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The Philippines
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The Philippines

The Philippines
The Philippines
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on the Philippines, covering politics, economy, society, and Manila’s relationships with China and its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney after signing various memorandums of understanding in New Delhi, India, on March 2. Photo: AP
Diplomacy

As I see it | Trump is turning allies and partners into friends of China

Dealing with Beijing offers countries such as Canada and India more leverage with the US in addition to economic benefits.

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United Nations

Philippines’ UN defeat: a result of domestic ‘political circus’, close ties with US?

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Hong Kong society

With fewer public spaces for Hong Kong’s helpers, where can they go to unwind?

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Taiwan

Are Japan-Philippines talks a maritime red line for China’s blue-water ambitions?

Analysts warn the Tokyo-Manila boundary negotiations will be seen in Beijing as an attempt to challenge its position on Taiwan.

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Beijing responded to the announcement of the maritime boundary talks by sending its coastguard into new waters east of Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
China-Philippines relations

Japan-Philippines maritime talks 2026

SCMP’s coverage of the ongoing maritime and defence talks between Japan and the Philippines. The high-level summits began in late May 2026 to China’s condemnation.

AirAsia

AirAsia denies Philippine flight grounding claims, slams ‘smear campaign’

The company said the narratives were aimed at limiting competition and consumer choice in the Philippines.

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Singapore

Suspected Filipino scammer reveals how Cambodian ring conned Singaporeans

De Villar Rizalyn Panganiban, accused of taking part in a three-level impersonation scam, gives insights into the gang’s fraud tactics.

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A police officer inspects a scam compound in Cambodia’s Kampot province in February. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

How Beijing could use its military and trade to hit back at Tokyo-Manila ties

Chinese experts warn the pair could pose a threat in a conflict over Taiwan, urge tough economic and military measures.

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War and conflict

Opinion | Asia has to learn the lessons of war while it still can

The time to learn is before the fire reaches the house. Every war forces us to ask: if this logic came to our region, what would we do?

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United Nations

Portugal and Austria defeat Germany for seats on UN Security Council

Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines by a vote of 143-49 to join the council for the first time.

The Austrian delegation celebrate their result. Photo: dpa
Sara Duterte-Carpio

Citizen group to press for ‘transparency’ in Philippine VP’s impeachment trial

The Bantay Senado network aims to fill gaps in information, accountability and engagement, and ensure senators conduct a fair trial.

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Members of Bantay Senado, a Philippine citizen watchdog launched to monitor Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial. Photo: Dino Singson de Leon and Team Pinas
Taiwan

How Japan, Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Tokyo-Manila defence cooperation is linking Pacific flashpoints, with broad implications for Beijing, analysts say.

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Taiwan

What does Beijing’s response to Tokyo-Manila boundary talks mean for Taiwan?

The Chinese coastguard’s rapid growth in recent years has included an evolution of its roles and relationships with the PLA.

China-Philippines relations

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

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China’s foreign ministry has accused Gilberto Teodoro Jnr of having “no sense of gratitude” following comments by the Philippine defence chief about Beijing’s offers of aid. Photo: AFP
International Criminal Court

Philippine Senate power struggle veers towards crisis after Estrada arrest

The arrest has left rival blocs short of the numbers needed to act ahead of the vice-president’s impeachment trial.

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Arrested Philippines Senator Jinggoy Estrada (C) arrives for a scheduled court arraignment at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippines’ Marcos gets worst rating of his presidency so far. Here’s why

A net satisfaction rating of minus 15 marks the worst showing of Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s presidency so far.

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Taiwan

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

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Corruption in Asia

Video | Philippine senator accused of corruption turns himself in

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has strongly denied allegations that he received more than 570 million pesos (US$9.3 million) in kickbacks.

Philippine Senator Jose "Jinggoy" ⁠Estrada waves at the Philippine National Police headquarters after surrendering to the police over a graft case, in Quezon City, Philippines, June 1, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
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Malaysia

Why oil-hungry Asia ignores risks linked to Russia’s ‘dark fleet’

Asia prioritises fuel needs over security risks from Russian oil to survive the energy crisis, despite sanctions and diplomatic dilemmas.

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Asean

Opinion | Will the US’ Pax Silica deliver for the Philippines?

The Pax Silica plan to make the Philippines a vital node in a US-led tech supply chain is built on seemingly speculative promises and risks riling China.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine lawmaker charged with corruption to surrender

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has strongly denied allegations that he received more than 570 million pesos (US$9.3 million) in kickbacks.

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Philippine Senator Jinggoy Estrada (right) is escorted by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla (left), as Estrada leaves the Senate to surrender to police authorities, in Metro Manila, on Monday. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth adopted a noticeably less hostile tone towards China in his address at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Photo: EPA
Vietnam

Philippines and Vietnam close ranks on South China Sea as To Lam visits

The Vietnamese president is wrapping up a Southeast Asia tour aimed at shoring up regional security alliances.

Taiwan

China responds to Japan-Philippines boundary talks with expanded sea patrols

Coastguard vessels carried out law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, in a ‘necessary action’, spokesman says.

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Singapore

Shangri-La Dialogue: can Asia do ‘less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs’?

In response to Hegseth’s call, participants at the Singapore forum say defence spending levels have to factor in different countries’ needs.

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Participants speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence forum in Singapore on Sunday. Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Shangri-La Dialogue

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

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A Chinese coastguard vessel patrols the disputed South China Sea on May 23. Photo: Xinhua
India

India seals BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, eyes Indonesia next

A senior Indian defence ministry official made the announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

Asean

Asian Angle | Where Southeast Asians really want to live, work and travel

While Thailand leads for tourism, Singapore and Japan are the top draws for work, revealing uneven regional soft power dynamics.

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