India delivered the Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on Friday, as part of the $375 million deal between the two sides signed in 2022. Watch in for more details!

India delivers first batch of Brahmos cruise missile system to Philippines

The Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr denies the existence of what's been called the gentleman's agreement between his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government over South China. Now in a statement released on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila denied that the deal was a secret.

South China sea dispute: 'Philippines not aware of deal with China', says Marcos Jr

<p>The first contracted BrahMos missile from India to the Philippines will reach the southeast Asian nation on Friday (Apr 19). The journey of this BrahMos missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, begins from Nagpur, India, where it is loaded onto an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.</p>

<p>Accompanied by three civilian freight liners carrying additional parts and support systems, the missile is poised to enhance the defence capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps' coastal defence regiment.</p>

<p>Signed in January 2022, the $375 million deal between BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd and the Philippine Marine Corps paved the way for this significant export milestone.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-indians-onboard-msc-aries-free-to-go-iran-ambassador-iraj-elahi-712632">EXCLUSIVE: Indians onboard MSC Aries free to go, says Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi</a></p>

<p>The BrahMos missile is developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.</p>

<p>Today, with up to 85 percent of its components being manufactured in India, the missile exemplifies the nation's commitment to self-reliance and indigenous defense production.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bird-flu-outbreak-reported-in-ducks-in-indias-kerala-authorities-say-no-need-to-panic-712582">Bird flu outbreak reported in ducks in India's Kerala, authorities say not to panic</a></p>

<p>The successful export of the BrahMos missile underscores India's growing prominence as a defence exporter on the global stage. With defence exports reaching Rs 21,083 crore (approximately US$ 2.63 billion) in FY 2023-24, marking a remarkable 32.5 percent growth from the previous year, India has emerged as a key player in the international defence market.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-militarising-space-712630">China 'militarising' space?</a></strong></p>

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<p>This key achievement not only highlights India's technological capabilities but also underscores its strategic partnerships and diplomatic outreach. The development underscores the strengthening ties between the two countries and also signifies India's growing role as a major defence exporter in the region.</p>

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The first contracted BrahMos missile from India to the Philippines will reach the southeast Asian nation on Friday (Apr 19). The journey of this BrahMos missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, begins from Nagpur, India, where it is loaded onto an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

The first contracted BrahMos missile from India to the Philippines will reach the southeast Asian nation on Friday (Apr 19). The journey of this BrahMos missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, begins from Nagpur, India, where it is loaded onto an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Accompanied by three civilian freight liners carrying additional parts and support systems, the missile is poised to enhance the defence capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps' coastal defence regiment. Signed in January 2022, the $375 million deal between BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd and the Philippine Marine Corps paved the way for this significant export milestone. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Indians onboard MSC Aries free to go, says Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi The BrahMos missile is developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. Today, with up to 85 percent of its components being manufactured in India, the missile exemplifies the nation's commitment to self-reliance and indigenous defense production. Also Read | Bird flu outbreak reported in ducks in India's Kerala, authorities say not to panic The successful export of the BrahMos missile underscores India's growing prominence as a defence exporter on the global stage. With defence exports reaching Rs 21,083 crore (approximately US$ 2.63 billion) in FY 2023-24, marking a remarkable 32.5 percent growth from the previous year, India has emerged as a key player in the international defence market. Watch | China 'militarising' space? × This key achievement not only highlights India's technological capabilities but also underscores its strategic partnerships and diplomatic outreach. The development underscores the strengthening ties between the two countries and also signifies India's growing role as a major defence exporter in the region.

India to deliver BrahMos missile system to Philippines tomorrow

#Gravitas | A top NATO commander has warned that Russia's hybrid warfare threatens vital undersea cables and pipelines. He warned that the vast underwater infrastructure on which Europe’s power and communications depend were not built to withstand Russia's “hybrid warfare”

NATO Commander's Big Russia Warning, Says Undersea ‘Hybrid Warfare’ Threatens Security of 1 Billion

An autonomous AI-equipped underwater drone is helping the researchers conduct surveys of the Great Barrier Reef bleaching event. Watch in for more details!

