Philippine coast guard holds drills in disputed South China Sea

13 Sept 13:17 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting drills in the disputed South China Sea, near Thitu Island and Scarborough Shoal, to assert its maritime jurisdiction amidst heightened regional tensions.
These exercises are a direct response to the recent presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the Spratly Islands, which the Philippines considers maritime militia and has prompted increased surveillance.
Manila's actions challenge China's expansive claims over the sea, which Beijing maintains despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling against its historical basis.
The Philippines is intensifying its operational presence with more patrol vessels and engaging in strong diplomatic pushback, including daily protests and summoning China's envoy.

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.