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POLITICSOct 2Latin America sees China as more positive global influence than US: PollAnnual Latinobarometro survey finds views of China’s influence improving as perceptions of US influence worsen.Al Jazeera [en]

POLITICSOct 2South Korea's anger at Ukraine is 'about more than a secret'Oekraïne en Zuid-Korea liggen met elkaar overhoop over twee Noord-Koreaanse krijgsgevangenen. Aanleiding is een opmerking van de Oekraïense president Volodymyr Zelensky bij de Algemene Vergadering van de Verenigde Naties vorige week. Daar maakte hij bekend dat Oekraïne twee Noord-Koreaanse militairen had overgedragen aan Zuid-Korea. Dit schoot bij Zuid-Korea in het verkeerde keelgat, omdat afgesproken zou zijn de overdracht geheim te houden. Zuid-Korea zegt dat geheimhouding onder meer nodig was vanwege mogelijke risico's voor de militairen en hun familieleden in Noord-Korea. Maar er speelt voNOS Buitenland

POLITICSOct 2Panama auditor targets ex-port regulators and Hong Kong firm’s executives in canal probePanama’s comptroller general said on Friday that his office would send prosecutors more audit material on former executives of CK Hutchison’s local subsidiary next week, as part of a criminal investigation into the Hong Kong conglomerate’s annulled Panama Canal ports concession. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Anel Flores said prosecutors had requested documents concerning Panama Ports Company (PPC), the operator of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals at either end of the canal...South China Morning Post

CONFLICTOct 2Taiwan coastguard uses water cannons to warn off mainland Chinese fishing vesselTaiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) used water cannons to expel a mainland Chinese fishing vessel near Dongsha Island, authorities said on Friday. The incident occurred on October 1, 27 nautical miles east of the Taiwanese-controlled Dongsha Island, also called Pratas Island, in the South China Sea, the agency revealed. The CGA’s patrol vessel Yunlin directed its water cannon towards the fishing boat Jin Sha’s wheelhouse for about 90 seconds after initially spraying water into the air for...South China Morning Post

BUSINESSOct 2Nintendo refreshes trademarks for Metroid Prime: Federation Force (and Blast Ball), Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE and Ever OasisNintendo has renewed trademarks for several of its video game titles, including 'Metroid Prime: Federation Force', 'Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE', and 'Ever Oasis'. This action indicates the company's continued protection of its intellectual property for these franchises.gonintendo · united states of america

CYBEROct 2Antino Backdoor Uses Outlook and OneDrive for C2 in China-Nexus Espionage CampaignThe Hacker News

MILITARYOct 2After yearslong delay, Taiwan receives first pair of new F-16sThe two jets landed at an airbase in eastern Taiwan on Friday.Breaking Defense

CYBEROct 2Some topics are off limits in Chinese AI, researchers findA popular Chinese AI program, Qwen, has no memory of Tiananmen Square and no tolerance for Winnie the Pooh.CBS News

HEALTHOct 2Hospital in Russia’s Irkutsk region quarantined amid reports that a patient died of pneumonic plagueMeduza [en]

MILITARYOct 2Taiwan’s First F-16 Block 70s Have Finally ArrivedThe delivery of Taiwan’s first two new Vipers kicks off a long-awaited expansion of its fighter fleet in the face of ballooning threats from mainland China. The post Taiwan’s First F-16 Block 70s Have Finally Arrived appeared first on TWZ.The War Zone

CONFLICTOct 2Taiwan Coast Guard confronts Chinese fishing boats in Dongsha watersTaiwan’s Coast Guard used a water cannon to drive two Chinese fishing boats away from waters near the Dongsha Islands.Al Jazeera [en]

DISASTEROct 2Off-duty senior ambulanceman dies after abseiling fall on Kowloon PeakAn off-duty senior ambulanceman has died after falling from a cliff while abseiling in Hong Kong. The Fire Services Department said on Friday that it had received a report at 2.33pm that a man had fallen from Kowloon Peak in Wong Tai Sin while abseiling. Rescuers and a government helicopter searched the area and found an unconscious man at a nearby cliff. Another man with minor injuries was found on a nearby trail. The department mobilised its mountain and high-angle rescue teams during the...South China Morning Post

