The Philippines and Taiwan
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Ahh, for expats and tourism etc, not sure this is a great idea?
"PH eyes military ties with Taiwan"
By Franco Jose C. Baroña May 1, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/01/news/ph-eyes-military-ties-with-taiwan/2102231
THE Philippines is poised to take a significant step toward deeper military cooperation with Taiwan, a move that could redefine Manila's strategic posture in the West Philippine Sea and beyond.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesman for the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, confirmed in an interview that talks are under way to regularize warship transits across the Taiwan Strait, a development he hinted could lead to more formal joint military activities between the two neighbors and thus reshape the strategic calculus in the region.
"We now have the regularization of the cross-strait transit of warships," Trinidad said.
"I believe there will be an increase of that in the coming days, in the coming years. That would also be just one step away from doing joint activities, military to military."
This is the first time a senior Philippine military official has publicly acknowledged potential military-to-military engagements with Taiwan. This acknowledgment marks a striking development in Manila's evolving security strategy as it counters China's aggressive moves in
"We are now looking long term. We're no longer looking at next month or next year. We're looking at what will happen in the next 10 to 20 years," said Trinidad as he emphasized the importance of strategic foresight in regional planning.
In recent months, China's gray-zone tactics — including the use of water cannons and laser devices against Philippine vessels — have drawn sharp criticism from both local officials and the international community.
For Manila, the strategic response has increasingly centered on coalition-building with like-minded partners.
"In the West Philippine Sea, we must maintain presence," Trinidad said. "We must ensure that the Filipino people understand that the government is there for them, that the military is protecting what is ours."
While official diplomatic ties between Manila and Taipei remain nonexistent due to the Philippines' adherence to the One-China policy, military interlocutors have begun navigating informal channels to address shared security concerns, especially regarding the protection of sea lanes and maritime domain awareness.
"There is now more coordination, more collaboration and more communication among partners. That is a very important message to everyone who challenges the rules-based international order," said Trinidad as he pointed out the evolving security environment.
While the Philippines has historically upheld a "One-China" policy, its growing security ties with the United States and other like-minded partners have placed it on a delicate balancing act.
The prospect of Philippine-Taiwan military activities — even if limited to information sharing, patrol coordination or humanitarian assistance — would likely be viewed by Beijing as provocative.
But Trinidad stressed that Philippine defense efforts remain anchored in lawful, transparent actions.
"We are not looking for a fight, but we are not backing down either. What is ours, is ours."
However, when asked about potential friction with China, Trinidad said the Philippines is "prepared to defend our rights."
"We are taking the necessary steps not just for today, but for future generations."
The Philippine military has already ramped up its presence in contested waters, with increased patrols and expanded cooperation with the United States, Australia and Japan.
Japan Access Agreement
Meanwhile, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed hopes the Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines could be ratified once the Diet or the Japanese parliament ends session in June.
Speaking to reporters following the two-day official visit of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, Japan MOFA spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura said the military access deal's ratification would be a "good step forward" to the two states' growing security cooperation.
"We have submitted that agreement to the Diet — we expect that the Diet will start discussions on that agreement very soon," he said.
"We cannot prejudge any kind of conclusion from the process, but since the Diet will conclude before the end of June, we hope that that will be approved by the Diet by that time."
Once it enters into force, the official said the deal would facilitate joint operations between the two forces, including military drills.
In a summit meeting on Tuesday, Ishiba and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised to deepen security cooperation in the context of "strengthening deterrence for regional stability."
The two leaders agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) to reinforce operational collaboration as well as facilitate talks on a potential security information deal.
The ACSA, Kitamura said, would help with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling needs when participating in joint drills with the Philippine Navy.
"Since there is no legal framework, it is quite complicated to have the refueling from the Philippine side. Under ACSA, it is quite easy to refuel or acquire some piece of equipment in case of an accident," he said.
Meanwhile, Kitamura said the possible intelligence-sharing deal would help strengthen security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila
Marcos and Ishiba agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime safety through base development, capacity improvement support and joint training between Japan, the Philippines and the United States.
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I wonder if this thread will call into question the practicality of Freds 20 year old undies P1.
Maybe we can stay on topic?
cheers, Steve.
I wonder if this thread will call into question the practicality of Freds 20 year old undies P1.
