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Philippines and Vietnam Aim for Fair Trade Deals Amidst Agricultural Trade Concerns

Philippines and Vietnam Aim for Fair Trade Deals Amidst Agricultural Trade Concerns

The Philippines and Vietnam are working to expand their bilateral trade to $20 billion, up from the current $15 billion, while addressing a trade gap that heavily favors Vietnam. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted efforts to boost Philippine exports to Vietnam and address issues in agricultural trade agreements, particularly in the rice sector. Vietnam is the largest source of imported rice for the Philippines, contributing to a significant trade deficit. The Philippines is advocating for stronger contract enforcement to ensure predictability in agricultural transactions. Both countries are also exploring ways to enhance regional food security cooperation.
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India Confirms BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam

India Confirms BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam

India has confirmed an agreement to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore. The BrahMos missile, developed by a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia, is a two-stage weapon capable of supersonic speeds. While the exact value of the deal was not disclosed, it is speculated to be around $629 million, potentially including training and logistical support. This deal is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its defense exports and strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations.
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UOB and FPT Collaborate on AI-Driven Banking Growth in APAC

UOB and FPT Collaborate on AI-Driven Banking Growth in APAC

UOB and FPT Collaborate on AI-Driven Banking Growth in APAC
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Chinese Structure on Disputed Reef Raises Regional Security Concerns

Chinese Structure on Disputed Reef Raises Regional Security Concerns

Satellite imagery has revealed an unidentified reflective object at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal's lagoon, a contested area in the South China Sea. This discovery has heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, as the object could signify a new fixed installation by China. The Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China, has been under China's de facto control since a 2012 standoff. The presence of this object raises questions about compliance with the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which calls for self-restraint and avoiding actions that alter the status quo. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has indicated that efforts to verify the nature and origin of the object are ongoing.
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Gremsy Solutions Debuts Advanced UAV Payloads at Japan Drone Show

Gremsy Solutions Debuts Advanced UAV Payloads at Japan Drone Show

Gremsy Solutions has made its international debut at the Japan Drone Show 2026, showcasing advanced UAV payloads and stabilization technologies. The company, part of the Gremsy ecosystem, aims to build a strong UAV network between Vietnam and Japan, focusing on social infrastructure, security, and smart city development.
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Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties, say South China Sea peace 'non-negotiable'

Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties, say South China Sea peace 'non-negotiable'

MANILA, June 1 (Reuters) - The Philippines and Vietnam are elevating their ties to an enhanced strategic partnership, reaffirming that shared commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea is "non-negotiable," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday during a state visit by Vietnam's
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Asia's factory output expands as firms stockpile buffers over Iran war risks

Asia's factory output expands as firms stockpile buffers over Iran war risks

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, June 1 (Reuters) - Asia's factory activity expanded steadily in May on stockpiling by some companies to get ahead of supply shocks from the Middle East conflict, private surveys showed on Monday, a sign that the war's economic fallout is broadening across the region.
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China Conducts Patrols Near Scarborough Shoal Amidst Philippines-U.S. Naval Exercises

China Conducts Patrols Near Scarborough Shoal Amidst Philippines-U.S. Naval Exercises

China's military and coast guard conducted patrols near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, following a five-day maritime exercise by Philippine and U.S. forces in the same area. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and maritime security, marking the third such drill this year. The Scarborough Shoal is a highly contested maritime feature, often causing tensions between China and the Philippines over sovereignty and fishing rights. China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command stated that the patrols were a countermeasure against rights violations and provocative acts, although no specific countries were mentioned. The Chinese coast guard also reported dealing with ships engaged in illegal activities near the shoal.
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Factories face soaring costs as Iran war causes supply shocks

Factories face soaring costs as Iran war causes supply shocks

By Jonathan Cable and Leika Kihara LONDON/TOKYO, June 1 (Reuters) - The economic shock from the Iran war hit European factories last month, suppressing demand for their goods and pushing up raw material costs at the fastest rate in four years, although their Asian peers saw activity expand due to
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Sơn Tùng M-TP and Tyga Collaborate to Celebrate Vietnamese Heritage

Sơn Tùng M-TP and Tyga Collaborate to Celebrate Vietnamese Heritage

Sơn Tùng M-TP and Tyga Collaborate to Celebrate Vietnamese Heritage
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Philippine senator arrested on plunder charge, with no right to bail

Philippine senator arrested on plunder charge, with no right to bail

A Philippine senator has been arrested after a court ordered his arrest on a nonbailable charge of plunder
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Philippine senator Estrada detained in graft case

Philippine senator Estrada detained in graft case

MANILA, June 1 (Reuters) - A Philippine senator who is the son of a former president was detained on Monday after surrendering to police in line with a court order on suspicion of taking kickbacks as part of a scandal that sparked huge protests last year.