POLITICSOct 2Justice as fairness: An argument for the defense“Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” – Immanuel Kant First word FIRST, I want to make a personal disclosure. I want to disclose the writing work that I did for a book on the Filipino vice presidency that was published and released in November last year, entitled “First in Line The Vice Presidents of the Philippines.” The volume was produced and designed by Studio 5 Designs Inc. for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under a contract that it won by competitive bidding. Studio 5 persuaded me to do research and writing for the book; I then spent three months of my time working on the project in between my work as a columnist in The Manila Times and other interests. Studio 5 and the publisher set November 2025 as the working deadline for the completed project to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the vice presidential office. This seemingly stiff deadline was punctiliously met without frayed nerves and task misunderstandings by the highly professional working staff. And so, on Nov. 15, 2025, at a reception and ceremonies held at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, the OVP marked its 90th anniversary. Vice President Sara Duterte was on hand to lead in welcoming the guests and preside over the program. All 15 of the country’s vice presidents since 1935 are featured in profiles in the pages of “First in Line.” With seven VPs deceased, and a handful indisposed, the book launching had to settle for the vice presidents being present chiefly in spirit and represented by living members of their families. Former vice president and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was a notable presence in the evening’s festivities. And so was the surprise attendance of former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who gamely joined the commemoration while seated on a wheelchair. My involvement in this publishing project might be construed by some readers and journalist colleagues as signifying that I have joined the advisory and communications team of Vice President Duterte in her fight for acquittal and quest for vindication in her impeachment trial. I am not without sympathy over the ordeal that she is living through, but the simple fact is that I am not an adviser to the vice president or her office. My work on the vice presidents’ book did not change my long-standing nonpartisan and uncommitted position in national politics and government. And the battle lines now forming for the forthcoming wars and competition in the politics of 2028. I strive to be, and I remain an observer of our politics and the issues that are driving our public life. When I was contracted by Studio 5 for the writing of “First in Line,” I explicitly set as my condition that the writing subject should be the Filipino vice presidency, and not its incumbent occupant. I said that my interest was institutional, not personal. My terms were accepted, and so the writing commission went forward. It is pleasing to see that the finished product is not an unworthy addition to the limited number of books on Philippine public affairs and public institutions. This disclosure should clear up any question about my coverage of national politics and the approaching presidential elections 2028. I watch and analyze events and developments as they happen. And I will raise questions and comment freely as objectively as I can. On the current issue now being hotly debated — the arbitrary change of the conviction threshold in the impeachment trial of VP Duterte — I think the impeachment court may have gifted the vice president and her team with a strong and compelling argument against the impeachment charges laid against her. Senate blunder With all the problems that it is already facing from absent members under indictment, in jail or on the lam, from institutional disrepute for alleged senatorial plunder of public funds for flood control, and from differences and open feuding among influential Senate leaders, the Philippine Senate as the sole trier of the impeachment case of Vice President Duterte has added an even bigger problem to resolve in the trial of the second-highest ranking official of the Republic. There is no polite way to view the new conviction threshold than as a blunder by senators who desire an easier and quicker way to convict and remove VP Duterte from the vice presidency. The unwisdom of the impeachment court’s decision will begin to crumble when the Supreme Court starts a review of the impeachment court’s decision, following the petitions filed by various parties before the high court. The Senate foolishly opened itself for criticism or rebuke by a higher authority, in its handling of the impeachment proceedings, which only yesterday concluded its 29th day of the trial. Significantly, the court’s presiding officer, Sen. Francis Escudero, did not join his colleagues in changing the conviction threshold without the benefit of a constitutional amendment. What the court has done is nothing less than to change the rules when the game is already being played. It is the same as the English idiom on changing horses in midstream. Which means changing methods or choosing leaders during a crisis. The team of VP Duterte will find itself in better command of the argument if it takes the time to study and comprehend, and adopt the writing of the political philosopher John Rawls on his theory of justice as fairness. Justice as fairness Rawls, who is widely regarded as the most important and influential political philosopher of the 20th century, presented his theory of justice as fairness in a book published in 1971, “A Theory of Justice.” According to Wikipedia, Rawls describes a society of free citizens with equal basic rights who work together cooperatively in an egalitarian economic system. Through its liberal political conception of justice, his theory provides a framework for the legitimate use of political power. However, legitimacy is only the minimum standard of moral acceptance; a political order can therefore be legitimate without being just per se. Justice, on the other hand, sets the maximum standard: the arrangement of social institutions that is morally best. The “Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy” explains Rawl’s theory of justice: Rawl’s conception of justice comprises two main principles of liberty and equality; the second is subdivided into fair equality of opportunity and the difference principle. The principles are, however, intended to form a single, coherent conception of justice (justice as fairness) rather than to operate independently. They are consistently applied with the aim of benefiting the least advantaged members of society, ensuring that they are neither harmed nor overlooked. Something tells me that the impeachment’s court’s decision will have an awfully tough time squaring itself with the idea of justice as fairness. Justices of our Supreme Court will sit up and take notice of Rawls’ theory and so will the senator judges in the impeachment court. yenobserver@gmail.commanilatimes · philippines