Maybe we can stay on topic?
cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
Freds undies are older than South Sudan, Serbia and Montenegro.
Sorry
The PI and all other nations should make closer ties with Taiwan. This would then send a strong signal to the Mainland to back off. China is going to bully as long as they can get away with it.
The PI and all other nations should make closer ties with Taiwan. This would then send a strong signal to the Mainland to back off. China is going to bully as long as they can get away with it. - @flyrite777
As a note, you do realise the Republic of China claims to be the legitimate government of the mainland, don't you?
The ROC constitution currently claims that the ROC is the legitimate government of all of China, so we are talking about a very long term, and very odd, civil war, not one country invading another.
The PI and all other nations should make closer ties with Taiwan. This would then send a strong signal to the Mainland to back off. China is going to bully as long as they can get away with it. - @flyrite777
Hardly any countries recognise the Republic of China as an independent state. I would have to check, but I think it's 11 or so that do.
As the ROC claim to be the government of mainland China, a fact that is hidden by propagandists in order to make it sound like Taiwan is an actual country, states have a choice between the two competing Chinese governments.
What people know as Taiwan is in fact the Republic of China, the pre WWII mainland government.
Once again, this is a civil war.
To add, the Philippines and The Republic of China have no embassies as the Philippines does not recognise the Republic of China as a legitimate government.
It can't until the Republic of China gives up its territorial claims against the People's Republic of China.
Fred how can a dictatorship be called a legitimate government? Nobody gets a say, simply told and God help those that try to buck the control.
Cheers, Steve.
The PI and all other nations should make closer ties with Taiwan. This would then send a strong signal to the Mainland to back off. China is going to bully as long as they can get away with it. - @flyrite777
In order to create formal ties with TW, PI and other countries would have to break ties with mainland China which will not happen. They could, and perhaps are, having informal relations but that does not send a strong message.
Fred how can a dictatorship be called a legitimate government? Nobody gets a say, simply told and God help those that try to buck the control.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
Ask the US, UK, Australia, and pretty much the rest of the world. They all recognise the PRC as the legitimate government of China.
For that matter, it's up to the Chinese people to reject their government, not foreigners.
Add the Chinese are enriched because their government is so good, and you have the reason they don't want change.
Some paint China as a bleak dictatorship, but it's one that is BMW's largest market.
Countries tend to be politically stable when its population has food on the table, but more so when that family has a BMW in the garage.
You may not like their style of government, but that 'evil dictatorship' has taken China from a failed farming country to a massive economic power in 30 years, something western democracies have all failed to do.
Whilst western countries were arguing about what a woman is, China worked its way to becoming the world's leading economic superpower, and did so without bombing a load of countries.
Ask yourself which is better, democracies that bomb civilians, destabilise countries and put mass murdering dictatorships into power, and threaten weaker countries, or a dictatorship that does none of the above.
Add that the dictatorship in question has enriched its own population, massively assisted other countries whilst making fortunes for capitalists in both, and improved life for the general population of its partner countries.
Tell me exactly why the Chinese government is bad.
Not old communist lot, just the new capitalist version of their government.
How about free speech Fred? State controlled media Fred? Equality Fred?
Nice they are the top country for BMW imports for the favoured wealthy while the majority slave away in the fields or a sweat shop for the few that are wealthy and get around on push bikes or mules. The hard labour prison camps for those that question the dictatorship. Restricted internet, claiming sovereignty of the South China Sea, Fred the list can go on.
I also wonder the apparent size of the defence force and the real reasons,,,,,, perhaps control of the poor? You can't say that 1.4 billion souls are happy. Look what happened to the Marcos regime/dictatorship or perhaps the American civil war,,,, the French Revolution, on and on we can talk but at the end of the day In any dictatorship there are the wealthy and the subjugated, is Putin any different?
Yes Fred Ben is off to purchase a new Chinese car this week so the wealthy in China can purchase your BMW's,,,,, BTW a BMW is a poor mans Mercedes.
Sorry to wander off topic and as always.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
Show me equality in the UK, US, or any other western country, then complain about other places.
A request, not a statement.
Note - this post was accidentally edited rather than quoted.
You can see the origional in quotes of it futher down the page
Now your being pedantic Fred, you well know what I say is true.
Perhaps focus on washing your undies?
Cheers, Steve.
Now your being pedantic Fred, you well know what I say is true.
