What Does the US Return to Philippine Bases Mean for Subic Bay?
1 year, 9 months ago

What Does the US Return to Philippine Bases Mean for Subic Bay?

The Diplomat  

Three decades after the United States left its last military base in the Philippines, it has secured a deal to gain expanded access to the Southeast Asian country’s military bases as it seeks to establish a strategic arc around China. Rolen Paulino, who heads the free-port zone created at Subic Bay following the U.S. departure, told Nikkei Asia that the U.S. military could covet Subic’s deep harbor and South China Sea access. It is about 30 minutes away by F-14.” Officials at the free-port zone, called the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, told Nikkei Asia there are plans to restart ship repair and shipbuilding operations for both U.S. Navy and Philippine ships, along with commercial vessels. Paulino predicted that Cerberus Capital Management, the U.S. private equity group managing the shipyard, would be “very, very aggressive this year.” The United States could also pursue access to another facility in Luzon, including an area in northern Cagayan province, Gregory Poling, director of the Southeast Asian Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Navy Times last month. Last month, the Philippine military accused a Chinese coast guard ship of shining a “military-grade laser light” at one of its vessels within its South China Sea waters.

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History of this topic

Philippines and China swap allegations after vessel ‘sideswiped’ in disputed waters
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Philippines and China swap allegations after vessel ‘sideswiped’ in disputed waters

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Philippine Coast Guard said two Chinese Navy and …

China warns Philippines against miscalculation, provocation
2 months, 4 weeks ago

China warns Philippines against miscalculation, provocation

China Daily  

China urged the Philippine side not to have illusion and miscalculation and stop making any risky and futile provocations in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in a news conference in Beijing in response to the recent comments and action by some …

Ship withdrawal not a sign of de-escalation: China Daily editorial
3 months, 1 week ago

Ship withdrawal not a sign of de-escalation: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

The Philippines has withdrawn its coast guard vessel from the lagoon of China's Xianbin Reef in the South China Sea, where it had been illegally moored since April 17. If Manila sends another ship to the lagoon to try and make its illegal occupation of the Chinese reef a fait accompli — replicating the gambit it has used at China's …

US military open to escorting Philippine ships in the South China Sea, senior admiral says
3 months, 4 weeks ago

US military open to escorting Philippine ships in the South China Sea, senior admiral says

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The U.S. military is open to consultations about escorting Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Tuesday amid a spike in hostilities between Beijing and Manila in the disputed waters. Asked if the U.S. military would consider escorting Philippine ships delivering food and other supplies to Filipino forces in …

Philippines Reaches ‘Arrangement’ With China In South China Sea Reef Resupply Missions, Shuts Down Chinese-Run Online Gambling Industry
5 months ago

Philippines Reaches ‘Arrangement’ With China In South China Sea Reef Resupply Missions, Shuts Down Chinese-Run Online Gambling Industry

News 18  

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered an immediate ban on widespread and mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations, accusing them of venturing into crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murder. Marcos announced the decision during his state-of-the-nation address, when he also said that the Philippines would press efforts to strengthen its defensive capability by forging security …

Japan-Philippines military ties raise tensions
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Japan-Philippines military ties raise tensions

China Daily  

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine's Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, July 8, 2024. The Kishida administration's support for Manila in the Ren'ai Reef dispute and its attempts to challenge China's maritime claims in the South China Sea underline this strategic orientation. Efforts continue to be made toward …

Japan-Philippines military ties raise tensions
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Japan-Philippines military ties raise tensions

China Daily  

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Philippine's Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, July 8, 2024. The Kishida administration's support for Manila in the Ren'ai Reef dispute and its attempts to challenge China's maritime claims in the South China Sea underline this strategic orientation. Efforts continue to be made toward …

China and the Philippines hold crucial talks after chaotic confrontation in disputed South China Sea
5 months, 3 weeks ago

China and the Philippines hold crucial talks after chaotic confrontation in disputed South China Sea

The Hindu  

China and the Philippines held a crucial meeting on July 2 to try and ease escalating tensions following their worst confrontation in the disputed South China Sea that sparked fears of a wider conflict that could involve Manila’s ally, the United States. Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro told her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, “that the Philippines will …

US renews warning it's obligated to defend the Philippines after its new clash with China at sea
6 months, 1 week ago

