South China Sea

Building a place of worship on Pag-asa (Spratly Islands) is expected to begin in late March. The vicar of Puerto Princesa and a Philippine official met yesterday to discuss the matter. The island’s small Catholic community includes civilians, members of the armed forces, coast guard personnel, navy personnel, and police. The area has long been in China's sights.

China marks the founding of the People's Republic in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, promising to “stand guard” over the atoll. The Philippines has long claimed that China’s presence is illegal. Chinese authorities recently announced plans to turn the area into a nature reserve.

According to the SIPRI report, global military spending hit a new high in 2024, at US$ 2.7 trillion. China accounts for half of all military expenditures in Asia, with spending rising in the Far East Asia, especially by Japan. In the Middle East, Israel is investing 8.8 per cent of GDP in the military, the second-highest percentage in the world.

Indonesia's president, who took office last month, signed a series of agreements with China. Despite advocating a policy of non-alignment between rival big powers, his signature appears to have implicitly acknowledged Beijing's claims. Prabowo discussed the issue with Joe Biden. For, analysts, this is a serious mistake by an inexperienced administration.

A state research institute in Guangzhou is working on integrated offshore power plants based on the combined use of wave, wind and solar energy to create self-sufficient communities of up to a thousand people. The goal is to boost China’s presence on the artificial islands it created, and boost its claims to the sea, which are challenged by other countries in Southeast Asia.

AsiaNews met the bishop of Ha Tinh, in the north of the country, among the participants at the Synod that concludes this weekend. Waiting for the signing of full relations between Hanoi and the Holy See. Faith and spirituality are ‘very important’ elements, as is the ‘evangelisation’ of migrants and the diaspora. Concern over tensions in the seas and wars in the Middle East.

Trump shows a more aggressive and isolationist approach, Harris is more prudent and inclined to stability. Towards Beijing, a desire to protect national interests prevails on the US side. Over the years, China has softened the tone of ‘wolf-warrior diplomacy’. And it is looking ahead to the 5 November vote without officially exposing itself, although it seems to be betting on the Democratic candidate.

Malaysia's state-owned company operates in areas that are under national sovereignty. In a note sent to the Malaysian embassy, China expressed its displeasure, even though Premier Anwar Ibrahim had previously hinted at the possibility of negotiations to resolve the issue of Chinese claims.

According to CCTV, they will be introduced next week, with the start of the year. first to seventh grade, then extended to all nine grades of compulsory education. Extensive coverage of the war with India and Vietnam. Specific sections also for ancient Chinese literature and the years of the communist revolution.

The Philippines marks 126 years since Spanish rule ended. The authorities are worried about China's territorial claims. President Marcos orders the military to be “well prepared" for any situation. The Catholic Church is also afraid that the country “might lose our independence.”

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who chairs the Bishops' Conference, calls on faithful to “accompany" the civilian supply mission promoted by the Atin Ito Coalition NGO. About 200 volunteers, 100 fishermen, and five boats evaded China’s naval blockade reaching the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

Not only Gaza and the war in Ukraine: the global arms race is also driven by Chinese pressure on Taiwan.. The 6.8% growth represents "the highest year-on-year growth since 2009". China, Russia, India and Saudi Arabia among the world's top five with the United States. Beijing's investments are affecting the other Asia-Pacific nations, especially Japan and Taiwan. Israel recorded an increase of 24%.