Philippines: Building a reef of future; divers conduct survey of damaged coral

Building a reef of the future: Philippines divers preserve coral reefs

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Tuesday (April 16)&nbsp;that the Philippines has confiscated 1.8 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, calling it a record-breaking seizure and the&nbsp;"right approach"&nbsp;in the fight against drugs. The illegal drugs, valued at over $230 million, were discovered on Monday (April 15) in a van searched by police in Batangas province, located south of Manila. The driver was arrested.</p>

<p>Marcos examined the drug seizure on Tuesday, describing it as the&nbsp;biggest shipment of shabu ever caught" in the Philippines. "Shabu" is the local term for inexpensive and extremely addictive crystal methamphetamine. It remained unclear whether it constituted a record in terms of either value or quantity.</p>

<p>Authorities were tracking the source of the drugs, although Marcos asserted they were not manufactured locally.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-drug-hailed-as-breakthrough-therapy-shows-promising-results-against-lung-cancer-report-671068">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese drug hailed as ‘breakthrough therapy’ shows promising results against lung cancer: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Continuation of drug war</strong></h2>

<p>Under former president Rodrigo Duterte, thousands of people&nbsp;lost their lives in anti-drug operations, leading to an international inquiry into alleged human rights violations.</p>

<p>The drug campaign persists under Marcos's administration, albeit with a greater emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation.</p>

<p>Since assuming office in June 2022, over 600 people&nbsp;have been killed in drug-related incidents, as reported by Dahas, a University of the Philippines-affiliated research initiative monitoring such events.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Drug made from human bones forces addicts to dig up graves in Sierra Leone</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-drug-made-from-human-bones-forces-addicts-to-dig-up-graves-in-sierra-leone-709586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Human Rights Watch senior researchers pointed to Monday's drug bust as evidence that tackling narcotics can be done without resorting to violence, given proper law enforcement and adherence to due process.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Tuesday (April 16) that the Philippines has confiscated 1.8 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, calling it a record-breaking seizure and the "right approach" in the fight against drugs.

President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Tuesday (April 16) that the Philippines has confiscated 1.8 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, calling it a record-breaking seizure and the "right approach" in the fight against drugs. The illegal drugs, valued at over $230 million, were discovered on Monday (April 15) in a van searched by police in Batangas province, located south of Manila. The driver was arrested. Marcos examined the drug seizure on Tuesday, describing it as the biggest shipment of shabu ever caught" in the Philippines. "Shabu" is the local term for inexpensive and extremely addictive crystal methamphetamine. It remained unclear whether it constituted a record in terms of either value or quantity. Authorities were tracking the source of the drugs, although Marcos asserted they were not manufactured locally. Also read | Chinese drug hailed as ‘breakthrough therapy’ shows promising results against lung cancer: Report Continuation of drug war Under former president Rodrigo Duterte, thousands of people lost their lives in anti-drug operations, leading to an international inquiry into alleged human rights violations. The drug campaign persists under Marcos's administration, albeit with a greater emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation. Since assuming office in June 2022, over 600 people have been killed in drug-related incidents, as reported by Dahas, a University of the Philippines-affiliated research initiative monitoring such events. Also watch | Gravitas: Drug made from human bones forces addicts to dig up graves in Sierra Leone Human Rights Watch senior researchers pointed to Monday's drug bust as evidence that tackling narcotics can be done without resorting to violence, given proper law enforcement and adherence to due process. (With inputs from agencies)

Drug bust in Philippines: 1.8 tonne narcotics valued at $230 million found in van

The Philippines has accused China of attempting to recruit its military officers to conduct Espionage activities in its exclusive economic zone sparking a controversy. China has however strongly denied the allegations. Watch in for more details!

Philippines steps up probe into alleged Chinese sleeper cells

According to Philippine military intelligence reports, China is trying to approach Filipino military officials for espionage and to support its territorial claims in the South China Sea. An advertisment posted on Facebook with suspected Chinese roots has raised national security concerns in the Philippines.

Gravitas | Is China recruiting "sleeper cell" military members in Philippines?

The Philippines has accused China of attempting to recruit its Military Officers to conduct espionage activities in its exclusive economic zone sparking controversy. China has strongly denied all the allegations.

China recruiting sleeper cells in Philippines?

The Philippines' foreign secretary has said that Manila will continue to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea. Speaking at the US State Department Enrique Manalo has accused China of 'escalating' harassment during the meeting.

