By Teresa Cerojano Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine aircraft will continue to fly their usual routes over disputed reefs in the South China Sea, the country’s president said Monday, defying China’s challenges to its planes and those of the United States. President Benigno Aquino III told reporters there is no declared air defense […]
Philippines urges ASEAN to stop China in South China Sea
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The Philippines on Sunday urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take immediate steps to halt land reclamation by China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, warning that failure to do so will see Beijing take “de facto control’’ of the area. Philippine Foreign Secretary […]
A mercurial junta leader known for sharp tongue — Banana peel, birthday plans, and multiple personalities
By Todd Pitman and Thanyarat Doksone Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) — Ear tugs. A flying banana peel. Sarcastic remarks about getting smacked, or punched — or even executed. Such is life for the press corps covering Thailand’s notoriously testy military ruler. Since leading a putsch that ousted Thailand’s elected government last May, general-turned-prime minister Prayuth […]
Britain applies to join Chinese-led Asian bank
By Joe McDonald AP Business Writer BEIJING (AP) — Britain has become the first major Western government to apply for membership in a proposed Chinese-led Asian regional bank that Washington worries will undercut institutions such as the World Bank. The British Treasury said Thursday it will join talks this month on the Asian Infrastructure Investment […]
Filipino protesters denounce China’s “bullying”
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — About 100 Filipinos carrying mock missiles marched Thursday to the Chinese consulate in Manila to protest China’s actions in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Manila to move air force, navy near disputed sea
By Jim Gomez The Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines plans to relocate major air force and navy camps to a former U.S. naval base northwest of Manila to gain faster access to waters being contested by China in the South China Sea, according to the country’s defense chief and a confidential government […]
Nominee: US opposes China bullying in China sea
By Matthew Pennington The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The nominee to become the top U.S. diplomat in East Asia delivered pointed comments about China in his confirmation hearing June 20, saying there’s no place for “coercion and bullying” in the region’s seas.
Vietnamese police break up anti-China protest
By Chris Brummitt The Associated Press HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Police detained about 15 anti-China protesters June 2 during a march in the Vietnamese capital that showed the domestic pressure the government faces when dealing with Beijing’s muscular approach to territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Beijing’s rivals protest new passport map
By Annie Huang The Associated Press TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China has enraged several neighbors with a few dashes on a map, printed in its newly revised passports that show it staking its claim on the entire South China Sea and even Taiwan.
Philippines opens school on disputed island
The Associated Press staff MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine officials have opened a small kindergarten on a South China Sea island that is also claimed by five other governments.