Perhaps focus on washing your undies?
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
Pendant?
I asked a legitimate question, and I just washed last month's pair. I can't believe it's already the fourth- I'm 3 days late.
Fred you never asked any questions, simply made statements.
Cheers, Steve.
VictoriaHow about free speech Fred? State controlled media Fred? Equality Fred?
- @bbigpearl
You can get arrested in the UK for telling people women don't have a penis.
You can get kicked out of the US for saying Trump is rubbish
Show me equality in the UK, US, or any other western country, then complain about other places.- @Fred
In Indonesia you can be arrested for drawing a cartoon of Muhammad.
Article 156a of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP)** prohibits blasphemy or insulting a religion. Since the majority of Indonesian Muslims consider visual depictions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be offensive and disrespectful, publishing such an image could be deemed blasphemous
How about free speech Fred? State controlled media Fred? Equality Fred?
- @bbigpearl
You can get arrested in the UK for telling people women don't have a penis.
You can get kicked out of the US for saying Trump is rubbish
Show me equality in the UK, US, or any other western country, then complain about other places.
In Indonesia you can be arrested for drawing a cartoon of Muhammad.
Article 156a of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP)** prohibits blasphemy or insulting a religion. Since the majority of Indonesian Muslims consider visual depictions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be offensive and disrespectful, publishing such an image could be deemed blasphemous - @danfinn
Why not be polite?
By way of an opinion.
China has managed to achieve astonishing leaps forward because it has a single minded, long term plan.
The reason so many other countries are a bit rubbish is that their politicians have to arse around with public opinion and trying to define what a woman is.
If the US, that great lover of democracy that removed the democratically elected government in Iran to get oil rights (and a good few others), can get democracy into China, they know China's stunning abilities will die almost overnight.
This thread has become totally useless. Let's put Fred, bigpearl and danfinn in a separate thread where they can make useless arguments about irrelevant points.
I agree with flyrite, the fourth poster and so far the only one on-topic.
The topic is an important and legitimate one: China seems intent on harassing the Phiippines to take over the West Philippine Sea; Japan is not far from problems with China.
I'm pretty happy seeing the US put missiles pointed at China in the Philippines.
The PI and all other nations should make closer ties with Taiwan. This would then send a strong signal to the Mainland to back off. China is going to bully as long as they can get away with it. - @flyrite777
The smaller countries in Asia should unite to make United States of Asia.
This thread has become totally useless. Let's put Fred, bigpearl and danfinn in a separate thread where they can make useless arguments about irrelevant points.I agree with flyrite, the fourth poster and so far the only one on-topic.The topic is an important and legitimate one: China seems intent on harassing the Phiippines to take over the West Philippine Sea; Japan is not far from problems with China.I'm pretty happy seeing the US put missiles pointed at China in the Philippines. - @bizwizard
Oh no, please @mister_wizard, please share with us your wisdom and insight regarding the USA pointing missiles at China and how happy you are to see that (WTF?). Please to not exile us to a new thread. Never let it happen that we might miss out on another mister_wizard literary contribution to the expat community.
@bizwizard
The opinions are relative to the topic by members with different views. I have to agree with danfinn as to the US sticking missiles in countries next to China when who had the hissy fit when Russia wanted to stick missiles in Cuba?
I see you miss the point here when it comes to China and their place within the global stage, currently the worlds second largest economy and in the next few years?
I don't want to hang sh1t on the US but the current administrations on again off again tariffs are a joke, I see these tariffs have been changed 21 times against China.
OMO but these tariffs are clutching at straws from a country that can't/won't compete in an open world market and it's the citizens that will pay these taxes, yes they will be passed on and most countries are diversifying and sourcing other markets for their products.
Australia buys twice as much from the US compared to what we sell there yet we were also hit with these tariffs, 10% across the board and what was 25% on steel and aluminium look like 50% now. Even 2 isolated islands inhabited by penguins were slugged 10% and now they won't bother getting into the resource market.
Talk about isolationism? It's happening.
Mentioned many times the rabbit burrow and while the bottom might be a long way off it is inevitable sadly.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
@bizwizard
The opinions are relative to the topic by members with different views. I have to agree with danfinn as to the US sticking missiles in countries next to China when who had the hissy fit when Russia wanted to stick missiles in Cuba? - @bigpearl
It's worth a note that the Soviets put the missiles into Cuba in order to balance out the threat of the Jupiter II missiles the US had deployed in Europe.
https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/jupiter/
As you rightly say, the US complained about the threat, but the US placing first strike missiles into Asia is much more like the US doing that in Turkey than the Soviets doing it in Cuba.
