Philippines
Philippines says China has not seized disputed South China Sea reef
Philippine coast guard personnel and a Chinese coast guard ship on April 23, 2023. Ted Aljibe | Afp | Getty Images The Philippines said Monday there was no truth to news reports that Beijing has seized control of a disputed reef in the South China Sea, after its personnel landed on the unoccupied sandbars and found no Chinese presence there. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Friday […]
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These 10 Asian markets offer high returns on short-term rentals — half top $40,000 a year
Short-term rentals in Hakuba, Japan on average, bring in over $60,000 annually, according to new data by AirDNA. Oscar Wong | Moment | Getty Images Starting a short-term rental business can be very lucrative if done correctly. One of the biggest initial hurdles is picking the right market to purchase a property, which can play […]
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This island is the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report
Taiwan ranked as the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. Thant Zaw Wai | Moment | Getty Images Taiwan is the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report, published Thursday. Of the 147 places around the world that were ranked this year, it took the 27th […]
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Philippines’ ex-President Duterte arrested at ICC’s request over ‘drugs war,’ government says
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gives a speech during a campaign rally at Southorn Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. Anthony Kwan | Getty Images News | Getty Images Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was served an Interpol arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court on his arrival at Manila’s main airport on Tuesday, the government said. The ICC has […]
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Chinese ships gather near island disputed with Philippines, satellite images show
The 46th fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy sets sail from a military port in Zhanjiang, south China’s Guangdong Province, Feb. 21, 2024. Xinhua News Agency | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images Satellite images obtained by Reuters on Thursday show a build-up of Chinese civilian vessels near contested Thitu Island, Manila’s key […]
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China launches war games around Taiwan, drawing ire from Taipei, Washington
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te gives a keynote address on national day to mark the 113th birthday of the Republic of China, Taiwan’s formal name, in Taipei, Taiwan October 10, 2024. Ann Wang | Reuters China’s military launched a new round of war games near Taiwan on Monday, saying it was a warning to the “separatist acts of Taiwan independence […]
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From guns to Trump: See which factors are deterring travelers from visiting the U.S.
More than 90% of travelers from Southeast Asia say that gun prevalence in the United States influences whether they will visit, according to a new survey. The study — which surveyed 6,000 international travelers from the six countries — showed that respondents perceived Hawaii to be the safest state in terms of gun violence, while […]
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Philippines levies 12% VAT tax on digital services by Amazon, Netflix and Disney
Chesnot | Getty Images News | Getty Images The Philippines will impose a 12% value-added tax on digital services offered by tech giants such as Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Alphabet, in a move that will level the playing field with domestic brick and mortar players, the internal revenue agency said on Thursday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed into law on Wednesday the imposition of VAT on non-resident digital service providers […]
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U.S. keeps missile system in Philippines as China tensions rise, tests wartime deployment
U.S. and Philippine troops fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during live fire exercises as part of US-Philippines army-to-army joint drills on March 31, 2023 in Laur, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Ezra Acayan | Getty Images News | Getty Images The United States has no immediate plans to withdraw a mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines, despite Chinese […]
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Philippines to continue to deploy vessels in contested South China Sea shoal
China Coast Guard ships (background L and R) are seen past the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cape Engano (C), as photographed from the BRP Cabra during a supply mission to Sabina Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Aug. 26, 2024. Jam Sta Rosajam Sta Rosa | AFP | Getty Images […]
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