US renews warning it's obligated to defend the Philippines after its new clash with China at sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Their actions put at risk the lives of our …

Swedish defense chief says actions against Philippines in South China Sea threaten global security
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Swedish defense chief says actions against Philippines in South China Sea threaten global security

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — Sweden’s defense chief has expressed alarm over Beijing’s repeated dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, saying such actions threaten global security, undermine stability and underscore the need to invest “for our security and freedom.” Defense Minister Pål Jonson spoke Thursday night in a diplomatic reception in Manila for Sweden’s national day after meeting …

Philippines calls for expelling of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Philippines calls for expelling of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates

The Hindu  

The Philippines' national security adviser called on May 10 for Chinese diplomats to be expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral, in a significant escalation of a bitter row over the South China Sea. The expelling of diplomats could intensify a row that has so far seen heated exchanges, diplomatic protests and the ramming …

Philippines calls for expelling of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Philippines calls for expelling of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates

Hindustan Times  

By Karen Lema Philippines calls for expelling of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates MANILA, - The Philippines' national security adviser called on Friday for Chinese diplomats to be expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral, in a significant escalation of a bitter row over the South China Sea. The expelling of …

US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills in the disputed South China Sea
7 months, 2 weeks ago

US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills in the disputed South China Sea

Hindustan Times  

LAOAG, Philippines — U.S. and Philippine forces, backed by an Australian air force surveillance aircraft, unleashed a barrage of high-precision rockets, artillery fire and airstrikes Wednesday and sank a mock enemy ship as part of largescale war drills in and near the disputed South China Sea that have antagonized Beijing. US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills …

U.S., Australian and Philippine forces sink a ship during war drills in the disputed South China Sea
7 months, 2 weeks ago

U.S., Australian and Philippine forces sink a ship during war drills in the disputed South China Sea

The Hindu  

Military force from the United States, Australian and the Philippines launched a barrage of high-precision rockets, artillery fire and airstrikes to sink a ship on May 8 as part of largescale war drills in waters facing the disputed South China Sea that have antagonized Beijing. Mr. Marcos has ordered his military to shift its focus to external defense from decades-long …

US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills in the disputed South China Sea
7 months, 2 weeks ago

US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills in the disputed South China Sea

Associated Press  

LAOAG, Philippines — U.S. and Philippine forces, backed by an Australian air force surveillance aircraft, unleashed a barrage of high-precision rockets, artillery fire and airstrikes Wednesday and sank a mock enemy ship as part of largescale war drills in and near the disputed South China Sea that have antagonized Beijing. Marcos has ordered his military to shift its focus to …

US, Australian and Philippine forces sink a ship during war drills in the disputed South China Sea
7 months, 2 weeks ago

US, Australian and Philippine forces sink a ship during war drills in the disputed South China Sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Military force from the United …

The Philippines will only shoot itself in the foot: China Daily editorial
7 months, 3 weeks ago

The Philippines will only shoot itself in the foot: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is behaving roguishly by denying there was a gentleman's agreement between his predecessor and Beijing over the maritime disputes between the two countries. The Philippine government has announced that the "backward deal" between its predecessor and Beijing over the South China Sea issue is contrary to the national interests of the Philippines and is not …

China coast guard flexes its might against the Philippines in disputed waters as journalists watch
9 months, 2 weeks ago

China coast guard flexes its might against the Philippines in disputed waters as journalists watch

Associated Press  

ABOARD BRP SINDANGAN — It was a heart-pounding moment far out in the disputed South China Sea: One of at least five Chinese coast guard ships aggressively approached and sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel, creating a loud, jarring noise that sent its Filipino crew scrambling to lower rubber fenders to cushion the boat’s hull. Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 …

No willingness in region to join the Philippines' games
9 months, 2 weeks ago

No willingness in region to join the Philippines' games

China Daily  

Ren'ai Reef The Philippines on Tuesday accused the China Coast Guard of carrying out "dangerous maneuvers" that led to a collision between one of its coast guard ships and a Chinese vessel. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said in a social media post: "Their reckless and illegal actions led to a collision", which caused "minor structural damage" to the …

