Japan will upgrade its ties with the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN later this year to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” — joining both the United States and China at this level. Tokyo is moving quickly to strengthen its ties in the region in response to heightened tensions with China and a desire to diversify critical manufacturing supply chains. (KYODO NEWS)
A PLA Navy warship along with at least 42 Chinese military vessels were spotted this weekend near a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea, further straining maritime ties between the two countries. The Philippines Coast Guard called the Chinese naval presence near the island a “blatant violation of (its) territorial integrity.” (REUTERS)
