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The Philippines

The Philippines
The Philippines
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on the Philippines, covering politics, economy, society, and Manila’s relationships with China and its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Bulgarian citizens evacuated from Israel, along with dozens of foreign nationals from Slovenia, the US, Belgium, Albania, Kosovo and Romania, arrive in Sofia. Photo: AP
Israel-Iran conflict

By air, land and sea, nations race to evacuate citizens from Israel and Iran

Caught between warring nations, thousands of foreign nationals are being moved out of Israel and Iran in complex logistical operations.

Asia travel

These extreme adventures in Asia are not for the faint-hearted

United Nations

Why a UN Security Council seat is ‘crucial’ to the Philippines

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Social media

TikTok fuelling rise of fascist youth movement in the Philippines, experts warn

The far-right Philippine Falangist Front seeks to evoke nostalgia for Spanish rule while calling for Catholic authoritarianism.

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A hooded figure types on a laptop in a dark room, symbolising the anonymous spread of extremist content online. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Southeast Asia scrambles to get citizens out as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

Thailand, which has 40,000 citizens living in Israel and 300 in Iran, has mobilised military planes to bring them home.

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Israel

Filipinos in Israel caught between duty and fear as Iran conflict escalates

As 75 per cent of overseas foreign workers are carers, worries about their wards and livelihood are holding most back, an advocate says.

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South China Sea

Philippines says more US Typhon missiles ‘very welcome’ despite China’s warnings

Army spokesman says more of the advanced missile launchers would accelerate training as regional tensions simmer.

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US Army soldiers conduct the first Tomahawk Land Attack Missile launch from a Mid-Range Capability (MRC or Typhon) launcher at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California in 2023. Photo: US Army
SCMP Highlights

Philippines’ ‘mole people’, 1 survivor in Air India crash: 7 Asia highlights

From plight of homeless living underground to man walking away from Air India crash, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

SCMP Highlights

China’s economic data, PLA’s patrols in disputed waters: SCMP daily highlights

From supply chain competition between Beijing and Washington to domestic consumption picking up in China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

South China Sea

Does Philippines have ‘credible’ undersea might against China?

Japan’s advanced submarine warfare expertise could play a critical role in helping Manila develop undersea warfare capabilities, experts say.

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A Philippine Navy helicopter prepares to land on Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer Takanami during a joint maritime exercise held off the coast of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon in the South China Sea on June 14. Photo: Kyodo
My Life

Rowena Cortes on her life, and working with Elton John and Leslie Cheung

The Filipino-Hong Kong singer and actress talks about cutting her first record at age 5, working with stars, and getting married in front of 3,500 people.

Rowena Cortes, Filipino Hong Kong singer, photographed at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Photo: Jocelyn Tam
China’s military drills

Explainer | What is the US’ island chain strategy and what does it mean for China?

Two PLA Navy aircraft carriers are pushing past the limits set by the US and its allies since the Cold War in the Pacific Ocean.

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Hong Kong tourism

20% tourist spike in May as more than 4 million visit Hong Kong

Five new markets record year-on-year growth of 21 per cent on average in May.

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Donald Trump

‘Fear and pain’: Filipino, other Asian communities slam US immigration raids

LA’s Asian communities, including the largest Filipino population in the US, are mobilising against the ‘military-style raids’ and anxiety.

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Protesters rally against US President Donald Trump’s policies and federal immigration sweeps during a demonstration in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
South China Sea

PLA patrols in the South China Sea as Philippines, Japan hold joint drills

Chinese military says Manila has courted countries outside the region, ‘raising security risks’ and undermining peace and stability.

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The Chinese military conducted patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday while a Philippine-Japan joint drill was under way. Photo: PLA Southern Theatre Command
Hong Kong society

Letters | To flourish, Hong Kong needs higher priorities than wealth accumulation

Readers discuss the science of happiness, cross-border scam-fighting work, and developer woes.

‘Mole people’: invisible reality of the homeless in the Philippines

Photos of a woman crawling out of a sewer have sparked debate on the lack of help and authorities’ punitive approach towards those living on the streets.

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South China Sea

How the next Philippine president could reshape its South China Sea policy

A coastguard official’s jab at former president Duterte’s ‘jet ski’ pledge has revived debate on Manila’s long-term maritime strategy.

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Vice-President Sara Duterte speaks at a press conference in Manila on February 7. Photo: AP
Art

Rare chance to see works by 2 major Southeast Asian artists in Hong Kong

Villepin gallery’s new exhibition features artists Fernando Zobel and Le Pho in a group show that also includes Zao Wou-Ki and Kang Myonghi.

Crime

Up to 10,000 Pogo-linked foreigners in Philippines amid criticisms of inaction

A senior official says a detention facility in Pasay, where many linked to Pogos are held, is finding it hard to cope with overcrowding.

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Asean

Asian Angle | Trump tariffs challenge Asean’s unity and economic stability

As Trump’s tariff policies threaten Asean solidarity, the bloc should focus on regional trade to maintain stability and prevent division amid divergent responses.

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An Asean logo is displayed at the venue, ahead of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Langkawi Island, state of Kedah, Malaysia, on January 17. Photo: EPA-EFE
Australia

Can Squad fortify Asia-Pacific security amid China’s rise, Trump’s flip-flops?

The coalition of Australia, US, Philippines, and Japan was recognised by the Pentagon chief as the most ‘strategically positioned to manifest deterrence’.

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A multilateral maritime drill conducted between Australia, the United States, Japan and the Philippines is held within Manila’s exclusive economic zone in April 2024. Photo: Australian Department of Defence/AFP
China-Philippines relations

Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks warnings for Philippines

However, a ‘delicate balance’ should still be maintained to avoid any escalation, analysts warn.

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South China Sea

‘Any time, any place’: Philippine army to be deployed to South China Sea islands

Manila aims to boost the Philippine military’s capacity to coordinate across its services and counter China’s maritime assertiveness.

South Korea

Filipino helpers face exploitation, sexual harassment in South Korea

Carers in the pilot programme endure excessive workloads and contract abuse, sparking criticism over its flawed implementation.

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Filipino women taking part in a pilot nanny programme arrive at Incheon airport in South Korea last year. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap
Asian cinema

Rising hopes of a revival in Filipino cinema

Increased representation at this year’s Cannes festival – from Lav Diaz to Kyla Danelle Romero – is sparking hopes that the country’s movies may finally get more widely distributed.

Filipino film director Lav Diaz poses during the Magalhães (Magellan) photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival (2025) in Cannes, France. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong economy

WeChat Pay records fourfold rise in mainland tourist taxi payments in Hong Kong

Tencent executive also says more than 20,000 taxi drivers in city now accept both local WeChat Pay HK accounts and the mainland version.

China-Philippines relations

Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

The Philippine president’s close ties with the US could prove a stumbling block to better relations with Beijing, observers say.

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