Japan, Philippines eye 1st 2-plus-2 meeting
If it comes to fruition, the Philippines will be the second member of the Asean — following Indonesia — to hold such talks.
EAST ASIA
China, Solomon Islands sign controversial security pact: Official
The security pact with China would match one the Solomon Islands has with Australia that allows for the deployment of armed forces.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raises ‘awkward questions’ for China: S’pore PM Lee
PM Lee said the invasion " violates the principles which the Chinese hold very dearly: territorial integrity and sovereignty, and non-interference."
China-EU leaders’ meeting to be held via video link
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on April 1, 2020.
Aggressive acts by Chinese fishing boats continue in South China Sea
There is widespread belief in the Philippines that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could further increase China’s activities in the region.
Australia imposes sanctions targeting North Korea’s ICBM launch
Canberra also condemned the launch as a serious escalation of the North’s “destabilizing behavior".
Satellite imagery shows ‘visible’ signs of North Korea reactivating nuclear test site
Commercial satellite images have shown “signs of increasing activities” since last December.
Korea’s Yoon calls for ‘urgent’ efforts to restore ties with Japan
Strained ties between the neighbors have raised concerns in Washington, as it seeks to bolster cooperation in the region.
US increases presence in South China Sea
A report said there were around 1,200 sorties of maritime patrol and recon aircraft conducting intelligence gathering in the area last year.
N.K’s ICBM launch crystallizes conflict among US, China, Russia
The UN Security Council urgently held an open meeting on North Korea for the first time since 2017 on Friday, March 25, at the request of the US, Albania, France, Ireland, Norway…