Fred said . . . .
***************************
Actually Nothing
In almost 30,000 irrelevant post by Fred, he has said nothing, not even one post that benefits Expats or future expats in the Philippines.
Cheryl . . . . are you still here?
Fred said . . . .
***************************Actually Nothing
In almost 30,000 irrelevant post by Fred, he has said nothing, not even one post that benefits Expats or future expats in the Philippines.
Cheryl . . . . are you still here? - @Enzyte Bob
That rather unthinking statement in mind, do you disagree with the point that the US placed missiles into Europe, so the Soviet missiles were the balance rather than the aggression?
@bizwizard
I don't want to hang sh1t on the US but the current administrations on again off again tariffs are a joke, I see these tariffs have been changed 21 times against China.
OMO.
- @bigpearl
Trump is being openly mocked now about his tariff policy, their calling him TACO Trump, T.A.C.O. Trump Always Chickens Out, some Wall Street economist came up with that name and now it is being widely shared on the internet.
And on the news Findlay, all channels, all countries and simple whims like a child, no consulting the senate nor thought with an actual policy and throwing the world into uncharted territory.
It's going to hurt. Think it already is.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
@bizwizard
I don't want to hang sh1t on the US but the current administrations on again off again tariffs are a joke, I see these tariffs have been changed 21 times against China.
OMO.
- @bigpearl
Trump is being openly mocked now about his tariff policy, their calling him TACO Trump, T.A.C.O. Trump Always Chickens Out, some Wall Street economist came up with that name and now it is being widely shared on the internet.
- @FindlayMacD
Actually you need to know how a trade war works but, suffice it to say, you must be flexible. It is not like watching a low scoring soccer game but more like watching a US style football game where the score can change greatly at any time. There are many variables to deal with; there are many known unknowns and many unknown unknowns. Trump is basically winning right now as yesterday, the balance of trade was 1/2 of what it was last year at this time. This kind of reduction has never happened before as the US Treasury is getting enriched. Meanwhile the ankle-biters are busy at work, as usual, (sorry Steve) and I am 100% sure that as Trumps policies continues to succeed from "liberation day", those commenters will 3xpect us to forget what they said and change the topic to criticize Trump for something else. Such is the nature of TDS.
Actually you need to know how a trade war works - @danfinn
I think I know.
TACO is not up to much past humour because, in my most humble of opinions, Trump messes everything up so share prices fall.
He, under cover of whatever shady shell company he runs, buys shares, them pretends to coward out. Prices rise, and Trump makes a fortune.
However, the American people suffer badly.
@danfinn
Ankle biters? While I appreciate the complement if only true would question how you raised your children? Force? Coercion or a simple slap?
Sure I am an outsider to the goings on in the US but it's plastered world wide on different media platforms including FOX and the tidings are not good.
I think personally all these TDS innuendos from many over the years will bite big time as they seem to be with a petulant ankle biter changing thoughts and demands day after day with no regard for those going to pick up the tab.
The TDS is really about the 70 million people that put him into power and are now paying the price.
Little skin in the game as I'm simply a retired ankle biter living in a country that suffered minimal damage from the onslaught.
As simply said if he gets his way the average worker/punter is going to pick up the bill in the US with a far higher cost of living,,,,,, not me.
Any different to DOGE with a chainsaw? It didn't work and most times a scalpel makes a clean incision, the tariffs? How many times does the administration need to sharpen the teeth when it comes to the world economy.
On topic I care little where the US sticks weapons as the way it's playing out won't matter in a few years, but hey.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
It's Amazing how the DEI syndrome infected this forum, Especially those not from the USA.
Actually you need to know how a trade war works - @danfinn
I think I know.
TACO is not up to much past humour because, in my most humble of opinions, Trump messes everything up so share prices fall.
He, under cover of whatever shady shell company he runs, buys shares, them pretends to coward out. Prices rise, and Trump makes a fortune.
