Key Issues
Important maritime and shipping issues.
Philippines’ joint patrols in West Philippine Sea defy China’s bullying
Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros described the recent joint patrols conducted alongside allied nations, including the U.S., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, in the West Philippine
Fish catch in West Philippine Sea declines amid geopolitical tensions, fuel costs and El Niño
Filipino fishermen are grappling with declining fish catches in the West Philippine Sea as geopolitical tensions, rising fuel prices, and climate conditions like El Niño
China-affiliated cyber groups spy on countries with South China Sea claims
The IT systems of at least eight government and military entities with claims in the disputed South China Sea were compromised in an espionage campaign
Philippine Navy conducts anti-missile decoy test in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Navy has ramped up its defense capabilities, testing anti-missile decoy system in the West Philippine Sea amid escalating tensions with China over the
China swamps West Philippine Sea with 203 ships
The Philippine Navy recently reported spotting 203 Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) between August 27 and September 2, the highest number recorded
China accelerates naval modernization amid rising regional tensions
China has unveiled its inaugural drone carrier in response to heightened tensions and evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. This marks a significant stride
Philippines protests China’s unilateral South China Sea fishing ban
On May 27, Philippine foreign ministry protested China’s imposition of a unilateral four-month long fishing ban, in force from May 1 to September 16, in
Philippines happy with U.S. escort in West Philippine Sea but prefers to rely on itself first
The Philippines is pleased with the U.S.’ offer to escort its vessels during resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea in the face of China’s
No let-up in China-Taiwan tensions
Many observers and analysts viewed the inauguration of new Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te on May 20 as a day of celebration for Taiwan and its
Philippines: China, Vietnam’s landfill, dredging in West Philippine Sea deepen maritime dispute
A Chinese research vessel has been spotted recently in the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in mid August. This comes days after it allegedly explored reefs
Philippines questions China’s commitment to de-escalate tension in West Philippine Sea
The Philippines is casting doubt on China’s promise to de-escalate tension in the West Philippine Sea after the latest ramming and water cannon incidents near
Weakening justice systems leave corruption unchecked in most countries, finds survey
The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released January 30 by Transparency International shows that most countries have made little to
Singapore Continues to Lead Asia in Fighting Corruption Cases
In the 10th edition of the Global Legal Insights to Bribery & Corruption (2023) published by Global Legal Group, Allen
Transparency International reveals neglect of anti-corruption efforts in Asia Pacific
The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released January 31 by Transparency International shows that leaders have ignored anti-corruption efforts, with
Scant progress against corruption as world becomes more violent, says Transparency International
The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released January 31 by Transparency International shows that most of the world continues to
In Pictures: Photo stories
We stand united against corruption.
Philippines, allies hold military exercises in disputed South China Sea to uphold freedom of navigation
Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the U.S., from August 7 to 8, conducted military drills within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, to uphold the right
Philippines launches new warship to bolster naval capabilities amid South China Sea tensions
The Philippines continues to accelerate its naval modernization to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The recent launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar,
The Problem.
Over 90 percent of the global trade is carried across ocean. However, the maritime industry is also prone to rampant corruption.
The Indian connection: Fighting scourge of illicit synthetic drugs
According to the U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s National Drug Threat Assessment 2024, there is a dangerous shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic drugs, such
Malaysia says China is “great friend” despite maritime dispute in waters off Sarawak
Under the leadership of Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his pursue of stronger ties with China, bilateral relationship is going from strength to strength.
Philippines says it will not pull out of Escoda Shoal despite Chinese harassment
For five months, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s largest and most advanced patrol vessels, stood as a sentinel in
Philippines counters China’s gray zone tactics in South China Sea
China is using a series of gray zone tactics against the Philippines in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, which are designed to
CMA CGM donates to victims of earthquake in Morocco
Following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, the CMA CGM Foundation, as part of its commitment to help populations affected
Two workers killed at Gadani shipbreaking yards
On January 16, two workers, Qasim and Mustafa, lost their lives crushed by a heavy iron plate during the dismantling of bulk carrier CATHERINE BRIGHT
UAE takes important steps towards sustainable ship recycling
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s new Ship Recycling Regulation requires a dry dock or equivalent infrastructures for environmentally sound ship recycling. Set to take effect
Times are changing for marine insurance, says union
At the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) annual conference in Berlin, Germany on September 16, President Frédéric Denèfle focused
Green Shipbuilding: Sustainable Practices Shaping the Industry
As global industries strive for sustainability, the shipbuilding industry is undergoing a green transformation. This shift is particularly critical in
