South China Sea
US to set up Philippines fuel depot in support of its South China Sea operations
Project announced at maritime security forum, but details scarce as plan is being finalized.
South China Sea
Japan’s combat role in Philippines war games signals shift in regional strategy
Expanded ‘Balikatan’ combat drills are a sign of deeper South China Sea defense coordination, experts say.
Pacific
PNG-Australia defense treaty creates jobs, risks amid rising China influence
Six months on, many youth see opportunity, but others warn ‘Pukpuk’ pact could draw PNG into Pacific tensions.
Pacific
China-US competition for rare earths sparks plan to mine Pacific seabed near Guam
‘Largest seabed mining proposal in US history’ would cover an area the size of Nevada
South China Sea
2026 Balikatan exercises will highlight Manila’s more ‘active defense posture’
Experts note that Philippines remains anchored in alliance with US, but will assert more agency over own defense.
Pacific
Soft power ‘win’ for Beijing as Chinese medical ship treats 5,400 for free in PNG
Floating hospital Silk Road Ark’s 220-day goodwill humanitarian mission ends with Port Moresby port call
Myanmar
Award-winning Burmese journalist Shin Daewe released from prison
Sentenced to life in prison for buying a video drone, Shin Daewe urged others to pray for those still in prison.
Korea
North Korean operatives use fake identities to apply for tech jobs
Some land six-figure jobs to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars back to the regime.
Korea
North Korean hackers offer $70,000 per month to be their front
Cybersecurity engineer Toufik Airane has been approached by North Korean hackers who offered him a small fortune if
South China Sea
Iran war could jumpstart cooperation between Beijing and Manila in South China Sea
Strait of Hormuz closure has China and the Philippines talking, but any new oil would "hedge" the next crisis.
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