Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11th, pursuant to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. This arrest, stemming from an ICC crimes against humanity case related to Duterte’s drug war, makes him the first former head of state apprehended via an international tribunal order. The arrest followed an Interpol Red Notice and was facilitated through Interpol, despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. The Marcos administration, while not directly cooperating with the ICC, fulfilled its Interpol obligations.
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The Philippines and Canada finalized a defense pact to enhance military cooperation, enabling joint combat exercises and bolstering defense engagements in the face of China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. This agreement, following similar pacts with the U.S., Australia, and Japan, will establish a framework for increased collaboration, improving interoperability, and facilitating capacity-building. The pact is intended to deter China’s aggression in the strategically important waterway, a key global trade route. The agreement is expected to be signed within the next few months.
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The French aircraft carrier *Charles de Gaulle*, along with accompanying warships, conducted joint military drills with Philippine forces in the South China Sea, showcasing a significant display of military power. These exercises, including anti-submarine warfare and aerial combat training, followed the *Charles de Gaulle*’s two-month Indo-Pacific deployment and marked its first-ever visit to the Philippines. The drills, intended to bolster regional security and maritime cooperation, are likely to further strain relations with China, which has repeatedly criticized similar joint military exercises in the disputed waters. France’s increased military presence in the region underscores its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian nations.
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The Philippines has made it abundantly clear that it will not tolerate China’s continued deployment of ships within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The persistence of these deployments, some of which have lingered for extended periods—a month in one recent instance—is unacceptable. The Philippines’ stated refusal to normalize this situation underscores the gravity of the ongoing dispute and the country’s resolve to protect its sovereign rights.
Despite attempts at communication, such as sending radio messages, these have been met with silence from the Chinese vessels. This lack of response further strengthens the Philippines’ position that these deployments are not merely instances of innocent passage, but rather deliberate and sustained incursions.… Continue reading
Philippine authorities announced the arrest of five more Chinese nationals on espionage charges, bringing the total to six this month. The suspects, apprehended in various locations across the Philippines, allegedly used drones and high-resolution cameras to surveil military bases and vessels in Palawan province. These arrests follow increased tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories in the South China Sea. Investigations are ongoing, but officials suggest the espionage may be linked to a broader operation, and the involvement of the Chinese state remains undetermined.
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China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning strongly condemned the Philippines’ deployment of the U.S. Typhon missile system, citing its potential to escalate regional tensions and initiate an arms race. Mao argued the system, possessing both nuclear and conventional capabilities, represents a strategic offensive threat, contradicting the Philippines’ claims of neutrality and jeopardizing its sovereignty. The spokesperson accused the Philippines of dishonesty regarding the system’s intended use, shifting from a temporary exercise to potential permanent deployment. China urged the Philippines to withdraw the system, warning that continued deployment could have severely detrimental consequences for the country.
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The Philippines plans to acquire the U.S. Typhon missile system to bolster its defense capabilities in the South China Sea, prompting condemnation from China. This decision follows the U.S. Army’s deployment of the system in the northern Philippines earlier this year and escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed territories. China views the acquisition as a provocative act that could escalate regional tensions and trigger an arms race. The Typhon system’s intended use is to protect Philippine maritime assets within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
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President Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding the reported Russian submarine’s presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea underscores a deeply unsettling situation. The sheer act of a Russian submarine surfacing in this area is undeniably concerning, raising serious questions about intentions and potentially escalating regional tensions. This intrusion, regardless of whether it is technically illegal under international law, is a blatant disregard for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reported incident follows a pattern of increasingly assertive actions by Russia in the region, particularly in its close partnership with China. The “no limits” partnership declared by Russia and China speaks volumes about their growing collaboration.… Continue reading
Back in the day, sword fights at sea might have been considered the norm, but in today’s world of advanced military technology, fists and swords just seem downright archaic. The recent incident involving Filipino soldiers having to defend themselves against Chinese coast guards armed with swords is a stark reminder that sometimes, the most basic of tools are all you have to rely on in moments of conflict.
The images shared by the Filipino army of damaged boats and Chinese personnel equipped with blades paint a vivid picture of the intense confrontation that took place. It’s almost surreal to think that in this day and age, such primitive weapons were used in a military standoff.… Continue reading
The recent clash between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has once again brought to light the tense territorial disputes in the region. As a concerned individual, it is disheartening to see the aggressive tactics employed by China in seizing Philippine boats and injuring navy personnel. It is clear that China is acting as the bully in this situation, disregarding the sovereignty of neighboring countries and escalating tensions in the region.
The United States, as a treaty ally of the Philippines, has renewed its warning that it is obligated to defend the Philippines in such situations. This reaffirmation of support is crucial in deterring further aggressive actions by China and upholding international laws and norms in the South China Sea.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood