Asean members Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia have competing claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over vast stretches of the waterway.

With the world’s second-largest fishing fleet, Taiwan is at risk of being shunned by foreign workers from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, at a time when it is desperate to shore up its workforce.

Supporters of the US$8.9 billion Maharlika Investment Fund say it will attract the foreign investors needed to pump-prime one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

Only about 50 tonnes of durian are now expected be produced in Hainan this year – far less than earlier estimates and nowhere close to the roughly 1 million tonnes that China will consume this year.

The Philippines hopes to achieve broad economic success by addressing demographic issues, and is making family planning one of its biggest budget priorities this year.

Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen called for the two powers to keep communication channels open. Southeast Asian leaders have firmly maintained they would not take sides amid the worsening US-China strategic rivalry.

Traditionally underappreciated, Filipino cuisine is having a moment in the US with four chefs nominated for prestigious James Beard Awards in 2023. Two of them open up about telling their story through food.

Asian countries are likely to feel pressed between the rivals, with defence chiefs from both countries ready to take a firm stance.

Makati-born Michelle Dee, daughter of fellow beauty queen Melanie Marquez, just won Miss Universe Philippines and came out as bisexual – here’s how she’s making a change

Chinese delegates for years have robustly fended off criticism at the forum from neighbouring countries and Western governments.

The Philippines is the only place outside the Vatican where divorce is outlawed, with the Catholic Church opposing the practice as against its teachings.

One senator accused the Philippine gaming industry watchdog of being corrupt and failing to monitor human trafficking rings using Pogos as ‘legal cover’ to run online scams.

Activists, opposition figures question the need for a sovereign wealth fund in the poverty-plagued country, raising concerns over potential corruption.

The drills come as China, US ramp up military diplomacy in the region, staging more frequent war games with allies over Taiwan, South China Sea issues.

Cresenciano Bunduquin, 50, was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Calapan City. He had been considering changing his line of work to become a chicken farmer.

Durian has rapidly become the most popular imported fruit in China, and cities bordering Vietnam are stepping up logistics to ensure that fresh supplies can reach any Chinese city in just 1-3 days.

Fans of the 28-year-old beauty queen hope that she will inspire those struggling to come out due to the stigma attached to it in the Catholic-majority country.

The code of conduct could take years to finalise, and skirmishes between China and claimant states could affect trust and reduce chances of compromise.

Mawar is packing maximum sustained winds of 155kpm and gusts up to 190kph – although expected to slow down, authorities warned of dangers as it blows past northernmost province Batanes.

After scooping the Sustainable Restaurant award in the 2023 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for Toyo Eatery in the Philippines, chef-owner Jordy Navarra reveals what sustainability means to him.

The suspension comes after the Philippines stopped the first-time deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait after the body of a Filipino domestic worker was found in the Kuwaiti desert.

The vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 began operating in the EE zone on May 7 – the most significant incursion since 2019 – but China claims its activity is ‘legitimate and lawful’.