MILITARYOct 2Taiwan receives first F-16V fighter planes made by USTAITUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan received its first F-16V fighter jets made by the United States on Friday as the democratic island upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack. The warplanes are part of an $8-billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term and scheduled for delivery this year. The arrival of the aircraft comes as Taiwan awaits Washington’s approval of a separate $14-billion arms package that Trump paused after Chinese objections. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it. The two F-16Vs, made by US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, touched down under a clear sky at Taiwan’s air force base in Taitung, on the island’s southeastern coast. Leader Lai Ching-te hailed “a major milestone in elevating Taiwan’s air defense capabilities,” and thanked the US for its “longstanding support.” The jets had been expected in early September after making refueling stops in Hawaii and Guam. Local media reported that the planes had turned back to Hawaii shortly after taking off for Guam. No official explanation was given. Dozens of locals, some equipped with binoculars and long-lensed cameras, gathered near the air base’s perimeter fence on Friday to watch the highly anticipated arrival of the jets. Kimi Chi, a salesman from the central city of Taichung, had traveled through the night to be able to photograph the aircraft landing in Taitung. He was philosophical about the delays, saying “good things take time.” “In terms of hardware capabilities, there will definitely be an improvement,” the 37-year-old told Agence France-Presse (AFP). “But what we are actually lacking the most right now is pilots. Of course, I hope the government can provide better additional allowances for these military pilots,” he said. Former Air Force serviceman Eric Chan, 57, marveled at the improvements made to the F-16 over the past 30 years and said the fighter jets based in Taitung will “play a very important defensive role” against China. “The threat from the CCP has always been there so we definitely need to strengthen our defense capabilities,” Chan told AFP, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. The F-16V is a fourth-generation multirole fighter and a significantly upgraded version of Taiwan’s aging F-16 A/B jets. Equipped with more advanced combat, detection and engine capabilities, the F-16V will be “a valuable addition to Taiwan’s air force in countering China’s military threat,” said Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research. ‘Negotiating chip’ The US is Taiwan’s most important security backer and biggest arms supplier. But bottlenecks have slowed delivery of critical weapons. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo said previously it would be “challenging” for all the F-16Vs to be delivered this year, despite Lockheed Martin ramping up production. On Friday, Koo said more F-16Vs would be delivered to Taiwan “before the end of the year,” but did not say how many. “At present, I think aircraft are gradually moving through the production line, and there are also aircraft that have passed the tests,” Koo said. “As for when they will fly back, we will coordinate further with the US side.” Trump has stalled signing off on the record $14-billion weapons purchase by Taipei, calling it in May a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with China, which raised fears that Taiwan’s security could be traded away. Experts believe approval for the package is unlikely before the Group of 20 summit in the US in December, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet for the fourth time this year. A US official said recently it was increasingly likely the $14-billion worth of arms, which include the Patriot air defense system, would be broken up into smaller amounts to temper China’s response.manilatimes · philippines

