Territory & Conflict

Early on March 13, as fishing boats and cargo vessels moved through waters off Palawan and the Sulu Sea, debris from a Chinese Long March 8A rocket fell into areas within the Philippines.

Malaysia has launched an investigation after reports claimed sensitive government and military data may be for sale on the dark web. The case comes as cybersecurity experts warn that artificial intelligence is helping hackers launch faster and more sophisticated attacks.   The reports first surfaced on February 26, 2026, on the social media platform X. Cybersecurity observers reported that a threat actor using the alias “Ashborn&rdqu...

As geopolitical tensions escalate across the world and concerns about a potential global war intensify, the Philippines and South Korea are expanding cooperation in defense, technology and energy. During South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Manila, the two countries signed a package of agreements in sectors increasingly central to economic competition and regional security.   The relationship between Manila and Seoul...

While most headlines about the West Philippine Sea focus on China's illegal actions, domestic stability in the Mindanao region remains a crucial, yet quieter, front of Philippine national security. As history shows, violence in the south can directly affect Manila’s ability to defend its territory and project power at sea.   Seven Years On, Progress and Challenges On January 21, Bangsamoro officials marked the seventh anniversary of...

The United States is expanding its missile footprint in northern Philippines, deploying systems capable of striking targets more than 1,600 kilometers away. From bases in Luzon and Batanes, these new platforms place parts of eastern China, including Shanghai, within range.   The move marks a sharp escalation in the US-Philippine security partnership and reflects a broader shift in regional military strategy as tensions intensify in the Sou...