US reiterates support for Manila while China refutes claims of aggression

China's military aggression and dominance in the Indo-Pacific region have brought together the US, Japan and the Philippines. White House hosted the first trilateral meeting between the leaders of these nations. Keep watching to know more!

US-Japan-Philippines Summit: Biden hosts summit amid growing China provocations

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<p>United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Thursday (Apr 11) that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit, Biden, Kishida, and Marcos Jr. unveiled a wide range of agreements to enhance security and economic ties. "United States defence commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>South China Sea tops summit agenda</strong></h2>

<p>Topping the summit's agenda was China's increasing presence&nbsp;in the South China Sea, which has escalated despite a personal appeal by Biden to Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, a report by the news agency Reuters said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/support-from-indispensable-us-vital-for-ukraines-survival-japan-pm-tells-congress-710322">Support from 'indispensable' US vital for Ukraine's survival, Japan PM tells Congress</a></strong></p>

<p>The Philippines and China had several maritime run-ins in March that included the use of water cannons and heated verbal exchanges. These disputes centre on the Second Thomas Shoal, home to a small number of Filipino troops stationed on a warship that Manila grounded there in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims.</p>

<p>During Thursday's meeting, Biden affirmed that a 1950s-era mutual defence treaty binding Washington and Manila would require the US&nbsp;to respond to an armed attack on the Philippines in the South China Sea.</p>

<p>Japan, meanwhile, has a dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea.</p>

<h2><strong>Deals struck on defence, AI, space</strong></h2>

<p>During the summit, deals were struck in the areas of defence, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and other areas. The US and Japan announced plans to upgrade their military alliance, and Biden's meeting with Kishida addressed Japan's possible involvement in advanced capabilities projects of the AUKUS security pact.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US-Japan forge new deals and partnership eyeing Indo-Pacific tensions</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday, American software giant Microsoft announced it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan. In the space sector, Japan is hoping to land its first astronaut on the moon with the US Artemis project.</p>

<p>The US and Japan also signalled support for a plan to build the first high-speed rail in the US using Japanese bullet trains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US would place undisclosed "humanitarian relief commodities" at Philippine military bases. Facebook parent Meta has invested in a submarine cable system that would connect the US with the Philippines.</p>

<p>Biden's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment backed a new Luzon corridor effort in the Philippines, aimed at infrastructure projects including ports, rail, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Thursday (Apr 11) that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Thursday (Apr 11) that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China. In a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit, Biden, Kishida, and Marcos Jr. unveiled a wide range of agreements to enhance security and economic ties. "United States defence commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad," Biden said. South China Sea tops summit agenda Topping the summit's agenda was China's increasing presence in the South China Sea, which has escalated despite a personal appeal by Biden to Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Also read | Support from 'indispensable' US vital for Ukraine's survival, Japan PM tells Congress The Philippines and China had several maritime run-ins in March that included the use of water cannons and heated verbal exchanges. These disputes centre on the Second Thomas Shoal, home to a small number of Filipino troops stationed on a warship that Manila grounded there in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims. During Thursday's meeting, Biden affirmed that a 1950s-era mutual defence treaty binding Washington and Manila would require the US to respond to an armed attack on the Philippines in the South China Sea. Japan, meanwhile, has a dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Deals struck on defence, AI, space During the summit, deals were struck in the areas of defence, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and other areas. The US and Japan announced plans to upgrade their military alliance, and Biden's meeting with Kishida addressed Japan's possible involvement in advanced capabilities projects of the AUKUS security pact. Also watch | US-Japan forge new deals and partnership eyeing Indo-Pacific tensions × On Tuesday, American software giant Microsoft announced it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan. In the space sector, Japan is hoping to land its first astronaut on the moon with the US Artemis project. The US and Japan also signalled support for a plan to build the first high-speed rail in the US using Japanese bullet trains. Meanwhile, the US would place undisclosed "humanitarian relief commodities" at Philippine military bases. Facebook parent Meta has invested in a submarine cable system that would connect the US with the Philippines. Biden's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment backed a new Luzon corridor effort in the Philippines, aimed at infrastructure projects including ports, rail, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains. (With inputs from agencies)

US defence commitments to Japan and Philippines are 'ironclad': President Joe Biden

US-Japan-Philippines Summit: Biden warns on Beijing's South China Sea moves

US-Japan-Philippines summit: First trilateral summit between Biden, Kishida & Marcos

US-Japan-Philippines summit: Biden vows to back Japan and Philippines

President Joe Biden hosted an inaugural trilateral summit Thursday with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan in the midst of growing concern about provocative Chinese military action in the Indo-Pacific. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gathered with Biden at the White House to try to show they are in lockstep about countering China's military assertiveness.

US-Japan-Philippines summit: US President Biden warns on Beijing's South China Sea moves

An escalating diplomatic row and China-Philippines maritime run-ins have made the South China Sea a potential flashpoint between Washington and Beijing. Here's a look at the US-Philippines enhanced defense cooperation agreement, South China Sea tensions and Washington's presence in the region.

US-Philippines pact bid to checkmate China?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Biden hosts summit with Japan & Philippines amid Chinese provocation. White House says US was not involved in Damascus air attack. AAP leader Manish Sisodia moves Delhi Court, seeking interim bail. Watch in for more details!

US-Japan-Philippines Summit: Biden hosts summit amid Chinese provocation

An escalating diplomatic row and China-Philippines Maritime run-ins have made the South China Sea a potential flash point between Washington and Beijing. Here's a look at the US Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Watch in for more details!

US-Philippines pact bid to checkmate China? | South China Sea Tensions

Bid to checkmate China? Key US defence pact with Manila; Washington expands Asia military presence

US ramps up ties with Japan, Philippines to counter China at sea

Not just the Japanese prime minister who is currently in the US to bolster Security in the Indo-Pacific, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has landed in Washington as well to take part in the trilateral summit. Keep watching to know more!

Trilateral summit: US, Philippines, Japan to tackle South China Sea row in summit

US President Joe Biden to host leaders of Japan, Philippines in trilateral summit

Not just the Japanese prime minister who is currently in the US to bolster Security in the Indo-Pacific, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has landed in Washington as well to take part in the summit. Keep watching to know more!

US-Japan-Philippines Summit: Philippines' President arrives in Washington

<p>India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia.</p>

<p>India is increasing its military involvement in the African nation and wants to build stronger strategic relationship&nbsp;as China is becoming more active in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s a defence attaché?</strong></h2>

<p>A defence attaché is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a “representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity,” according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-takes-to-x-to-confirm-his-meeting-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-710019">Also read |&nbsp;Encounter underway in Kashmir's Pulwama district, police say one terrorist killed</a></p>

<p>Typically, defense attachés focus on bilateral military and defense relations. According to an article by DCAF, some countries also appoint attachés to handle security issues like migration or matters concerning police and justice.</p>

<p>Additionally, Livemint reported that defence attachés play a role in fostering communication and collaboration between their home country's armed forces and the military of the host nation.</p>

<p>India has begun sending defence attachés to several new countries while reportedly reducing military personnel at its missions in other nations.</p>

<p>According to government sources cited by the Times of India (TOI), around 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Army are being assigned to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, as well as African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast.</p>

<p>This shift follows a streamlining effort that involved reducing the number of military officials at other major missions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, as per the newspaper report.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia &amp; Philippines</strong></p>

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<p>“Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported,” a source told&nbsp;TOI.</p>

<p>New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relation&nbsp;with these countries and boost arms exports. The military officers freed up from the streamlining process will be reassigned to countries with increased importance in defence and security cooperation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia.

India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia. India is increasing its military involvement in the African nation and wants to build stronger strategic relationship as China is becoming more active in the region. What’s a defence attaché? A defence attaché is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a “representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity,” according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece. Also read | Encounter underway in Kashmir's Pulwama district, police say one terrorist killed Typically, defense attachés focus on bilateral military and defense relations. According to an article by DCAF, some countries also appoint attachés to handle security issues like migration or matters concerning police and justice. Additionally, Livemint reported that defence attachés play a role in fostering communication and collaboration between their home country's armed forces and the military of the host nation. India has begun sending defence attachés to several new countries while reportedly reducing military personnel at its missions in other nations. According to government sources cited by the Times of India (TOI), around 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Army are being assigned to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, as well as African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast. This shift follows a streamlining effort that involved reducing the number of military officials at other major missions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, as per the newspaper report. Also watch | India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines “Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported,” a source told TOI. New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relation with these countries and boost arms exports. The military officers freed up from the streamlining process will be reassigned to countries with increased importance in defence and security cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, India sends defence attachés to African nations, Armenia, Philippines. What's behind the move?

India is broadening its military footprint. India will soon deploy defence attaché in some African states & other nations. This marks a significant shift in India's strategic approach to bolstering ties with key regions.

India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington to attend the first trilateral summit with United States (US) President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Watch in for more details!

President Marcos Jr. arrives in Washington for first Philippines-US-Japan trilateral meet

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated on Wednesday that he is presently looking for details regarding the purported "gentleman's agreement" between China and former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the West Philippine Sea, stating that he was "horrified" by its provisions.

Philippines questions secret deal with China, deal bars Manila from sending materials in S China Sea

<p>In another show of China's plummeting ties with its neighbours, protesters in Manila trampled on an effigy of Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday (April 9) to condemn Beijing's maritime aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea which China has managed to popularise as South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protestors marched towards China's consulate in the Filipino capital Manila as they chanted "China leave". Others called out Beijing for its "aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The Philippines becomes Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy</strong></p>

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<p>China's maritime belligerence in the region has increased in recent past. Last month, a Chinese vessel used water cannon to disrupt a Filipino supply mission to soldiers stationed on a grounded warship in the Philippines' Second Thomas Shoal which Beijing claims as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-chinese-action-causes-near-collision-of-the-philippine-civilian-vessel-703716">Video: Chinese action causes near-collision of Philippine civilian vessel in South China Sea</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our message is addressed to the Chinese government: move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle its illegal structures ... recognise the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, and stop the harassment of Filipino fisher folk and ... Philippine supply missions," said Mong Palatino, one of the protest leaders, news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Beijing claims West Philippine Sea, which is more than 1,000 km away from the Chinese mainland, almost in its absolute entirety. A series of Chinese coastguard vessels surveil the region with Philippines' guarding its sovereign waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found Beijing's claim to almost all of West Philippine Sea as groundless. The court &nbsp;in The Hague pointed out that China's sweeping claims over waters also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have no legal basis.</p>

<p>But China does not accept the ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has also constructed artificial islands in the region. It has further fortified them to lay maritime claims in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In another show of China's plummeting ties with its neighbours, protesters in Manila trampled on an effigy of Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday (April 9) to condemn Beijing's maritime aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea which China has managed to popularise as South China Sea.

In another show of China's plummeting ties with its neighbours, protesters in Manila trampled on an effigy of Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday (April 9) to condemn Beijing's maritime aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea which China has managed to popularise as South China Sea. The protestors marched towards China's consulate in the Filipino capital Manila as they chanted "China leave". Others called out Beijing for its "aggression against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Also watch | The Philippines becomes Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy × China's maritime belligerence in the region has increased in recent past. Last month, a Chinese vessel used water cannon to disrupt a Filipino supply mission to soldiers stationed on a grounded warship in the Philippines' Second Thomas Shoal which Beijing claims as its own. Also read | Video: Chinese action causes near-collision of Philippine civilian vessel in South China Sea "Our message is addressed to the Chinese government: move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle its illegal structures ... recognise the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, and stop the harassment of Filipino fisher folk and ... Philippine supply missions," said Mong Palatino, one of the protest leaders, news agency Reuters reported. Beijing claims West Philippine Sea, which is more than 1,000 km away from the Chinese mainland, almost in its absolute entirety. A series of Chinese coastguard vessels surveil the region with Philippines' guarding its sovereign waters. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found Beijing's claim to almost all of West Philippine Sea as groundless. The court in The Hague pointed out that China's sweeping claims over waters also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have no legal basis. But China does not accept the ruling. China has also constructed artificial islands in the region. It has further fortified them to lay maritime claims in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

'China leave': Xi Jinping's effigy trampled upon outside Chinese consulate in Manila

China’s military conducted a naval and air patrol in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday – the same day the Philippines, US, Japan and Australia held joint drills in the area. Watch to know more.

Navy ships from four countries - Japan, US, Australia & Philippines - participate in maritime drill

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