China Issues Warning to Philippines Over Taiwanese Foreign Minister's Visit Amid Espionage Concerns

China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines following the recent visit of Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, accompanied by a business delegation in Manila. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declared that Manila will "face consequences" for crossing what Beijing describes as its "red line." "There is a price to pay for trampling on China\'s red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines," Guo asserted, urging the Philippine government to halt what he described as sending "wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatists." Guo criticized the Philippines for allowing Lin, who was presented as the head of a foundation, to use the visit as a platform for advancing pro-Taiwan independence activities. He stated this move "severely violated the basic norms in international relations and the Philippines\' own commitment on Taiwan-related issues." The Chinese official further admonished Manila for undermining the One-China principle and damaging China-Philippines relations, warning the country to "stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once" and cautioned against "playing with fire on issues concerning China\'s core interests." The Taiwanese delegation reportedly toured an area linked to the Philippines\' Luzon Economic Corridor infrastructure project, which also involves investment from the United States and Japan. This development underscores Taiwan\'s ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation with Manila, particularly in sectors where it holds a competitive advantage such as semiconductors. In response, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to the One-China Policy, clarifying that no Taiwanese official was recognized as part of the business group that visited. The DFA emphasized that the country continues to maintain economic and people-to-people relations with Taiwan strictly within the boundaries of this policy, encompassing areas like trade, investment, and tourism. Meanwhile, heightened concerns about Chinese espionage activities in the Philippines have surfaced. Chester Cabalza, founding president of the International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, warned that Chinese sleeper agents are actively operating in the country to monitor local politics and potentially influence the 2028 national elections. "Their mission is to study our politics so it will be easier for them to influence us and win over Filipinos," Cabalza explained, noting the spies are focused on strategic matters in the West Philippine Sea as well as long-term political foresight. The National Security Council previously indicated signs of Chinese interference in the 2025 midterm elections, a development that has sparked concern from Malacañang Palace, which announced plans for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Israeli Airstrike in Sanaa Kills Yemen Houthi Prime Minister and Senior Ministers

The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi-led government, along with multiple ministers, was killed during an Israeli airstrike on the capital city of Sanaa, according to Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, on Saturday, August 30. This operation represents the first confirmed strike resulting in the deaths of senior officials within the group. Al-Mashat reported that several others sustained injuries in the Thursday strike but did not disclose further details regarding their identities or conditions. Israel announced on Friday that the airstrike targeted key figures within the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, including its chief of staff and defense minister, while stating it was still verifying the full impact of the attack. It remains unclear if the Houthi defense minister was among those killed. The slain prime minister, Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi, had served in the role for approximately one year but was largely regarded as a nominal figurehead, with Mohammed Miftah, his deputy, effectively managing government affairs. Following the attack, Miftah was appointed to fulfill the duties of prime minister. Al-Rahwi was known for his historical alliance with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was ousted by the Houthis in 2014, triggering a prolonged civil conflict. Despite this past, al-Rahwi later aligned with the Houthi administration. Since then, Yemen has been divided between the Houthi-controlled Sanaa government and a Saudi-backed administration based in Aden. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians through attacks on Red Sea shipping and missile launches toward Israel — most intercepted by Israeli defenses. Israel, in turn, has targeted Houthi-controlled regions, including the strategic port of Hodeidah. In the past year, Israel intensified its campaign against allied groups Hamas and Hezbollah by eliminating senior commanders, significantly diminishing their operational capabilities. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as "a crushing blow" to the Houthis and warned, "this is only the beginning." Following confirmation of the prime minister's death, a statement from Defense Minister Mohamed al-Atifi, leader of the Houthis' Missile Brigade, was broadcast by the Houthi-run Saba news agency. The statement reaffirmed the group’s readiness to confront Israel but did not reference the recent strike, leaving the timing ambiguous. Independent sources confirmed that Yemen’s energy, foreign, and information ministers also perished in the strike. Israeli security officials revealed that the strike targeted multiple locations in Sanaa where numerous senior Houthi leaders had gathered to watch a speech by their leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi. In a televised address, Mahdi al-Mashat declared, "Our stance remains as it is and will remain until the aggression ends and the siege is lifted, no matter how great the challenges. The group shall take revenge."

3.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Off Calatagan, Batangas

LUCENA CITY — A magnitude 3.6 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Calatagan in Batangas province on Sunday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced. The seismic event took place at approximately 11:07 a.m., with its epicenter situated 12 kilometers northwest of Calatagan. Phivolcs confirmed that the earthquake was tectonic in nature, originating from sudden movements along fault lines and plate boundaries. The quake's depth was measured at 66 kilometers. No damage or aftershocks are expected in the area, as the tremor did not register any perceptible intensity in nearby localities, according to the agency. Batangas is recognized as a seismically active region due to the presence of the Lubang Fault, which lies between Mindoro Island and Batangas. The country's location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" accounts for its frequent seismic and volcanic activities, where tectonic plates continuously interact. Phivolcs continues to monitor the region for any unusual activity but reassures the public that this event poses no immediate threat.