U.S. using Philippines as 'pawn' in South China Sea: China
9 months, 2 weeks ago

U.S. using Philippines as 'pawn' in South China Sea: China

The Hindu  

China on Wednesday accused the United States of using the Philippines as a “pawn” in the South China Sea, as hostilities between the two Asian nations escalate over their territorial dispute in the region. China said it “took control measures” against Philippine ships’ “illegal intrusion” into waters it claims, as well as accusing a Philippine ship of “intentionally” ramming a …

How an impasse in the South China Sea drove the Philippines, US closer
11 months, 3 weeks ago

How an impasse in the South China Sea drove the Philippines, US closer

Al Jazeera  

American troops are returning to the Philippines, in a move that some fear may invite conflict with China. While Marcos Jr’s decisions have largely been driven by the South China Sea territorial dispute, he has also shared concerns about the impact of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, saying that “it’s very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines …

Philippines chides China over South China Sea claims: ‘Truth and in fact…’
1 year ago

Philippines chides China over South China Sea claims: ‘Truth and in fact…’

Hindustan Times  

The Philippine defence minister rebuked China on Wednesday for accusing his country of provoking tension and stirring trouble in the South China Sea, saying only Beijing believed what it was saying. "Truth and in fact, no country in the world, none, supports unequivocally their claim to the whole of South China Sea," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said as both nations …

China-Philippines maritime standoff escalating on path that could drag US into conflict, analysts warn
1 year ago

China-Philippines maritime standoff escalating on path that could drag US into conflict, analysts warn

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Sign up for CNN’s Meanwhile in China newsletter, which explores what you need to know about the country’s rise and how it impacts the world. Analysts described Sunday’s clash, in which Chinese Coast Guard water cannons disabled a Philippine boat, as the most serious of four publicized showdowns this year between the two countries in the waters near …

China says a US Navy ship ‘illegally intruded’ into waters in the South China Sea
1 year ago

China says a US Navy ship ‘illegally intruded’ into waters in the South China Sea

Associated Press  

BEIJING — The Chinese military said that an American naval ship had “illegally intruded” on Monday into waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, the site of a hot territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. “The U.S. deliberately disrupted the situation in the South China Sea, seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security, seriously undermined regional …

US renews warning it will defend Philippines after incidents with Chinese vessels in South China Sea
1 year, 2 months ago

US renews warning it will defend Philippines after incidents with Chinese vessels in South China Sea

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The United States renewed a warning Monday that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack under a 1951 treaty, after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels off a contested shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines also plans to raise its alarm over the Chinese ships’ dangerous maneuvers in …

Philippines calls on China to stop ‘provocative actions’ at sea
1 year, 2 months ago

Philippines calls on China to stop ‘provocative actions’ at sea

Al Jazeera  

Manila lodges diplomatic protest over near collisions in the South China Sea, its 55th this year. Manila, meanwhile, said the Chinese vessel engaged in “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” and said a Philippine coastguard vessel escorting the resupply boat was also “bumped” by a ship from China’s maritime militia. Coast Guard Tarriela noted that on Sunday, the Philippines was greatly outnumbered by …

‘Bold step’: Philippines vows to remove future South China Sea barriers
1 year, 2 months ago

‘Bold step’: Philippines vows to remove future South China Sea barriers

Al Jazeera  

Comments by the Philippine coastguard come after it dismantled a Chinese buoy barrier set up on a disputed shoal that raised tensions. The Philippine coastguard has promised to “do whatever it takes” to remove any more floating barriers installed by China at a disputed reef in the South China Sea. US commends ‘bold step’ China, which claims almost the entire …

Philippines removes 'hazardous' floating barrier installed by China in disputed South China Sea
1 year, 2 months ago

Philippines removes 'hazardous' floating barrier installed by China in disputed South China Sea

India TV News  

The Philippines Coast Guard on Monday said that it has successfully removed a "hazardous" floating barrier installed by the Chinese maritime forces aimed towards stopping Filipino boats from fishing in a nearby shoal in the disputed South China Sea. Marking yet another confrontation between the two neighbouring countries, the Philippines had condemned the installation of the 300 m-long floating barrier …

China urges Philippines to abide by commitments, cease provocative actions in South China Sea
1 year, 4 months ago

China urges Philippines to abide by commitments, cease provocative actions in South China Sea

