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The Philippines

The Philippines
The Philippines
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on the Philippines, covering politics, economy, society, and Manila’s relationships with China and its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Philippine Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a recent interview that the Philippines and Taiwan were in talks over “international cooperation”. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-Philippines relations

Beijing sees Philippine interaction with Taiwan as a ‘dangerous step’: analyst

Beijing summons Manila’s envoy Jaime FlorCruz for ‘solemn representations’ regarding island.

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Taiwan

Most mainland Chinese citizens oppose use of force to unify with Taiwan: survey

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Tourism

Philippines’ new digital nomad visa: a boost for tourism or Pogo loophole?

Tourism

6 hotspots where art deco still dazzles, from London to Shanghai

As the art deco movement marks its first 100 years, take a look at some of the finest examples of this bold architectural and design style.

Entering Brasserie Zédel in London feels like stepping into a bygone time. Photo: @brasseriezedel/Instagram
South China Sea

US, Philippines flex military muscle with show of Himars firepower

The use of Himars and NMESIS during the Balikatan exercise demonstrates the allies’ ability to respond to provocations, analysts say.

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Religion

‘If I were God, I wouldn’t choose me’: Filipino cardinal tipped to be next pope

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines has a history of advocating for the poor, migrants and other marginalised people.

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China-Vatican relations

Video | Is the Catholic Church ready for an Asian pope?

While there is no clear front runner to succeed the late Pope Francis, some have singled out Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, former archbishop of Manila, as a possible candidate

Choosing the next pope: could the Catholic Church soon be led by its first Asian pontiff?
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Japan

Video | Japan and the Philippines tighten security ties

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation  

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippines to slash rice prices in half amid election season

The programme will cost the Marcos government about US$178 million to help the poor, but critics say it is a tool to support government candidates in midterm polls.

China-Philippines relations

Why flags on Sandy Cay symbolise latest flashpoint in South China Sea dispute

Experts interpret Manila’s counter flag-raising as an effort to resist Beijing’s creeping jurisdiction.

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In this photo provided by the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Philippine inter-agency members which included Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, hold the Philippine flag as they visit Sandy Cay 2 in the South China Sea on April 27. Photo: AP
Defence

Defence pact tops Japan PM’s agenda during high-stakes Philippines trip

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to reporters in Tokyo earlier this year. Photo: Kyodo
Volcanoes

Philippines’ Bulusan Volcano erupts, spewing ash 4.5km high

Before the eruption early on Monday morning, researchers had recorded 53 volcanic earthquakes over a 24-hour period.

Canada

Prosecutors charge suspect with murder after car attack at Vancouver festival

Suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, of Vancouver, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | As Trump rides roughshod over trade, China is ready to pick up the pieces

China’s message of stable cooperation is resonating as Trump accelerates the birth of a post-US world with rising powers independent of US whims.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Obituaries

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies from infection after leg amputation

Philippines-born Caliente immigrated to US 20 years ago. In 2018 she released a hip-hop album that includes track where she raps in Tagalog.

Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as Jiggly Caliente, died on Sunday at age 44. Photo: Invision / AP
Fame and celebrity

Remembering Nora Aunor: actress, ‘rebel’ and the Philippines’ ‘Superstar’

Filipino screenwriter Ricardo Lee pays tribute to Aunor, who spent her career fighting stereotypes and giving voice to the marginalised.

China-Philippines relations

US deploys anti-ship missiles in Philippines amid China tensions

The allies also unleashed a barrage of artillery fire during the Balikatan exercises in a province facing the South China Sea.

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Canada

11 killed as car ploughs into Filipino street festival crowd in Vancouver

Driver was taken into custody. PM Carney said he was ‘devastated’ to hear about horrific events at Lapu Lapu Day festival.

Police at the scene as bodies of victims lie covered on the ground, after a car-ramming at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada at the weekend. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Opinion | Asean must see US tariff pause for what it is – a trade hostage crisis

By pausing tariffs instead of repealing them, Trump creates the illusion of flexibility while retaining coercive leverage.

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China-Philippines relations

Philippines urged to ‘strategically’ work with China amid US tariff tensions

It follows a call from a Chinese envoy for the Philippines and fellow Asean members to be united in safeguarding free trade.

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China-Philippines relations

Asian Angle | Why ignoring China’s Southeast Asia pivot could cost the Philippines

Beijing’s focus on regional stability and trade openness presents both challenges and opportunities that Manila can’t afford to overlook.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping waves during a meeting with Vietnam’s To Lam in Hanoi on April 14. Photo: Reuters
China-Philippines relations

Philippines to probe alleged China interference in upcoming elections

The allegations come amid confrontations and strained ties between China and US ally the Philippines over disputed areas in the South China Sea.

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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has ordered an investigation into alleged China interference. File photo: Reuters
South China Sea

China coastguard claims ‘sovereign jurisdiction’ of Sandy Cay in South China Sea

State media reports CCG officers ‘exercising maritime control’ on one of the reefs in the Spratly Islands also claimed by Philippines.

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China-Philippines relations

Is China ‘paying Filipinos in troll farms’ to meddle in Philippine midterms?

The National Security Council believes China is trying to influence May’s midterm elections via social media, targeting the Marcos government and its policies.

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Donald Trump

Despite Trump’s tariffs, Philippines ‘strategically positioned to benefit’

The study found that low tariffs and exemptions may boost trade opportunities despite the Philippines’ infrastructure challenges.

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US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on “reciprocal tariffs” on April 2, 2025. Photo: TNS
US-China relations

How the US is reinforcing the ‘first island chain’ to deter China

Strategic bombers, launch platforms and missile systems are being deployed throughout the region in a strong message to Beijing.

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At least two US B-1Bs have been deployed to Japan. Photo: X/ US_STRATCOM
South China Sea

Opinion | Beijing’s approach to South China Sea tensions: reduce now, resolve later

While focusing on economic links, China is open to negotiating with rival claimants as long as actors outside the region aren’t involved.

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US-China relations

As Trump’s tariffs hit US allies hard, will China make inroads?

From the EU to Australia, the West’s geopolitical partnerships have fractured, but suspicions about Beijing persist.

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