Military commanders also suggest recorded material, played to selected media, was fabricated.

Emerging alliance expected to undertake more maritime exercises and provide greater security help to the Philippines in its South China Sea claims.

The proposed energy facilities could be used to power military bases on the Chinese-built artificial islands, Philippine official says.

Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos has no mandate to strike a deal with China, who may have been attempting to shift the blame to Manila, analysts say.

An island-retaking exercise in the far north of the Philippines appears to be in preparation for hostilities breaking out over Taiwan, observers say.

Manila’s ability to police its waters is determined by maritime capacity, not political will, so more investment in the navy is required, an analyst says.

The Philippines has played its cards right by signalling that it’s ‘willing to work with anyone’ for strategic advantage, analysts say.

The Fujian aircraft carrier’s maiden mission has been deliberately timed to coincide with US-Philippines military drills, analysts say.

The Chinese embassy in Manila had said China and the Philippines earlier this year agreed on a ‘new model’ for the Second Thomas Shoal.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a close Duterte ally, has initiated a hearing in which a former anti-narcotics agent claimed Marcos Jnr was a drug abuser.

US troops let loose dozens of howitzer shells as Filipino forces followed up with rockets and Javelin missiles, before the imaginary enemy was whittled down with machine-gun fire and artillery rounds.

Readers discuss China’s position on the South China Sea, and US action against student protesters.

US defence chief Lloyd Austin said the grouping would look at undertaking more maritime drills, as well as providing greater security assistance to Manila.

The two countries will discuss a visiting forces agreement, a month after French troops took part in the annual Balikatan exercises.

Officials emphasised that the live fire drill was not aimed at any specific nation, despite its proximity to the disputed waterways

Manila summoned the number two official at the Chinese embassy to protest Beijing’s use of water cannon against its vessels in the disputed Scarborough Shoal

Most analysts believe Trump would maintain the alliance to counter Beijing, but some said major shifts including a potential troop pull-out were possible

Manila’s defence chief said the Philippines has a ‘range of options’ to counter China, signalling that he wants maritime operations to be ‘less telegraphic’.

Observers speculate the investigation is politically motivated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s ongoing feud with his predecessor.

Beijing’s latest confrontations with Tokyo and Manila over contested islands come as they strengthen maritime coalition with Washington.

Commerce and labour groups call for urgent review of modernisation initiative that will affect livelihoods and families of countless jeepney drivers.

Bangkok’s heat index – a measure of how hot it feels like when humidity is taken into account – was listed as above 52 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.

Scrutiny cast on internet service providers, lax enforcement and a disturbing culture compounded by poverty.

The Philippines announced it will halt in-person classes at public schools, while Thai power demand rose to a record, as a heatwave grips southern Asia.

Senior Colonel Zhou Bo shares his insights on global and regional challenges, based on long experience in military diplomacy.