US Proposal Outlines Decade-Long Control of Gaza with Population Relocation and Tech Development

A recently revealed United States proposal envisions a comprehensive post-conflict strategy for Gaza that includes prolonged American administration, relocation of its population, and a redevelopment plan centered on technology and tourism. The 38-page document proposes US control for at least ten years, during which Gaza’s entire population of more than two million people would be relocated either abroad or to secured areas within the territory, described as "voluntary" departures. Under this plan, affected residents who own property would receive digital tokens from a dedicated trust fund. These tokens could be exchanged either for resettlement opportunities elsewhere or for housing in new "smart cities" planned for Gaza's reconstruction. The redevelopment initiative aims to revitalize the war-torn enclave into a high-tech and tourism hub, echoing former President Donald Trump's earlier vision of a "Riviera of the Middle East." However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which view it as a form of mass displacement masked as voluntary relocation. Experts warn that such narratives historically cover coercive practices that may breach international legal standards. Neither the Israeli government nor the United States has publicly addressed the authenticity or details of the plan. Since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, Gaza has suffered devastating casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed. The enclave has endured extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. If implemented, this US involvement in direct governance and population management of Gaza would represent a significant departure from current international norms, raising complex questions regarding sovereignty, legality, and the future status of the Palestinian people. This proposal highlights the ongoing challenges of post-war reconstruction efforts amid a deeply entrenched conflict and humanitarian emergency.

Taal Volcano Shows Persistent Seismic Activity, Alert Level 1 Remains in Effect

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported sustained seismic activity at Taal Volcano, located in Batangas province, as of Monday morning, September 1. According to the agency's latest bulletin, Taal recorded 11 volcanic earthquakes within the last 24 hours, along with persistent volcanic tremors ongoing since August 27. On the previous day, Sunday, five volcanic earthquakes were documented. Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes result from magmatic or magma-related processes beneath or near the volcano. Volcanic tremors are described as continuous seismic signals exhibiting regular or irregular sine wave patterns with low frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 5 Hz. These tremors may arise from several volcanic processes, including the resonance caused by magma moving through fissures and vents, closely occurring low-frequency quakes that merge signals, or volcanic explosions. The agency further noted that Taal emitted approximately 4,514 metric tons of sulfur dioxide, and the volcanic plumes reached heights of up to 1,500 meters, categorizing the activity as a "voluminous emission." Despite these indicators, there has been no evidence of heated volcanic fluids rising in the Main Crater Lake, nor has volcanic smog (vog) been detected during the observation period. Phivolcs reaffirmed that Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, indicating an abnormal condition that still poses risks. The agency cautioned against interpreting the current state as the cessation of unrest or volcanic hazards. At Alert Level 1, the possibility of sudden steam-driven or minor phreatic or phreatomagmatic eruptions exists. Additionally, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and hazardous accumulations or releases of volcanic gases may threaten the vicinity of Taal Volcano Island (TVI). Accordingly, Phivolcs emphasized that access to the island, boating activities on Taal Lake, and flights in the immediate airspace near the volcano are strictly prohibited to ensure public safety. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to official warnings as monitoring continues.

Russia Condemns US Vetoes Blocking UN Security Council Action on Gaza Crisis

MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry voiced regret on Friday over the United Nations Security Council’s persistent failure to halt violence and alleviate humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip, attributing the deadlock to repeated vetoes by the United States. In a statement released on its official website, the ministry lamented, "The UN Security Council’s inability to stop the fighting and bloodshed and end the suffering of civilians is therefore deeply regrettable and disappointing." The frustration followed a recent attempt by non-permanent members of the Security Council to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. While the resolution received unanimous support from all council members, the United States exercised its veto power for the seventh time since the outbreak of hostilities. Reaffirming Russia’s consistent stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Foreign Ministry condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack but cautioned against using the incident as justification for collective punishment of Palestinian civilians or escalating the conflict across the Middle East. The ministry emphasized that "genuine peace and security in the region is impossible without a just settlement of the Palestinian issue and the fulfillment of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people."

