For the first time, China has publicized what it claims is an unwritten 2016 agreement with the Philippines over access to South China Sea islands. The move threatens to further raise tensions in the disputed waterway, through which much of the world’s trade passes and which China claims virtually in its entirety. According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy …

The Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces in association with the United States is creating an advantageous understanding that will address the care issue of American officers who will perpetrate offenses or wrongdoings in the Philippines. In view of this, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the particulars of the advantageous archive are as yet being examined and, if and when supported, will …

SINGAPORE – After successfully reaching an in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral Air Travel Bubble with Hong Kong, Singapore is now aiming to make a similar agreement with its neighbor, Malaysia. According to Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, The country would really like to have an air bubble with Malaysia. He said that the initiative will have to wait and …

SINGAPORE – Both Singapore and Indonesia have agreed to establish a reciprocal green lane (RGL), which will allow traveller with business and official purposes to cross travel between two countries. In a statement on Monday morning (Oct 12), both governments said that negotiations on RGL had concluded and application for the permit will begin on Oct. 26. Singapore’s Foreign Affairs …

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and Singapore are expected to sign an agreement on the much delayed light rail project linking Johor Baru with neighbouring Singapore on July 30, Malaysian Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong announced on Tuesday. The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was suspended last year due to former Prime minister Mahathir Mohamad promise to review major infrastructure deals. …

TOKYO – Japan has updated its domestic procedures on a revised free trade pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the changes to enter into force on Aug 1. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) said in a statement that the comprehensive economic partnership deal with the 10-nation Asean bloc will Japan’s first multilateral trade deal. The deal …