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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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen on Sunday before flying to Manila ahead of Asean meetings, where he is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Trump softens tone on alleged China election meddling before Rubio-Wang talks

US president says Washington will discuss alleged 2020 election interference with Beijing but plays down prospects of retaliation.

US-China relations

The US mounts pressure across 3 maritime flashpoints. How should China respond?

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Defence

Philippines taps combat veteran to lead armed forces amid regional tensions

South China Sea

Chinese loans to Philippines stay resilient despite maritime row

The data shows ‘shifts in political tone may matter less’ than commercial considerations, according to AidData, a research group.

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A Philippine resupply vessel hit by a Chinese coastguard water canon as its crew members tried to enter the Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea in March 2024. Photo: AP
South China Sea

China lodges protest with Philippines after latest Second Thomas Shoal clash

Beijing summons the Philippine ambassador to complain about what it describes as a ‘malicious’ attack on its coastguards.

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SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s US$500m warship, Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub: 7 Asia highlights

From Bali’s bid to become a financial hub to Japan’s bind over US’ ICC campaign, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

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Mainland China

Video | Philippine sailor injured in clash with China Coast Guard

China Coast Guard claims that the Philippines was “first to maliciously attack”.

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South China Sea

Chinese and Philippine maritime forces clash at Second Thomas Shoal

Personnel on Chinese speedboat and Philippine dinghy come to blows in countdown to Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.

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International Property

Chinese immigrants play outsized role in Canada’s housing scene amid foreign ban

Chinese permanent residents, exempted from the ban, are estimated to have bought US$4 billion worth of homes last year in Canada.

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Malaysia

Malaysia adds South China Sea eyes in the sky amid Sabah row with Philippines

Long-range radar at Swallow Reef and new drones in Labuan aim to give Malaysia better oversight of its eastern waters.

A still from a video shared by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin showing one of Malaysia’s newly acquired Turkish-built Anka drones. Photo: Facebook/MohamedKhaledNordin
World Health Organization (WHO)

‘Something beyond science’: Philippine school for exorcists draws Asia’s priests

A priest from the Michael Centre for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism says he can tell if cases are possessed by ‘a change in behaviour’.

A man watching a footage of a woman being exorcised, in Makati, Metro Manila. Photo: AFP
Asean

Can Philippines turn reforms into gains in Southeast Asia’s FDI race?

Reforms have thrust the country into the spotlight as it seeks to lure capital away from Vietnam, Malaysia and elsewhere.

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Defence

Philippines’ plan to fortify coastal defences: deterrence or target?

The plan to establish coastal defence assets in Palawan is unlikely to close the country’s military gap with China, analysts say.

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Artificial intelligence

Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub plan slammed for mineral ‘plunder’

The proposed US-led plan is another example of the authorities’ insincerity in addressing the concerns of affected communities, critics say.

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Protesters hold a rally against the US-led Pax Silica project and defence deals between the US and the Philippines in Manila on July 4. Photo: EPA
South China Sea

Philippine military assures ‘no vacuum’ over top officer’s retirement

The transition comes at a sensitive time due to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and Manila’s row with some retired officers over Marcos.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr speaks during a forum with foreign reporters at the military headquarters in Manila on October 3. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

US coastguard cutters have a South China Sea mission. Will it make a difference?

The vessels will take part in maritime security operations with regional partners in the western Pacific.

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China-Philippines relations

Does Beijing own Batanes? Why Chinese scholars’ claim is a warning to Manila

Analysts say the controversial assertions may be a way for Beijing to signal dissatisfaction with Japan-Philippines maritime border talks.

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Transport and logistics

Philippines’ iconic jeepneys sputter up a costly climb to go electric

Observers point to the high costs of owning an e-jeepney and a lack of government support in enabling the electric shift.

A petrol station worker prepares to refuel a jeepney in Quezon City, the Philippines, in March. Photo: EPA
South China Sea

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

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US-China relations

Global views of China and Xi improve as perceptions of US decline: Pew survey

China’s image has recovered from pandemic lows while confidence in the US and its global leadership has weakened.

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Crime

Philippines starts active school shooter drills after deadly gun attack

June’s fatal shooting at a school in the Visayas region shocked the nation, where mass violence in educational settings is very rare.

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Philippine police officers enter San Jose National High School in Tacloban City after a shooting on June 22. Photo: EPA
South China Sea

How Beijing’s islands of control are reshaping the South China Sea

Ten years after the Hague’s tribunal ruling, Beijing’s island-building strategy has effectively eclipsed the 2016 decision, observers say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Crime

Philippine police hunt suspects after US marine biologist shot dead in Sibulan

Three men, whose faces were covered, forced their way into 73-year-old Kent Carpenter’s home and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.

South China Sea

Beijing’s plan to solve South China Sea disputes, 10 years after Hague ruling

China should keep engaging in good-faith diplomacy and use International Organisation for Mediation to help ease tensions, analysts say.

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Food and agriculture

‘All talk’: farmers warn Philippines isn’t ready for ‘super’ El Nino

Rice output could be slashed by 700,000 tonnes as dams dry up, evoking memories of the Philippine drought of 1997-98.

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A Filipino farmer inspects rice for pests at a farm in Palawan province. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

US$15b illegal baby trade; Philippines’ investment lag: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s bid for a massive tourism boom to a look at the illegal baby trade, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Media attend a press briefing where Thai police showed pictures of surrogate babies in 2014, the year before Thailand banned commercial surrogacy. Photo: AP
South China Sea

Will Manila and Hanoi’s maritime deal challenge Beijing in the South China Sea?

A new cooperation agreement chips away at China’s bilateral negotiation tactic, but experts say its value is mostly symbolic.

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Why a Chinese academic claim over Batanes has unsettled the Philippines

A symposium in Guangzhou has claimed Batanes ‘constitutes a natural geographical extension of Taiwan’ and therefore belongs to mainland China.

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