Philippines summons Beijing's envoy over boats in South China Sea

13 Sept 08:43 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippine foreign ministry summoned China's envoy, expressing "utmost displeasure" over the "illegal lingering" of Chinese boats at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea.
This diplomatic confrontation escalates tensions stemming from hundreds of Chinese vessels, which Manila identifies as maritime militia, in the contested Spratly Islands.
China maintains its claim over the sea, ignoring a 2016 international tribunal ruling, and has refused Philippine demands to withdraw its vessels.
The incident has drawn international concern, with the United States reminding China of its treaty obligations to its ally, the Philippines.
The dispute complicates Philippine President Duterte's policy of fostering warmer ties with China, particularly amid reliance on Chinese COVID-19 vaccines.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Yesterday 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.