US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Ceasefire and Aid Access in Gaza

In a significant development at the United Nations on Thursday, the United States exercised its veto power to block a Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The proposed resolution also urged Israel to remove all restrictions on humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory. Drafted by the Security Council's 10 non-permanent members, the measure also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and associated groups. Although the resolution garnered overwhelming support with 14 votes in favor, the US veto prevented its adoption. Denmark's UN Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen emphasized the urgency of the humanitarian situation, stating, \"Famine has been confirmed in Gaza - not projected, not declared, confirmed. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians. It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure, that has compelled us to act today.\" The US has consistently used its veto to shield Israel at the UN. Yet, in a rare departure last week, it supported a Security Council statement condemning recent strikes on Qatar, even though the text did not explicitly blame Israel. This move reportedly reflected US President Donald Trump's displeasure with an attack ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the veto on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's firm diplomatic backing of Israel. US diplomat Morgan Ortagus highlighted that \"Hamas is responsible for starting and continuing this war. Israel has accepted proposed terms that would end the war, but Hamas continues to reject them. This war could end today if Hamas freed the hostages and laid down its arms.\" Meanwhile, Israel expressed dissatisfaction with the Security Council's statement on the Qatar strikes. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon acknowledged the criticism but praised the overall close cooperation with the United States, saying, \"The level of cooperation with the US is so high that we were OK with that.\" The conflict traces back to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. Since then, fatalities in Gaza have surpassed 64,000, primarily civilians, as reported by local health authorities.

US Ambassador Condemns China’s Aggressive Actions at Scarborough Shoal

United States Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, has strongly denounced China’s recent hostile maneuvers against Philippine vessels at Scarborough Shoal, also known locally as Bajo de Masinloc. In a statement posted on X, Ambassador Carlson voiced her concern over China’s confrontational behavior, which led to an injury sustained by an official from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). "We commend the Philippine government and the Philippine Coast Guard for their professional exercise of sovereign rights, their protection of Filipino fisherfolk, and their commitment to maritime law in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific," she said. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that on September 16, tensions escalated when two vessels from the China Coast Guard used water cannons against a BFAR ship near Scarborough Shoal. This incident follows earlier expressions of support for Philippine sovereignty over the contested area by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Australia, particularly condemning China’s unilateral creation of a "nature reserve" in the disputed waters. On September 13, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs officially lodged a diplomatic protest in response to China’s establishment of the "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve" at Scarborough Shoal. The ongoing disputes highlight the fragile security situation in the West Philippine Sea and the complexities surrounding territorial claims in the region.

Armand Duplantis Shatters Pole Vault World Record at Tokyo 2025 World Championships

TOKYO – Armand "Mondo" Duplantis etched his name deeper into athletics history on Monday by breaking the men's pole vault world record for the 14th time. The Swedish athlete cleared 6.30 metres on his third attempt at the National Stadium, surpassing his previous record of 6.29 metres set just last month in Budapest. With the gold medal already assured, Duplantis aimed to push the boundaries further. After narrowly missing his first two attempts, he was propelled by an enthusiastic crowd before successfully vaulting over the bar, which momentarily wobbled but held firm. Duplantis’ feat secured him a rare third consecutive world championship title, reinforcing his dominance in the discipline. Greek competitor Emmanouil Karalis secured the silver medal as the only other athlete to clear 6.00 metres during the final. Meanwhile, Australian Kurtis Marschall earned bronze by matching his personal best with a jump of 5.95 metres, marking his second world championship podium finish. Duplantis’ achievement highlights his remarkable consistency and continual improvement in pole vaulting, as the Tokyo crowd witnessed a display of athletic excellence.

US Supports Philippines Against China’s Territorial Moves in South China Sea

The United States reaffirmed its support for the Philippines on Friday, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized China’s efforts to declare Scarborough Shoal a nature reserve, labeling the move as destabilizing and coercive. Rubio condemned Beijing\'s attempt to strengthen extensive territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors. Filipino fishermen have expressed concerns that China\'s proposal to establish a protected area around the atoll could restrict their access to traditional fishing grounds, which are already closely monitored by Chinese vessels. Scarborough Shoal, located within the Philippines\' exclusive economic zone, has remained under China\'s control since 2012. Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a crucial maritime trade route responsible for over $3 trillion in annual commerce, despite overlapping claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Rubio highlighted that China\'s continued actions threaten regional stability and urged Beijing to respect the unanimous 2016 ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal. The tribunal determined that China had unlawfully hindered Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal. On Saturday, the Philippines announced joint naval exercises near the islands of Zambales province, located approximately 120 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, conducted alongside the US Indo-Pacific Command and Japan\'s navy. Earlier reports from Chinese state media alleged that Manila carried out a \"joint patrol\" in the South China Sea with unspecified external countries, further intensifying tensions in the disputed region.