PCA to hear Philippines-China East Sea dispute suit
The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration on October 29 stated that it has jurisdiction over a case filed by the Philippines contesting China’s claims to disputed areas in the East Sea.
China's coast ship hinders the Philippines' vessel in the East Sea (Source: Reuters)
The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on October 29 stated that it has jurisdiction over a case filed by the Philippines contesting China’s claims to disputed areas in the East Sea.
According to a summary released by PCA on the same day, after reviewing the claims submitted by the Philippines, the tribunal has rejected the argument by China that the dispute is beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
PCA said the case reflects the argument between the two countries concerning the enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that this was within the PCA’s scope.
Previously, on October 27, China asked the Philippines to withdraw its lawsuit and come back to bilateral negotiations.-VNA
The UN-backed arbitral tribunal hearing a lawsuit filed by the Philippines against China over the territorial disputes in the East Sea has set December 15 as the date for the latter to present its formal counterargument.
Vietnam will create all possible conditions for the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to conduct activities in the country so as to settle international disputes peacefully.
Vietnam adamantly opposes China’s approval of a national marine functional zoning plan which includes Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said.
Vietnam has sufficient legal and historical evidence validating its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said.
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.
China's coast ship hinders the Philippines' vessel in the East Sea (Source: Reuters)
