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre sits at the Second Thomas Shoal,…

Recent revelations by Reuters have brought to light a controversial issue involving the US military allegedly spreading fear about China’s vaccines in the Philippines. This has sparked calls for investigations and raised concerns about public health and trust in vaccines. While some officials have expressed doubts and suggested a neutral stance towards both US and Chinese assistance, others have condemned any efforts to discredit vaccines, emphasizing the importance of immunization programs. Experts warn of the potential political risks and implications of such information operations, highlighting the ongoing power contestation between the US and China in the region. The Philippines, being…

Demonstrators gathered outside the Chinese consulate office in Makati, urging China to rethink its coastguard policy, which allows the detention of foreign nationals for up to 60 days if caught trespassing in Beijing’s territorial waters. This move sparked outrage, with former Bayan representative Teddy Casiño condemning China’s aggressive tactics. Protesters at a rally in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila on June 14. Photo: EPA-EFE Local fishermen from Zambales vowed to continue fishing in their traditional grounds despite China’s restrictions. They warned of retaliating against Chinese nationals if any locals were harmed or detained. The Philippines and other ASEAN…

The Philippines has recently inked a logistics support agreement with New Zealand and is on the brink of finalizing a military access deal with Japan. These agreements will bolster joint military exercises and logistical support, enhancing Manila’s strategic capabilities to counter Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Analysts assert that these moves align with the broader strategic interests of Wellington and Tokyo in ensuring regional stability and safeguarding their security. However, there are concerns that these agreements could provoke a reaction from Beijing, escalating military aggression and diplomatic tensions in the region. Under the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement, New…

Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and lecturer at De La Salle University, highlighted the strong trade relationship between the Philippines and China, driven by a preference for Chinese manufactured goods among Philippine businesses. This preference, coupled with rising international political uncertainties, could pose major socio-economic challenges if the Philippines hastily diversifies away from Chinese imports. Gill emphasized the need for the Philippines to attract more investments and enhance research and development capabilities to develop its manufacturing sector and ensure long-term economic resilience. Meanwhile, political analyst Edmund Tayao noted China’s dominance in manufacturing tech products, making it challenging for Philippine…

During a state banquet at Istana Nurul Iman hosted by the sultanate, Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr emphasized the importance of bilateral and international cooperation for regional peace and stability. The sultan, ruling Brunei for nearly 60 years, expressed commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines. Despite territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Brunei maintains a peaceful approach, influenced by economic ties with China. A maritime cooperation deal signed between the Philippines and Brunei aims at mutual defense. Brunei’s proximity to China affects its assertiveness in the region. Bilateral trade between Brunei and China has reached US$2.53 billion, indicating…

Philippine billionaire Ramon Ang emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s energy reserves in the West Philippine Sea amidst competing claims with China and other neighboring countries. With Manila’s relatively low oil production compared to its neighbors, Ang called for strategic planning to optimize energy resources. Edmund Tayao, a political analyst, highlighted the complexities of expanding energy production in disputed areas due to political considerations. Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio suggested exploring the oil and gas at Reed Bank with US assistance to deter Chinese harassment. Carpio proposed joint maritime patrols with the US for energy exploration. The…

Manila is planning to file a case against China for its destruction of coral reefs in the South China Sea. With evidence being collected, legal experts believe Manila has a good chance of winning the case, given past legal precedents regarding the territorial dispute. Suspected Chinese maritime militia transport giant clams which they got in the Scarborough Shoal at the disputed South China Sea. Photo: Philippine coastguard via AP The Philippines, along with other nations, has been disputing China’s claims in the region. Legal experts suggest that Manila’s strategy may help pressure China to change its ways in the South…

In a recent controversy, an alleged wiretapped conversation has surfaced, suggesting a secret agreement between the Philippines and China regarding military operations in the South China Sea. The conversation involves Western Command Chief Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos discussing a new approach to resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, a navy outpost grounded on a shoal in disputed waters. The deal, known as the “1+1” format, would limit the number of vessels each side could deploy to the area, with Manila required to notify Beijing in advance of any missions. This revelation has sparked a call for an investigation, with Senator Francis…

Last week, the Philippine embassy released a transcript and audio recording of a purported call, which some officials have dismissed as likely fabricated. The call involved Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos discussing resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Senator Francis Tolentino filed a resolution to investigate the call, where Carlos allegedly agreed to Beijing’s protocols. The deal involved a specific format for resupply missions to the outpost at the shoal. The call has sparked controversy and led to calls for the expulsion of Beijing diplomats over alleged wiretapping. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered…