LATEST PULSE

A routine Philippine surveillance flight over the West Philippine Sea on December 6 turned dangerous after Chinese forces fired flares toward a Filipino aircraft near Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident is the latest sign of China’s growing aggression in disputed waters.   Despite the threat, the pilot stayed on course and safely completed the mission, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. No damage was reported, but th...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked the Philippine Congress to place anti-dynasty bills among its top priorities, a move that comes as his administration struggles to contain the damage from a widening corruption scandal and a family feud.   The timing has raised eyebrows. During the 2022 presidential campaign, Marcos said political dynasties were not necessarily bad and that voters should be free to keep families in power. Three year...

A cultural exchange event in Parañaque on November 26 celebrating historical ties between China’s Dezhou City and the Sulu Sultanate appears on the surface to be harmless heritage diplomacy. Around 500 guests attended, including Filipino-Chinese leaders and diplomats, praising the "21-generation friendship" between China and Sulu.   Yet the focus on the Sulu Sultanate, rather than the modern Philippines, has made analysts unea...

The rare earth minerals dispute between the United States and China has exploded into one of the most intense confrontations of their ongoing rivalry. These minerals, essential to modern technology and advanced weapons, have become tools of influence in a global power game.   What Rare Earths Really Are Despite the name, rare earths are not actually rare. But they are difficult to extract from the earth because they appear in tiny amounts...

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela are rising fast, officially over drugs. Washington has launched a major military build-up in the Caribbean, saying it is aimed at stopping narcotics trafficking linked to Venezuelan networks. The US has already struck boats accused of smuggling drugs and has warned that anti-drug strikes on land could begin “very soon.”   Caracas has responded with sharp warnings and has told its...