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👉 The strategic South China Sea is a flashpoint due to a growing diplomatic dispute and maritime incidents between China and the Philippines.

Hi there - It’s Jaime

Today’s issue takes 6 minutes to read.

• Filipinos View China as Major Threat: OCTA Research

• Marcos Jr. Vows to Boost AFP's Capabilities for External Defense

• Australia and Philippines: Defense Relations at a High Point.

Let’s get into it.

Marcos Jr. Vows to Boost AFP's Capabilities for External Defense

On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged to equip the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with improved equipment, training, and resources to increase their effectiveness. As the AFP shifts from internal operations to an external defence posture, the Chief Executive believes that the AFP must strengthen its capabilities. [Read more]

• Teodoro and Ollongren Pledge to Boost Defense Cooperation. Defence Ministers Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Philippines and Kajsa Ollongren of the Netherlands committed to strengthening their bilateral defence and security ties, particularly in the areas of countering cybercrimes and espionage.

• Australia and Philippines: Defense Relations at a High Point. Defence Minister Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister of Australia, stated that the defence and security ties between his country and the Philippines are at a "high point."

• Inhumane: China Coast Guard Slammed for Blocking Sick Soldier's Evacuation. The Philippine Coast Guard described China's actions as "barbaric and inhumane" on Friday, accusing it of impeding efforts to evacuate a sick member of its military in the South China Sea.

• USCG to Support Philippines in South China Sea Disputes. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Tuesday that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has committed to sending resources to the South China Sea to assist Manila in maintaining sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.

• Carpio: China's Unintentional Support for PH Claim over West Philippine Sea. Former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio has argued that China has inadvertently supported Manila's claim over disputed features in the West Philippine Sea.

Filipinos View China as Major Threat: OCTA Research

A survey by OCTA Research showed that three out of four Filipinos still think China is the biggest threat to the Philippines. This view has not changed since December 2023. A poll taken in March found that 76% of adult Filipinos think China is the biggest threat to the country. [Read more]

• As per a recent report in the South China Morning Post, China has cautioned neighbouring countries in the South China Sea to maintain their independence and not allow Washington's "geopolitical self-interest" to influence them. This is to ensure stability in the region.

• State media reports that in the South China Sea, near a disputed shoal, Philippine troops have been destroying and removing Chinese fishing netts.

• After repeated Philippine provocations, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's maritime border defence forces in Nansha Qundao (Nansha Islands) in the South China Sea conducted a maritime response exercise.

• Beijing's persistently risky actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea have alarmed Sweden's defence chief, who stated that these actions jeopardise international security, destabilise the situation, and highlight the necessity of making investments "for our security and freedom."

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