U.S. and Philippine forces shot down drones with Stinger missiles during joint military drills in Zambales, aimed at testing readiness amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea. Over 14,000 troops are participating in the Balikatan exercises, which run until May 9.
The drills are designed to test the readiness of the two defense allies in response to regional security concerns. China has criticized the exercises as provocative.
The drills took place in Zambales, a province in the western Philippines facing the South China Sea, a contentious area between China and Southeast Asian nations. Relations between Beijing and Manila are at a low point, with frequent clashes in the disputed waters raising fears of military conflict.
Chinese media reported maritime operations by the country's coastguard at Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in China, while the Philippines conducted its own maritime operation, accusing China of illegal activity in the area.
Despite the tensions, the Philippine military stated that this year’s drills were not directed at any specific country, focusing instead on national defense. The exercise included the live-fire testing of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), marking its second test and first deployment to the Philippines.
The Balikatan drills also featured the debut of the U.S. Navy's NMESIS anti-ship missile system, which will be used for security operations in Northern Luzon and near Taiwan.
Japan and the U.S. are facing tough trade talks as Tokyo resists quick concessions under tariff pressure from President Trump, preferring a balanced deal over a rushed agreement ahead of elections and amid broader tensions with China.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss ending the Ukraine war and improving strained bilateral ties, amid rising tensions following Trump’s return to office and policy disagreements.
During a visit to India, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said both nations can build a win-win partnership in trade, defense, and energy, reaffirming President Trump’s support. His trip comes as India seeks a key trade deal before a tariff pause ends.
North Korea has officially acknowledged it deployed troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling it a demonstration of its firm alliance with Moscow.
The Indian Navy has tested anti-ship missiles after a deadly Kashmir attack further strained already fragile ties with Pakistan.
Greenland’s prime minister has ruled out any U.S. takeover of the Arctic territory, stressing that Greenland is not a piece of property to be bought.
Thousands of Pakistanis gathered in Lahore to express solidarity with Palestinians, launching a new alliance to coordinate protests and boycotts.
President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the Shahid Rajaee Port explosion in Bandar Abbas, expressing deep sorrow and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured on behalf of himself and the Azerbaijani people.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the upcoming week will be "very critical" for Russia-Ukraine negotiations, emphasizing that both sides are still not "close enough" to a deal.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has confirmed that Moscow will persist in targeting Ukrainian military sites, despite international condemnation following recent attacks on civilian areas.
China has announced that it has taken control of Sandy Cay reef, a disputed landform in the South China Sea, located just a few kilometers from a key Philippine military outpost. The reef, which China refers to as Tiexian Jiao, is also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
North Korea has officially acknowledged it deployed troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling it a demonstration of its firm alliance with Moscow.
The Indian Navy has tested anti-ship missiles after a deadly Kashmir attack further strained already fragile ties with Pakistan.
North Korea has officially acknowledged it deployed troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling it a demonstration of its firm alliance with Moscow.
The Indian Navy has tested anti-ship missiles after a deadly Kashmir attack further strained already fragile ties with Pakistan.
Greenland’s prime minister has ruled out any U.S. takeover of the Arctic territory, stressing that Greenland is not a piece of property to be bought.
Thousands of Pakistanis gathered in Lahore to express solidarity with Palestinians, launching a new alliance to coordinate protests and boycotts.
President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the Shahid Rajaee Port explosion in Bandar Abbas, expressing deep sorrow and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured on behalf of himself and the Azerbaijani people.
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