China Daily  

The Ministry of National Defense spokesman Wu Qian. China's Defense Ministry on Tuesday urged the Philippines to abide by its commitments regarding Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea and immediately cease all provocative actions. Wu said China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly uphold its national sovereignty, urging the Philippines to abide by its commitments of removing …

China urges Philippines to abide by commitments, cease provocative actions in South China Sea
1 year, 4 months ago

China urges Philippines to abide by commitments, cease provocative actions in South China Sea

China Daily  

The Ministry of National Defense spokesman Wu Qian. China's Defense Ministry on Tuesday urged the Philippines to abide by its commitments regarding Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea and immediately cease all provocative actions. Wu said China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly uphold its national sovereignty, urging the Philippines to abide by its commitments of removing …

US, Japanese, Philippine coast guard ships stage law enforcement drills near South China Sea
1 year, 6 months ago

US, Japanese, Philippine coast guard ships stage law enforcement drills near South China Sea

Associated Press  

ABOARD BRP CABRA, Philippines — U.S., Japanese and Philippine coast guard ships staged law enforcement drills in waters near the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday as Washington presses efforts to reinforce alliances in Asia amid an increasingly tense rivalry with China. A helicopter hovered as U.S. and Japanese coast guard ships helped rescue crew members who jumped off the …

The Philippines in danger of being sucked into US-China conflict over Taiwan
1 year, 7 months ago

The Philippines in danger of being sucked into US-China conflict over Taiwan

The Hindu  

Published : May 18, 2023 11:00 IST - 10 MINS READ THE Philippine government had until recently refused to take sides in the looming confrontation between the US and China, but it suddenly shifted gears. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the US “was threatening peace and stability” in the region with its move to establish more military bases …

US says China intimidates Philippine vessels in South China Sea
1 year, 7 months ago

US says China intimidates Philippine vessels in South China Sea

Al Jazeera  

US warns that any attack on Philippine vessels or aircraft in the Pacific would trigger a defence response from Washington. The United States has accused China of “harassment and intimidation of Philippine vessels” and called on Beijing to end “provocative” action in the South China Sea after a recent near-collision between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine Coast Guard boat. …

U.S. says Chinese Coast Guard is harassing Philippine vessels
1 year, 7 months ago

U.S. says Chinese Coast Guard is harassing Philippine vessels

The Hindu  

The United States on April 29 called on China to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, pledging to stand with the Philippines at a time of simmering geopolitical tension. The Philippines on Friday accused China's coast guard of "aggressive tactics" following an incident during a Philippine coast guard patrol close to the Philippines-held Second Thomas Shoal, a …

China’s FM holds talks in Philippines amid strained ties
1 year, 8 months ago

China’s FM holds talks in Philippines amid strained ties

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — China’s foreign minister said Saturday his country is willing to work with the Philippines to resolve their differences, as tensions rise over Beijing’s behavior in the disputed South China Sea and Manila’s deeping military cooperation with the U.S. Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks in Manila with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, and was scheduled to meet …

Philippines confronts Chinese diplomats over sea disputes
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippines confronts Chinese diplomats over sea disputes

The Hindu  

Filipino diplomats confronted Chinese officials in closed-door talks on March 24, with a slew of protests over China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, including targeting a Philippine coast guard ship with a military-grade laser, but no resolution was reached on the issues, an official said. A Philippine foreign affairs department statement said both sides discussed “different incidents at …

Philippines confronts Chinese diplomats over sea disputes
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippines confronts Chinese diplomats over sea disputes

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino diplomats confronted Chinese officials in closed-door talks Friday with a slew of protests over China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, including targeting a Philippine coast guard ship with a military-grade laser, but no resolution was reached on the issues, an official said. A Philippine official involved in the talks told The Associated Press that …

US gets new Philippine bases with South China Sea, Taiwan in mind
1 year, 9 months ago

US gets new Philippine bases with South China Sea, Taiwan in mind

Al Jazeera  

President Marcos Jr says US military base locations include the northern Philippine province which faces the South China Sea. Four new military bases to be used by United States forces deployed to the Philippines will be in scattered locations around the country, including in a province facing the flashpoint South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said. The …

