Chinese fishing boats steam toward the East Sea (Source : Reuters)
Hanoi (VNA )🉐 – The Philippines and the US have accused China of using navy to threaten fishing vessels in the East Sea.
The Philippine authorities reported on March 2 that China had sent its ships to a coral island in the East Sea, preventing Filipino fishing boats.
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Chinese coast guard ships were gone when the Philippine government patrolled the area.
The Philippines Foreign Ministry has asked China to exercise restraint and avoid possible actions which could affect peace and stability in the region.
Also the same day, speaking at a press conference, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner stressed Washington does not want to see China using its navy to intimidate fishing vessels in the region.
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter also warned China not to militarise the waters.
On February 25, the Vietnam Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Hai Binh asserted Vietnam’s indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.
China’s acts, regardless of objections and concerns raised by Vietnam and the international community, not only seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty and accelerate militarisation in the East Sea, but also threaten peace and stability in the region as well as maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom in the Sea, Binh said.
“Vietnam strongly opposes to the actions that seriously infringed its sovereignty and demands China have responsible and constructive words and deeds in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world in respect for international law,” he said.-VNA
The Philippines rejected China’s arguments on historic sovereignty over the East Sea during the 1st round of hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands on Nov 24.
Vietnam pursues the consistent policy of settling the dispute in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Philippines has formally lodged a diplomatic protest against China over its recent test flights to a newly built airstrip on Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) reef in Truong Sa archipelago in the East Sea.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued a press release, once again affirming that it did not received any notice of flights to Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) Reef in Vietnam’s Truong Sa.
Assuring security for key navigation routes through the East Sea is a significant matter for both regional countries and other international nations, said Dr. Takashi Hosoda from Charles.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Chinese fishing boats steam toward the East Sea (Source : Reuters)