POLITICSOct 2PNP backs resumption of NCAP in Metro ManilaTHE Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its commitment to help authorities maintain road discipline and public order as several Metro Manila local government units prepare to resume the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) next week. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization supports lawful efforts aimed at improving traffic safety and compliance with road regulations. “The Philippine National Police respects the decision allowing the resumption of NCAP and supports lawful measures that promote road discipline, traffic safety, and efficient enforcement. We encourage all motorists to comply with traffic regulations and remain informed of local ordinances,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday. Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and San Juan prepare to resume NCAP implementation on Oct. 5. The system uses CCTV cameras, digital cameras, and other technologies to document traffic violations without requiring traffic enforcers to stop motorists. The resumption follows the Supreme Court’s June 3, 2026 decision that dismissed consolidated petitions challenging NCAP ordinances in Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa. The decision, made public on July 9, also lifted the remaining temporary restraining order against the local ordinances. While the PNP is not the primary implementing agency for NCAP, Nartatez said police units have been instructed to assist the concerned local governments in its implementation as needed. As the policy returns to participating cities, Nartatez urged motorists to remain informed and use available legal remedies for any concerns involving reported violations. “We urge motorists to view NCAP as a tool for promoting safer roads and responsible driving. Those with concerns should make use of the proper channels provided by local governments to verify, contest, or clarify reported violations,” he said.manilatimes · philippines

SCI & TECHOct 2Fossil mammal with reptile-like teeth changes picture of our evolutionUnlike most modern mammals, which get just two sets of teeth in their lifetime, an ancient species from the Cretaceous, found in China, appears to have had the ability to replace its teeth throughout its lifeNew Scientist

BUSINESSOct 2Volvo Cars pulls sales guidance as China, US markets weakenVolvo Cars has withdrawn its sales guidance due to weakening markets in China and the United States. This indicates financial challenges for the company in key regions.Seeking Alpha Tech

BUSINESSOct 2Pandora's lab-grown diamonds; Vietnam facility to drive growthPandora is focusing on lab-grown diamonds, with a new facility in Vietnam expected to contribute to growth. This indicates a strategic business move and investment.Seeking Alpha Tech

POLITICSOct 2Republican calls Starbucks ‘morally bankrupt’ for doing business in China’s Xinjiang and demands store closuresChina's Foreign Ministry called allegations of repression in the region ‘naked lies’The Independent World

POLITICSOct 22 Hongkongers held in Philippines for months after prison terms endThe Chinese embassy in Manila has expressed concern over the cases of two Hongkongers who have remained in custody in the Philippines for months despite being discharged from prison, according to the Immigration Department. The department confirmed on Friday night that it was handling the two cases following an appeal from a former lawmaker and a Hong Kong man who returned to the city on Tuesday after serving 26 years in a Philippine prison for drug offences. The returned Hongkonger, Tang...South China Morning Post

BUSINESSOct 2Hong Kong could overtake London as top arbitration hub in decade: Bar Association headHong Kong could dethrone London as the top choice for arbitration within the next decade given the Asian city’s status as a global fundraising capital for businesses in mainland China and beyond, the head of the Bar Association has said. Jose-Antonio Maurellet, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, told the South China Morning Post on Friday that the city had enjoyed rapid growth in arbitration work, with high-stakes cases attracting elite international legal talent. Hong Kong tied with...South China Morning Post

POLITICSOct 2Donald Trump is planning trip to the Philippines for Asean summitUS President Donald Trump is planning to attend the Asean summit next month, the South China Morning Post understands, as Washington vies with Beijing for influence in the region. If the trip happens, Trump’s appearance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting, expected to run from November 16-18 in Manila, will be his second consecutive appearance at the gathering during this term. Trump was in Kuala Lumpur for Asean last year and in Manila for the meeting in 2017. Sources told the...South China Morning Post

WORLDOct 2Police report lodged against motivational speaker over alleged child sexual harassmentKANGAR: Police have received a report regarding an allegation of sexual harassment of a child by a motivational speaker.thestar_my · malaysia

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