Philippines
Philippines achieves record $3.5bn surplus as economy rebounds
The Philippines has reported its largest dollar surplus in nearly four years, highlighting a remarkable recovery in its balance of payments.
_0_1729468583.jpg)
Declining rice prices signal stable inflation ahead for the Philippines
Metrobank Research has projected that declining rice prices will help maintain inflation at a stable 2% for the remainder of the year, enabling the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to consider further interest rate cuts to support economic growth
China’s military – bringing together modernisation and escalating aggression
In recent years, the PRC has escalated both maritime and aerial incursions into Taiwan's territory, including detaining a Taiwanese fishing boat, conducting patrols that crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, and increasing harassment around Kinmen
Taiwan, Japan and ASEAN member nations deliver a diplomatic broadside to China
Taiwan President William Lai on October 10 – the nation’s National Day - vowed to safeguard the island’s self-governing status in his most prominent public address to date since taking office earlier this year
Vietnamese fishermen beaten with metal rods by Chinese forces near Paracel Islands
In what is being seen as the latest in a long line of examples of Chinese intimidation tactics against non-Chinese fishermen, reports are emerging of a vicious, organised attack by Chinese paramilitary forces against Vietnamese fishermen.
COMMENT: From Globalisation to “slowbalisation” as FDIs decline on trade and geopolitical woes
Global flows of foreign direct investment have trended downwards, both in absolute terms and as a share of world GDP, driven by multiple factors including changes in industrial organisation, increasing barriers to trade and investment.
Philippines eyes bold rate cuts as inflation slows
As inflation eases, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is poised to consider significant interest rate reductions, with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto suggesting the possibility of mirroring the US Federal Reserve's recent aggressive move
Actis commits $600mn to Philippines’ largest solar power project
London-based investment firm Actis has formalised a significant $600mn investment into the Philippines, aiming to develop the country’s—and the world’s—largest single-site solar power project
South China Sea tensions escalate as Manila expands air patrols
Rising tensions in the South China Sea have intensified following the Philippines' increased air patrols and airdrop operations near contested reefs
Chinese vessels block Philippine resupply mission as South China Sea tensions rise
In a fresh escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese vessels obstructed a Philippine resupply mission on August 26, disrupting a routine operation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone
_1724114782.jpg)
Philippines reports first mpox case since WHO emergency declaration
The Philippines has confirmed its first case of mpox since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
Philippines to lift moratorium on digital banking licences starting January 2025
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced on August 8 that it will lift the moratorium on new digital banking licences beginning January 1, 2025
Philippine inflation data complicates August rate cut prospects
The latest inflation data from the Philippines has dimmed prospects for an interest rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at its upcoming August meeting
The West is bleeding the Global South of wealth thanks to massive wage inequality, says study
The developed markets of the West are bleeding the Global South of wealth thanks to massive differences in nominal wages, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Global solar panel glut caused by Chinese overproduction
There is an overproduction of solar panels worldwide, with production capacity exceeding demand by 2 TW. This surplus has led to falling prices.
Sea levels rise 10 cm since 1993 as ice caps melt
Sea levels are now 10 cm higher than in 1993, and the rise is accelerating, according to new high-resolution satellite measurements by NASA.
Lavrov presses the flesh at ASEAN summit as Kremlin seeks to deepen ties with Asia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was pressing the flesh and having his picture taken with the leaders of Southeast Asia at the annual ASEAN summit as the Kremlin seeks to bolster friendly relations with the leading Asian countries.
Plants absorbing less carbon dioxide in 2023, accelerating global warming
Plants and trees' ability to absorb carbon dioxide fell dramatically in 2023, due to increased heat stress in vegetation, a new study revealed.
How energy intensive are data centers?
While countries like China and the United States had the highest electricity demand by a considerable margin, a new player that rivals the consumption of some of the biggest economies and is bolstered by the ongoing AI hype and data center use.
Earth records hottest year since records began
Sunday, July 21 was the hottest day ever recorded globally in 100,000 years according to the EU climate monitoring service Copernicus, warning that the Climate Crisis is accelerating.