Latest news with #WestPhilippineSea
Reuters
3 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Philippines defence chief says China needs to overcome 'deficit of trust'
SINGAPORE, May 31 (Reuters) - China has a "deficit of trust and credibility" it needs to overcome in order to mend its fraught defence ties with the Philippines, though any breakthrough in the near term remains unlikely, Manila's top defence official said on Saturday. Defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Reuters that the threat of China's growing military prowess was "undeniable", echoing comments from Pete Hegseth, the counterpart from his U.S. treaty ally. "China's activities are getting more expansive and more aggressive. Their demonstrations of force are getting more frequent, and in the West Philippine Sea, we are getting used to their activities, but they have expanded the areas where they are doing it," he said, referring to the South China Sea. In a wide-ranging interview on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting in Singapore, Teodoro spoke of the frustration of dealing with Chinese military counterparts who rarely stray from talking points and propaganda and represent an institution that exists to serve the Communist Party leadership. "I believe my foreign affairs colleagues are trying their level best to engage China. But on the defence side, what we have seen is that China has to overcome a deficit of trust and credibility," he said. "They continue their activities while gaslighting us that because the proximity and the defensive capabilities of the Philippines are not on par with Vietnam, so they choose us as an easy target." But Teodoro said both the United States and the Philippines wanted to peacefully deter China and he remained confident in Washington's security commitments after meeting Hegseth in Singapore. The Philippines has been among the most vocal critics of China's growing assertion of sovereignty in the South China Sea, in contrast to some of its neighbours like Malaysia, who have adopted a more cautious stance. "No country in ASEAN is subjected to the same amount of intense activities in all fronts by China, but the Philippines," said Teodoro. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. China's foreign ministry earlier this month urged the Philippines to stop provocations in the South China Sea and officials have frequently accused the U.S. of sowing discord in the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal said Beijing's claims, based on its historic maps, have no basis under international law, a decision China does not recognise.
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Akbayan eyes West PH Sea bloc in House
Akbayan to lead the formation of a WPH bloc in the House (Photo from Akbayan party-list) Reelected Akbayan party-list Representative Perci Cendaña on Thursday vowed to mount a West Philippine Sea (WPS) bloc in the House of Representatives to boost efforts in defending the country's sovereign territorial rights, which have come under threat from China's aggressions. 'The WPS bloc in Congress will be a bloc of champions of sovereignty, those who firmly believe that WPS is ours. This bloc of lawmakers believe that we should be harnessing our resources, and are against any encroachment by China," Cendaña said in a press conference ahead of the third Atin Ito coalition civilian mission featuring a concert near the Pag-asa Island on May 26 to 30, 2025. Likewise, Cendaña said Akbayan will push for a bill on the mandatory teaching of West Philippine Sea history and geography in schools and declaring July 12 of every year as West Philippine Sea Victory Day. He added his group would also pitch for the establishment of a West Philippine Sea Institute mandated to conduct research, protect marine resources, and develop educational programs to raise public awareness and national pride. It was on July 12, 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." The decision also ruled that the Ayungin Shoal, the Spratly Islands, Panganiban or Mischief Reef, and Recto or Reed Bank are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Further, the Hague court outlawed Chinese aggression in the Philippines' EEZ by stating that Scarborough Shoal, a rich fish resource, is a common fishing ground. 'We hope that this bloc will also be the chariot for the two important legislatures that I've mentioned. West Philippine Sea Victory Day and the establishment of the West Philippine Sea Institute. So, issue-based itong block na ito,' Cendaña, the second nominee of Akbayan party-list, said. 'We will use facts and education to counter the lies, propaganda, and fake news being peddled by the Chinese government and its agents in the country,' added Akbayan first nominee Chel Diokno. China has never recognized the Hague court ruling to this day and is undeterred in deploying aggression against Philippine vessels and personnel, including firing water cannons and ramming Filipino-manned coastguard and fishing vessels. On May 22, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) reported an aggressive interference by the China Coast Guard against two Philippine civilian vessels conducting a routine marine scientific research mission in the vicinity of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) which lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the WPS.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Shifts Gears to Combat Evolving Cyber Threats
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA, May 8, 2025 / / -- In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, state-sponsored cyber intrusions, breaches targeting government systems, and a surge in deepfake content have become pressing challenges for the Philippines. These occurrences, while increasingly routine, underscore the complexity and urgency of cyber defense in the modern era. A notable pattern has emerged: spikes in activity within the West Philippine Sea often coincide with intensified malicious cyber operations targeting the Philippines. In response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has adopted a proactive stance, taking robust steps to secure the nation's digital frontlines. Fully recognizing that cybersecurity is now a pillar of national defense—protecting territory, economy, and democratic values—the AFP has updated its doctrines and operational plans to better confront these sophisticated threats. Integral to this effort is its commitment to international cooperation, with cybersecurity integration becoming a hallmark of joint military exercises such as the annual Balikatan, hosted in partnership with the United States. Further reinforcing its position, the Philippines has established trilateral cyber defense collaboration with Japan and the U.S., and continues to be an active member of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)—the world's largest coalition against ransomware. In recognition of the growing sophistication of cyber threats, the AFP has also created a dedicated Cyber Command to consolidate efforts across units, enhance internal coordination, and conduct defensive operations aimed at safeguarding military digital infrastructure. The AFP's focus on continuous improvement is evident in its partnerships, including previous collaborations with global certifying bodies such as the EC-Council and CISCO Academy, aimed at upskilling its cybersecurity personnel. Strengthening its commitment to national cybersecurity awareness and innovation, the AFP has officially joined as a Supporting Partner of PhilSec 2025 —the Philippines' flagship cybersecurity festival, happening on 22 – 23 July 2025 at the Manila Marriott Hotel. The two-day event promises expert insights, strategic dialogues, and a showcase of cutting-edge solutions addressing the most urgent issues in the cyber domain. Through these dynamic and forward-looking initiatives, the AFP reinforces its message: defending our nation's sovereignty now extends into cyberspace—and we are prepared! For more information about the event, log on to: Media contact: Shrinkhal Sharad PR & Communication Lead [email protected] + (91) 80 6166 4401 Tradepass About Tradepass Providing access to the global emerging markets, Tradepass brings together people, products and solutions to power events for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. Being the most accredited event company, it helps organizations: enter new markets, grow sales pipeline, close prospects, raise capital and identify the right solution-providers. As a deal facilitator, Tradepass is always determined about exposing the most agile liquid growth markets, to enable all-round scalability and growth. Shrinkhal Sharad Tradepass +91 80 6166 4401 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
