🕊️ security-and-global-affairs
Biden to warn on Beijing’s South China Sea moves in Philippines-Japan summit US President Joe Biden will announce new joint military efforts and infrastructure spending as he hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington for a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/biden-warn-beijing-south-china-sea-moves-in-philippines-japan-summit/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on US-Japan Relations: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🚀 - US and Japan announced plans to jointly develop a missile defense network stretching across Europe. 🏗️ - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida criticized US Steel for a recent business deal with Nippon Steel during the meeting. ⚔️ - The US and Japan agreed to strengthen their military alliance through joint projects and cooperation, including developing a new air missile defense network together. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
Former MILF camp hosts US-Philippine military exercises in Maguindanao del Norte The Marine Exercises 2024 at Camp Abubakar marks the first-ever bilateral military exercise in Central Mindanao Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/nation/former-milf-camp-hosts-us-philippine-military-exercises-maguindanao-del-norte/
[The Slingshot] Red zipper on the mouth of Sara Duterte Zippers of today come in an assortment of colors. Sara Duterte’s is colored red, for Red China. She uses her mouth zipper with ease. She unzips it when she pleases. Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/the-slingshot-red-zipper-mouth-of-sara-duterte/
US, Japan, Philippines condemn Beijing’s South China Sea moves in summit US President Joe Biden's administration announces new joint military efforts and infrastructure spending while he hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/united-states-japan-philippines-condemn-beijing-south-china-sea-moves/
In US meeting, Philippines says it will assert South China Sea rights Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo says the Philippines is determined to assert its sovereign rights, especially within the exclusive economic zone Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/nation/us-meeting-philippines-assert-south-china-sea-rights/
Marcos to Duterte: What did you compromise in ‘secret agreement’ with China? President Marcos says he also plans to get answers from former Duterte officials on his predecessor's 'gentleman's agreement' with his Chinese counterpart on Ayungin Shoal Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-questions-duterte-secret-deal-china-ayungin-shoal/
China’s top legislator meets North Korea’s Kim Jong-un on goodwill visit China's top legislator Zhao Leji is the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit the North since 2018, when Li Zhanshu attended the 70th anniversary of the North's founding Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/china-top-legislator-meets-north-korea-kim-jong-un-goodwill-visit/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on Recent Naval Activities in the South China Sea: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🛳️ - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau recently discussed joint military exercises in the South China Sea. ⚓️ - Naval forces from the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Germany have joined forces in the Philippine Sea. 🚢 - On April 7, 2024, naval forces from the US, Japan, and Australia joined the Philippine Navy in a joint patrol in the South China Sea. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
Stranded sea otter pups paired with surrogate moms at California aquarium The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach partners with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to pair pups with surrogate sea otter mothers with the hope of teaching them life skills and returning them to the wild Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/environment/stranded-sea-otter-pups-paired-surrogate-moms-california-aquarium/
2 Truths and 1 Lie Two of these statements are true and the remaining one is false. Can you guess which one is the lie? 🦦 - The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is partnering with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to pair sea otter pups with surrogate sea otter mothers to teach them essential life skills for returning them to the wild. 🌿 - Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by keeping herbivores like sea urchins in check to prevent overpopulation and protect kelp forests and eel grass beds. 💰️ - Feeding an otter costs the aquarium $30,000 a year and demands constant fundraising. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
US House to consider pro-Israel bill next week, lawmaker says after Iran attack 'The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack,' says House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/united-states-house-to-consider-pro-israel-bill-after-iran-attack/
What are your thoughts on the US House of Representatives making a change in its schedule to consider legislation supporting Israel and holding Iran accountable?
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge: Philippines and US Military Bases: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🔒️ - Last year, Washington and Manila discussed further expanding the number of bases US forces could access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) from nine. 🇺🇸 - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed willingness to create new military bases for the US in the Philippines. 🇵🇭 - Philippines is planning to grant the United States access to more military bases, increasing the total number from nine to fourteen. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
FACT CHECK: Job recruitment posts not from PH Coast Guard The Philippine Coast Guard warns the public against misleading job postings on Facebook linking to an unverified recruitment website Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/job-recruitment-posts-not-from-philippine-coast-guard/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on the PCG Recruitment Post!: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? ❌️ - The posts announcing the PCG recruitment process are fake, and the provided links are not legitimate. ✅️ - The PCG recruitment posts circulating on Facebook are authentic and include links for submitting applications. ⏰️ - The application deadline for the PCG recruitment process is on January 30, 2024. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
Marcos: Death of PH serviceman from foreign attack triggers defense treaty with US Citing the US defense chief, President Marcos says the Mutual Defense Treaty will be invoked 'if a Filipino serviceman is killed because of an attack, or an aggressive action by another foreign power' Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-death-filipino-serviceman-foreign-attack-triggers-mutual-defense-treaty-united-states/
Villanueva says ‘gentleman’s agreement’ just Chinese propaganda 'Are they that naive? There’s no document that states that it’s actually implementable,' says Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/joel-villanuva-says-gentleman-agreement-chinese-propaganda/
Navy to probe reservist Alvarez over call to withdraw support from Marcos The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Defense have also rejected the call of Alvarez, a Navy reservist Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/navy-orders-probe-alvarez-statement-afp-abandon-marcos-jr/