However, the American people suffer badly. - @Fred
I think we are at the very beginning of a process that will take st least 4 years and present indications are a vast reduction in balance of trade, right now (!), and the ongoing construction of 8 Trillion in investments of factories bringing the jobs back home again and eventually reducing the balance if trade to near naught. Neither you nor I can predict for certain the final outcome but suffice it to say, I am very positive even if you are not. Americans are not suffering as you say but instead are beginning to recover from the zombie auto-signer presidency and I do not believe that I will be the one in this forum who will be eating crow at the end of Trump's term.
@danfinn
Ankle biters? While I appreciate the complement if only true would question how you raised your children? Force? Coercion or a simple slap?
Sure I am an outsider to the goings on in the US but it's plastered world wide on different media platforms including FOX and the tidings are not good.
I think personally all these TDS innuendos from many over the years will bite big time as they seem to be with a petulant ankle biter changing thoughts and demands day after day with no regard for those going to pick up the tab.
The TDS is really about the 70 million people that put him into power and are now paying the price.
Little skin in the game as I'm simply a retired ankle biter living in a country that suffered minimal damage from the onslaught.
As simply said if he gets his way the average worker/punter is going to pick up the bill in the US with a far higher cost of living,,,,,, not me.
Any different to DOGE with a chainsaw? It didn't work and most times a scalpel makes a clean incision, the tariffs? How many times does the administration need to sharpen the teeth when it comes to the world economy.
On topic I care little where the US sticks weapons as the way it's playing out won't matter in a few years, but hey.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
As I told Fred, I think we are at the very beginning of a process that will take st least 4 years and present indications are a vast reduction in balance of trade, right now (!), and the ongoing construction of 8 Trillion in investments of factories bringing the jobs back home again and eventually reducing the balance if trade to near naught. Neither you nor I can predict for certain the final outcome but suffice it to say, I am very positive even if you are not. Americans are not suffering as you say but instead are beginning to recover from the zombie auto-signer presidency and I do not believe that I will be the one in this forum who will be eating crow at the end of Trump's term.
It's Amazing how the DEI syndrome infected this forum, Especially those not from the USA. - @Enzyte Bob
As a non-binary who identifies as a gay woman that wears mens' clothing and likes women, I will answer.
Ducky, my lovely man, you are teasing and exciting me as I type.
I'm rather right wing, thus not a big fan of DEI.
As many say IGNORE big time.
Cheers, Steve.
It's Amazing how the DEI syndrome infected this forum, Especially those not from the USA. - @Enzyte Bob
Those that are not from the USA and many who are have not been drinking the Trump kool aid like you @Enzyte Bob
Actually you need to know how a trade war works - @danfinn
I think I know.
TACO is not up to much past humour because, in my most humble of opinions, Trump messes everything up so share prices fall.
He, under cover of whatever shady shell company he runs, buys shares, them pretends to coward out. Prices rise, and Trump makes a fortune.
However, the American people suffer badly. - @Fred
I think we are at the very beginning of a process that will take st least 4 years and present indications are a vast reduction in balance of trade, right now (!), and the ongoing construction of 8 Trillion in investments of factories bringing the jobs back home again and eventually reducing the balance if trade to near naught. Neither you nor I can predict for certain the final outcome but suffice it to say, I am very positive even if you are not. Americans are not suffering as you say but instead are beginning to recover from the zombie auto-signer presidency and I do not believe that I will be the one in this forum who will be eating crow at the end of Trump's term. - @danfinn
I have heard about all these fictional factories springing up all over the USA hahaha
I have heard about all these fictional factories springing up all over the USA hahaha
- @FindlayMacD
Now now now. I know for a fact that Harry Potter, Snow White (or other colours), and at least three dwarfs that lost their acting jobs have opened factories manufacturing stardust and rocking horse poop.
A new era of US industrial might is just around the corner.
Their shipbuilding industry, that is slightly weaker than that in Indonesia, has keels laid for three rowing boats with the North Koreans suggesting an order for a further five is being negotiated at the moment.
It's Amazing how the DEI syndrome infected this forum, Especially those not from the USA. - @Enzyte Bob
*******************************
FindlayMacD said . . . Those that are not from the USA and many who are have not been drinking the Trump kool aid like you Enzyte Bob
**********************
Findlay I've read so many of your posts bashing Trump & Musk. The consistency of your post is the Name Calling. Many do oppose them on this forum but they do it with intelligent thoughts and logic.
Your hot air is better suited for Bag Pipes.
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