https://www.scmp.com/rss/522436/feed FACTS Asia: A non-profit research organisation and policy advisory firm, FACTS Asia is registered in the Philippines. Founded by Julio Amador III, its primary mission is to provide expert analysis and foster discussion on foreign and public policies, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. The organisation focuses on delivering critical, fact-based research and information across various fields, including politics, economics, security, and international relations. It aims to serve as a... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Sam Beltran Sam Beltran The Philippines is seeking broader defence cooperation with Nato’s European members, even as US President Donald Trump remains critical of the transatlantic security alliance’s lack of involvement over the Middle East war. While some observers say the move dovetails with the long-standing security partnership between the Philippines and the United States, Nato’s dominant member, others argue that Manila could face a “strategic dilemma” if its ties with the 32-member alliance are contrary to... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3348203/why-philippines-may-face-strategic-dilemma-over-nato-partnership-us-demands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3348203/why-philippines-may-face-strategic-dilemma-over-nato-partnership-us-demands?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:29:06 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran Philippine lawmakers have implored President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr to postpone this year’s Asean summit, as the country grapples with soaring fuel prices amid a global energy crisis. Analysts warn, however, that such a move would undermine Manila’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Leaders in the Philippine Senate have backed calls to study the postponement option, originally proposed by ex-finance secretary Gary Teves to cut government spending and redirect funds... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3348048/philippines-battles-fuel-crisis-will-marcos-postpone-asean-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3348048/philippines-battles-fuel-crisis-will-marcos-postpone-asean-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran A visit by the Philippines’ foreign minister to Myanmar has raised concerns over how Asean will be perceived under Manila’s chairmanship this year, with critics arguing it risks appearing as tacit support for the junta amid an election widely condemned as a sham. Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and other junta leaders in Naypyidaw on January 6 in her capacity as special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ 2026 chair, according to official... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3339844/philippine-ministers-premature-myanmar-visit-casts-doubts-over-aseans-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3339844/philippine-ministers-premature-myanmar-visit-casts-doubts-over-aseans-role?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:02:59 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran The Philippines as Asean chair for 2026 will have to decide how much to intervene in the Thailand-Cambodia row. However, observers warn that the bar for the bloc in conflict-resolution “is not very high”. Analysts expect flare-ups throughout the year between the Southeast Asian neighbours due to long-standing historical differences, despite attempts to establish a truce last year. These include a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump in October in Malaysia, and a meeting on December 29,... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338651/why-philippines-asean-chair-may-leave-thai-cambodian-peace-problem-us-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338651/why-philippines-asean-chair-may-leave-thai-cambodian-peace-problem-us-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:59:55 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran South Korea’s growing role as a key arms supplier to the Philippines has taken another step forward, with Hanwha Systems set to provide the “brain” that will run two of the Philippine Navy’s next-generation warships. The South Korean defence manufacturer said on Wednesday that it had secured a US$27.7 million contract to supply combat management systems (CMS) and tactical data links for two 3,200-tonne frigates being built for the Philippine Navy. A CMS integrates a warship’s sensors, weapons... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338489/hanwha-combat-systems-deal-deepens-south-koreas-role-philippine-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338489/hanwha-combat-systems-deal-deepens-south-koreas-role-philippine-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:00:11 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing security cooperation with the Philippines, adding to a growing list of European countries seeking defence ties with Manila amid concern over growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Analysts say the move reflects a fundamental shift in the regional power balance, marked by a “changed China” and the practical necessity for Europe to secure vital trade routes in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. The latest diplomatic push came after... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3331191/south-china-sea-what-does-europe-see-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3331191/south-china-sea-what-does-europe-see-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:30:11 +0000 Jeoffrey Maitem Jeoffrey Maitem South Korea’s leading aircraft manufacturer has said it is in talks with the Philippines for more deals following an aerial show featuring the prowess of one of its newest multirole fighter jets near Seoul. Spectators filled the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province for the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition 2025, with the Republic of Korea Air Force showcasing the capabilities of the KF-21 Boramae, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), over the skies of the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3330423/philippines-talks-buy-more-south-korean-fighter-jets-aircraft-maker-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3330423/philippines-talks-buy-more-south-korean-fighter-jets-aircraft-maker-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:14:58 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran As the Asia-Pacific’s power dynamics continue to evolve and shift, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China promises to be a test of his country’s ability to walk the fine line between economic self-interest and strategic resolve. His trip, which began on Saturday, unfolds against the backdrop of Australia’s deepening security ties with the Philippines, with Canberra stepping up support for Manila’s maritime capabilities and increasing participation in patrols and joint... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3317926/australia-juggles-its-china-trade-needs-philippines-defence-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3317926/australia-juggles-its-china-trade-needs-philippines-defence-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:58 +0000