China has conducted joint naval and air combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in one of the world's most contested maritime regions.

The exercises, announced by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, were described as a test of combat readiness and a demonstration of China's ability to defend what it calls its maritime rights and interests.

The drills took place around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. The reef lies approximately 220 kilometres west of Luzon and falls within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under international law.

China-Philippines Dispute Deepens | PLA Conducts Joint Naval And Air Exercises

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr denounced China yesterday in a veiled rebuke in his State of the Nation Address, vowing that his government would defend a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea, and saying that Filipinos “do not yield” to conquerors.

Philippines: Lawmakers applaud Marcos' strong stance on maritime claims

Thousands of protesters have gathered in Manila to voice escalating anger against the Philippine government as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his annual State of the Nation Address (SONA).Public anger has intensified due to widespread political friction, foreign policy choices, and severe corruption allegations.


Protests in Philippines as President Marcos delivers State of the Nation Address

A major search and rescue operation is underway after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 crew members sank in the disputed South China Sea during severe weather. Rescuers have saved 39 people, while 23 remain missing. Chinese rescue ships, helicopters, and nearby fishing vessels are assisting Vietnamese authorities in the search near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident occurred in one of the world's most disputed maritime regions, where overlapping territorial claims by China, Vietnam, and the Philippines continue to fuel tensions.

23 Missing After Vietnamese Cargo Ship Sinks in South China Sea | Massive Rescue Ops Underway

Tensions boil over in the South China Sea as the China Coast Guard deploys water cannons and performs reckless blocking maneuvers against Philippine government and fisheries vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day.

South China Sea clash continues as China and Philippines face off near Scarborough Shoal

Tensions in the South China Sea are boiling over again. For the second straight day, China's Coast Guard fired water cannons at Philippine government vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, with Manila saying one Chinese ship came within just 7 metres of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating what officials called a 'serious risk of collision'.

China fires water cannons near Scarborough Shoal

Philippines releases shocking footage of China Coast Guard firing water cannon at PH vessel in South China Sea. Watch the full video to know more on this.

South China Sea clash: Chinese Coast Guard blasts Philippine ship with water cannons

The Philippines has praised India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, calling it a major boost to the country's defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. In an exclusive conversation, the Philippine Ambassador to India highlighted how the BrahMos missile strengthens Manila's deterrence strategy and opens the door for deeper defense cooperation with New Delhi. The development comes as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visits Manila for ASEAN meetings and as the Philippines continues to challenge China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Here's everything you need to know about the growing India-Philippines strategic partnership and its impact on regional security.

Philippines hails BrahMos missile, seeks stronger defense partnership with India amid China dispute

The Philippines is deepening defence ties with India, praising the BrahMos missile system as a key boost to its military deterrence while seeking greater cooperation in defence technology and indigenous industry development.

Philippines eyes deeper defence ties with India, says Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the Philippines in a show of solidarity as Washington strongly condemns Beijing's latest dangerous and aggressive maritime actions in the contested South China Sea.

South China Sea clash: Philippine military says China injured sailor in Sea clash

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the Philippines in a show of solidarity as Washington strongly condemns Beijing's latest dangerous and aggressive maritime actions in the contested South China Sea.


South China sea clash: Rubio in Philippines as US condemns 'dangerous' China actions

China and the Philippines on Monday traded accusations after an encounter between vessels in contested South China Sea ‌waters, with Manila saying one of its navy personnel was struck on the head and Beijing saying Manila provoked the incident.
The Philippines said Chinese Coast Guard personnel aggressively struck one of its navy staff on the head with a wooden baton during an encounter in the Second Thomas Shoal on Monday in which a navy rubber boat was damaged.

China-Philippines sea clash: Taiwan warns of growing Chinese pressure at sea

Artificial intelligence is turning the images and voices of trusted political leaders in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines into powerful weapons for global scam syndicates. 

Asian scammers rip off millions using political leader's image

The landscape of digital banking in the Philippines has officially shifted. Starting June 25, 2026, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has mandated that major banks and e-wallet operators move away from traditional SMS- and email-based one-time passwords (OTPs) for high-risk financial transactions.


Philippine banks, E-wallets ditch SMS and E-mail OTPs 

Fourteen countries, led by the United States, on Sunday reaffirmed that China's expansive claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under international law, marking the 10th anniversary of a landmark arbitration ruling that Beijing continues to reject.


Beijing Has Called South China Sea Arbitration Ruling Illegal

Typhoon Bavi triggered deadly landslides that killed at least 15 people in the Philippines as Taiwan evacuated thousands and prepared for the storm's impact.

Typhoon Bavi triggers deadly landslides, kills at least 15 in Philippines as Taiwan braces for impact

The Philippines has entered a major political chapter as 23 senators were formally sworn in as judges for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The proceedings are expected to draw national attention, with lawmakers set to examine allegations and evidence in a case that could have significant implications for the country's political landscape and leadership ahead of future elections.


Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Accusations involve misuse of government funds & bribery

As tensions simmer in the South China Sea, the U.S. has provided the Philippines with advanced solar-powered sea drones capable of operating for 30 days without a crew. The systems are designed to track maritime threats, illegal fishing and gray-zone activities in contested waters. The transfer follows shortly after a multiday U.S.-Philippine coast guard exercise in the South China Sea.

US Hands Philippines $13M Sea Drones to Boost Maritime Surveillance 

The US, Japan, and South Korea are collaborating extensively with the Philippines to bolster its armed forces and increase maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. These allied nations are providing training, technology, and hardware rather than a single joint unit.


US, Japan, South Korea & Philippines Militaries Unite

A powerful earthquake struck the Philippines, leaving widespread destruction in General Santos City as buildings collapsed into rubble and panic spread across affected areas. Rescue teams and emergency services rushed to the scene as authorities assessed the scale of damage and searched for survivors trapped under debris.

Videos and images from the city showed shattered structures, damaged roads, and terrified residents fleeing to safety moments after the quake struck. Officials have warned of possible aftershocks as relief and rescue operations continue. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Philippines earthquake and its aftermath.

Philippines Earthquake: Race To Find Survivor Continues | More Than 32,000 Dispaced 

A Jollibee restaurant building has collapsed following a powerful earthquake that struck the Philippines, causing widespread damage and panic across affected regions. The quake triggered structural failures in several buildings, with emergency services rushing to assess the impact and rescue those trapped under debris.

Jollibee Building Collapses After Powerful Earthquake Hits Philippines

Philippines Earthquake: Buildings in General Santos City Turned to Rubble by Earthquake

A 6.1 magnitude aftershock has struck southern Philippines following a recent earthquake, triggering renewed concerns among residents and authorities. The tremor has caused panic in affected areas, with officials monitoring for possible damage and further seismic activity. Emergency response teams remain on alert as aftershocks continue to shake the region and residents are advised to stay cautious and follow safety instructions.


Philippines Earthquake: 6.1 Magnitude Aftershock Hits Southern Philippines

A powerful earthquake struck the Philippines, triggering immediate tsunami warnings across coastal regions. Authorities have urged residents to move to higher ground as monitoring agencies assess the potential impact of aftershocks and sea-level changes. Emergency response teams are on high alert as the situation develops, with officials closely tracking seismic activity and issuing continuous safety advisories.


Philippines Earthquake: Tsunami Threat Declared After Quake Rocks Philippines

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