Chinese navy ship, militia vessels found 'slowly loitering' near disputed island, says Philippines
1 year, 9 months ago

Chinese navy ship, militia vessels found 'slowly loitering' near disputed island, says Philippines

India Today  

The Philippines said on Saturday it had spotted a Chinese navy ship and dozens of militia vessels around a contested Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea, as territorial tensions mount in the area. The Philippine Coast Guard said 42 vessels believed to be crewed by Chinese maritime militia personnel were seen in the vicinity of Thitu island, while a …

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urges military to focus on South China Sea
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urges military to focus on South China Sea

The Hindu  

The Philippine President said the main mission of his country's military has changed to ensure the protection of its territory as disputes with China and U.S.-China rivalry intensify. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the urgency of shifting the military’s focus to external defence in a speech before troops on Monday afternoon He spoke two weeks after summoning China's Ambassador to …

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president said the main mission of his country’s military has changed to ensure the protection of its territory as disputes with China and U.S.-China rivalry intensify. He spoke two weeks after summoning China’s ambassador to protest the use of a military-grade laser by the Chinese coast guard that briefly blinded some of the crew of …

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea
1 year, 9 months ago

Philippine leader urges military to focus on South China Sea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

US renews warning it’ll defend Philippines after China spat
1 year, 10 months ago

US renews warning it’ll defend Philippines after China spat

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The United States renewed a warning that it would defend its treaty ally if Filipino forces come under attack in the disputed South China Sea, after a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly hit a Philippine patrol vessel with military-grade laser that briefly blinded some of its crew. Despite friendly overtures to Beijing by former Philippine President Rodrigo …

U.S. renews warning it will defend Philippines after China spat
1 year, 10 months ago

U.S. renews warning it will defend Philippines after China spat

The Hindu  

The United States renewed a warning that it would defend its treaty ally if Filipino forces come under an armed attack in the disputed South China Sea after a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly hit a Philippine patrol vessel with military-grade laser that temporarily blinded some of its crew. “The United States stands with our Philippine allies,” Mr. Price said …

Philippines says China ship used laser against coast guard
1 year, 10 months ago

Philippines says China ship used laser against coast guard

Associated Press  

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Monday accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a Philippine coast guard vessel with a military-grade laser and temporarily blinding some of its crew in the disputed South China Sea, calling it a “blatant” violation of Manila’s sovereign rights. The Philippine military said it’s time for China to restrain its forces from committing …

Philippines accuses China of using a laser against coast guard ship, blinding crew
1 year, 10 months ago

Philippines accuses China of using a laser against coast guard ship, blinding crew

LA Times  

Manila has accused a Chinese ship of using a laser to temporarily blind crew aboard a Philippine coast guard vessel in the South China Sea. The Philippines on Monday accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a Philippine coast guard vessel with a military-grade laser and temporarily blinding some of its crew in the disputed South China Sea, calling …

Philippines accuses China of using 'military-grade' laser against its vessels in South China Sea
1 year, 10 months ago

Philippines accuses China of using 'military-grade' laser against its vessels in South China Sea

India TV News  

South China Sea dispute: In a major development, China allegedly used the latest military-grade laser technology in order to target the Philippines' vessels in the disputed South China Sea on February 6, Monday. According to the statement released by the Philippine coast guard, the incident happened earlier last week while supporting a rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy …

Manila accuses China of ‘dangerous’ manoeuvres in South China Sea
1 year, 10 months ago

Manila accuses China of ‘dangerous’ manoeuvres in South China Sea

Al Jazeera  

Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese used ‘military-grade laser’ against a ship carrying supplies to the Sierra Madre. The Philippines has accused China of trying to prevent its coastguard from resupplying a contingent deployed at an atoll in the disputed South China Sea by directing a “military-grade laser light” at the ship and carrying out “dangerous” manoeuvres. The Philippine Coast Guard …

Philippines agrees to allow US wider access to military bases
1 year, 10 months ago

Philippines agrees to allow US wider access to military bases

Al Jazeera  

Move comes amid concerns about China’s assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and over self-ruled Taiwan. The Philippines and the United States have agreed to expand their defence pact, with US troops allowed access to four more military bases in the Southeast Asian nation, according to a joint statement from the two countries’ defence departments. “The Philippines and the …

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