Baidu says AI chatbot ‘Ernie Bot’ has amassed 200 million users Baidu CEO Robin Li adds Ernie Bot's application programming interface is being used 200 million times everyday, meaning the chatbot was requested by its user to conduct tasks that many times a day Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/technology/baidu-ai-ernie-bot-userbase-april-16-2024/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on Chinese AI Chatbots: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🔴 - The number of visits to Kimi in March was twice as many as Ernie Bot's. 🔵 - Ernie Bot's API is being used 200 million times everyday by its users. 🟡 - Ernie Bot has over 300 million users, surpassing all its competitors in China. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
2 Truths and 1 Lie Two of these statements are true and the remaining one is false. Can you guess which one is the lie? 🏛️ - The US confirmed that Marcos has plans to grant US access to more bases. 🌍️ - US officials discussed Middle East developments, the South China Sea, Taiwan issues, and North Korea with Chinese counterparts. ⚠️ - The US warned that Chinese support for Russia's defense industrial base put stabilizing ties with the US at risk. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
Trump’s criminal hush money trial has its first 7 jurors The process so far highlights the challenges of choosing a group of impartial jurors from heavily Democratic Manhattan Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/first-jurors-donald-trump-criminal-hush-money-trial/
‘Largest Balikatan’: What you need to know about the 2024 PH-US military exercise This year's iteration is the biggest yet, and includes a joint sail in the West Philippine Sea with the French Navy and the coast guards of the Philippines and US Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-balikatan-united-states-military-drills-2024/
US Navy plane flies through Taiwan Strait after China, US defense chiefs speak The US Navy's 7th Fleet says the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane, which is also used for anti-submarine missions, flew over the strait in international airspace Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/united-states-navy-plane-flies-taiwan-strait-after-defense-chiefs-speak/
In The Public Square with John Nery: Danger in the gray zone In this episode of In The Public Square, Rappler columnist John Nery tries to understand the tensions in the West Philippine Sea from the perspective of the military and national security Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/in-the-public-square-john-nery-danger-gray-zone-west-philippine-sea/
Pop Quiz Balikatan Exercises Facts Challenge: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? ⚔️ - Balikatan exercises cover activities including external defense operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and interagency capacity-building. 🌍️ - The Balikatan 2024 exercise will include soldiers from over 20 countries as part of a multilateral training initiative. 🤝 - Balikatan Exercises have been taking place since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 2024. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
FACT CHECK: PH, US, India have not waged war on China The defense departments of the four countries have not made any announcements regarding the supposed war, contrary to a video’s claim Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/philippines-united-states-india-have-not-waged-war-china/
Arizona Republicans uphold 1864 abortion ban, Democrats still seek repeal Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs says, 'A law from 1864 written by 27 men cannot be allowed to govern the lives of millions of Arizona women' Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/arizona-republicans-uphold-1864-abortion-ban-democrats-seek-repeal/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on US Involvement in the South China Sea Dispute: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🇲🇾 - The US has formed alliances with Malaysia and Indonesia to counter China's influence in the South China Sea. 🇻🇳 - The US is only engaging with Vietnam in support against China, excluding the Philippines. 🇵🇭 - The US is engaging with the Philippines and has also visited Vietnam to deepen cooperation in response to China's moves in the South China Sea. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
US announces new sanctions on Iran after missile and drone strike on Israel Biden says the US and its allies had helped Israel beat back the April 13 missile and drone strike and were now holding Iran accountable with the new sanctions and export controls Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/united-states-announces-new-sanctions-iran-missile-drone-strike-israel-april-2024/
[Newspoint] The lucky one President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tends to align his priorities to the public mood and at the same time avoid issues that could inspire ugly recollections, like militarization and corruption precisely Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/newspoint-the-lucky-one-ferdinand-marcos-jr/
Pop Quiz Political Luck: Fact or Fiction?: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? ⚖️ - Imelda Marcos was found guilty of graft but avoided jail due to her age. 👩⚖️ - Gloria Arroyo was the first female president of the Philippines. 🏆️ - Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won the presidential race by a landslide in 2016. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
Pop Quiz Testing Your Knowledge on Filipino Restaurants in the U.S.: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🇵🇭 - Tradisyon was founded by two Filipino-American chefs who were inspired to open the restaurant after they couldn't find any Mexican eateries in Midtown Manhattan. 🍠 - Purple Patch's name comes from the color of ube yams, reflecting the restaurant's focus on traditional Filipino desserts like halo-halo. 🌮 - Both Tradisyon and Purple Patch aim to put their own spin on traditional Filipino cuisine. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
China hosts foreign naval officials amid South China Sea tensions The four-day event with delegations from 30 countries comes during heightened tensions in the South China Sea Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/china-hosts-foreign-naval-officials-amid-south-china-sea-tensions/
Philippines thanks G7’s support in rejecting China’s ‘baseless, expansive claims’ in disputed sea The Philippines says it shares the G7’s vision of a 'stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and stands firm against any actions that undermine international security and stability' Read the full article here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/g7-unclos-support-china-baseless-expansive-claims-disputed-sea/
Pop Quiz Test Your Knowledge on the Chinese Navy Meeting in Qingdao: Two of these statements are false and the remaining one is true. Can you guess which one is the truth? 🔵 - China is hosting the multilateral meeting for the first time since 2014, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy. 🟡 - Participants in the meeting discussed creating guidelines for underwater drone warfare at sea. 🔴 - The Chinese Navy announced the launch of their first aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during the symposium. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!
2 Truths and 1 Lie Two of these statements are true and the remaining one is false. Can you guess which one is the lie? 💊 - The 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned drug were intentionally using the substance to enhance performance. ⚖️ - World Aquatics affirmed that the positive test results of the Chinese swimmers were handled diligently and professionally according to anti-doping regulations. 🚫 - WADA accepted CHINADA's conclusion that the 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for trimetazidine due to substance contamination. Answers will be posted in 30 minutes. React now!