Palace cuts rice tariffs to 15%
(UPDATES) MALACAÑANG has ordered tariff cuts for rice and other key commodities in an effort to keep prices low and inflation under control.
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Chinese sailors wield knives, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines
MANILA: Chinese coast guard sailors brandished knives, an axe and other weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed. The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship that was deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims.It was the latest in a series of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the disputed area.Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the "outnumbered" Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their "bare hands". A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the clash, in which the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military.
Japan inflation ticks up in May to 2.5%
TOKYO, Japan — The pace of Japanese inflation accelerated in May partly due to higher energy bills, government data showed Friday, as analysts speculate on the timing of the Bank of Japan's next rate hike.
'Sticks, knives and axe': Watch Chinese sailors clash with Philippines at disputed South China Sea
NEW DELHI: A violent scuffle broke out between Chinese coast guard sailors and Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, a disputed region where Beijing lays claim. The skirmish occurred on Monday when Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, Manila said.Philippine military released a clip of the clash late Wednesday which showed small boats carrying Chinese sailors shouting, wiggling knives and using sticks to thrash an inflatable boat as sirens blared.The Philippines military said the axe-wielding sailor had "threatened to injure" a Filipino soldier, while others were "explicitly threatening to harm" Filipino troops, reported news agency AFP.
Beijing defends coast guard's 'professional and restrained' conduct in WPS
MANILA, Philippines — Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a "professional and restrained" way during the confrontation and claimed "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel.
Asian markets swing as traders assess rates outlook
HONG KONG, China — Asian markets were mixed Thursday as investors tried to gauge the outlook for US interest rates, while also keeping tabs on developments in France as it heads for crucial elections.
Chinese Sailors Wield Knives, Axe In Disputed Sea Clash With Philippines
Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing knives, an axe and other weapons clashed with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed.
China Coast Guard's 'pirate-like' actions in Ayungin Shoal condemned
MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday likened China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel to pirates, as he exposed how troops – armed with bolos, spears, machetes and knives – threatened Philippine Navy soldiers to stop the military’s rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.