Today’s News 05 July 2021 (Monday)

A. NAVY NEWS/COVID NEWS/PHOTOS Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

B. NATIONAL HEADLINES Title Writer Newspaper Page 1 45 dead, 53 hurt in AFP plane crush M Punongbayan P Star 1 2 45 dead in military plane crush in Sulu J Alipala PDI A1

C. NATIONAL SECURITY Title Writer Newspaper Page 3 Coast Guard disperses 5 Chinese ships E Macairan P Star 1 from WPS 4 Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra shoos away 7 Commo. A Balilo PDI A4 Chinese Vietnamese vessels 5 PCG drives away Chinese, Vietnamese E Nortega M Bulletin 2 fishing vessels 6 PCG scatters Chihnese, Vietnam ships in M Standard A4 WPS 7 Coast Guard drives away Chinese, Viet V Reyes Malaya B3 fishing vessels 8 PH asserts sovereignty over exclusive J Canlas M Times A7 ecozone 9 Never too late, Carpio tells Rody M Blancaflor D Tribune 1

D. INDO-PACIFIC Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

E. AFP RELATED Title Writer Newspaper Page 10 45 dead as Air Forcxe plane crashes Sulu D Reyes M Times A1 11 45 killed in Jolo plane crush R Araja M Standard A1 12 C-130 ng PAF bumagsak: 45 patay D Franche Ngayon 2 C130 plane carrying soldiers crashes in J Eleda P Journal 13 13 Sulu; 17 dead, 40 rescued 14 C-130 bumagsak sa Sulu: 45 patay D Franche PM 2 15 17 dead, 40 injured in Sulu plane crush J Roson D Tribune A6 16 31 dead in plane crush V Reyes Malaya B1 29 patay, 50 sugatan sa PAF C-130 plane Z Delos Reyes P Tonight 1 17 crush 18 PAF transport plane C-130 crashes in Sulu M Sadongdong M Bulletin 1 19 PAF C-130 plane crashes in Sulu M Sadongdong Tempo 2

F. CPP-NPA-NDF-LCM Title Writer Newspaper Page J Andrade PDI A4 20 PNP adopts NPA tactic to form ‘force multipliers’ 21 NPA now ‘desparate,’ says Caraga police D Principe M Bulletin 5 22 Caraga police on high alert vs NPA attack R Africa Malaya 1

G. MNLF/MILF/BIFF/ASG Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

H. EDITORIAL-OPINION-COMMENTARY-SPECIAL Title Writer Newspaper Page 23 A revolution of the heart S De Guzman P Star 6 24 Big words K Rivera PDI A8

I. ONLINE NEWS Title Link NATIONAL NEWS 5-mo NG borrowings expand 17% to https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/5- 25 P1.77T mo-ng-borrowings-expand-17-to-p1-77t/ Philippine economy seen growing at https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/07/05/ 26 least 5% 2110186/philippine-economy-seen-growing- least-5 Taal Volcano Situation Tracker https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/taal-volcano- 27 situation-tracker/ Philippines on alert for another eruption https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 28 of Taal volcano as thousands flee philippines-volcano-eruption-taal-evacuate- 15154072 Philippine scientists warn Taal Volcano https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast- 29 could erupt ‘any time soon’ asia/article/3139792/philippine-scientists-warn- taal-volcano-could-erupt-any Senate energy panel to DOE: Be https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/sen 30 transparent in Malampaya review ate-energy-panel-to-doe-be-transparent-in- malampaya-review/ Free annual medical checkup nears https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/free- 31 fruition annual-medical-checkup-nears-fruition/ Cyclone Tracker: Tropical Depression https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/05/cyclone-tracker- 32 'Emong' tropical-depression-emong/ PAGASA: TD 'Emong' may traverse https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/pagasa-td- 33 Batanes-Babuyan Islands emong-may-traverse-batanes-babuyan- islands/ Emong’ accelerates towards extreme https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/em 34 Northern Luzon ong-accelerates-towards-extreme-northern- luzon/ NAVY NEWS PCG drives away Chinese, Vietnamese https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/pcg-drives- 35 fishing vessels from PH EEZ away-chinese-vietnamese-fishing-vessels- from-ph-eez/ Coast Guard ejects foreign vessels on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/coas 36 Palawan waters t-guard-ejects-foreign-vessels-on-palawan- waters/ Over 200 turtle hatchlings released in https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/over-200-turtle- 37 Tawi-Tawi island sanctuary hatchlings-released-in-tawi-tawi-island- sanctuary/ AFP RELATED Philippine Air Force C-130H plane https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/philippine-air- 38 crashes in Sulu force-c-130h-plane-with-85-people-crashes-in- sulu/ Palace, nation pray for victims of Sulu https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145946 39 military plane crash Some Philippine troops jump before https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- 40 military plane crashes in flames, killing at pacific/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85- least 45 people-crashes-afp-2021-07-04/ 45 Killed in Philippine Military Plane https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/45- 41 Crash killed-philippine-military-plane-crash 42 military men, 3 civilians dead in C-130 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455406/42- 42 plane crash military-men-3-civilians-dead-in-c-130-plane- crash Philippine Air Force plane crashes in https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio 43 Sulu n/794064/lorenzana-orders-full-probe-into- deadly-c-130-crash-in-sulu/story/ Military rules out attack on cargo plane in https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio 44 Sulu crash n/794020/military-rules-out-attack-on-cargo- plane-in-sulu-crash/story/ https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/robredos-office- 45 Robredo’s office ready to assist in Sulu military plane crash ready-to-assist-in-sulu-military-plane-crash/ Biazon underscores urgency of probe https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/biazon- 46 into recent C-130, Black Hawk crashes underscores-urgency-of-probe-into-recent-c- 130-black-hawk-crashes/ US Embassy condoles with families of https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/us-embassy- 47 the C-130 crash victims in Sulu condoles-with-families-of-the-c-130-crash- victims-in-sulu/ US Embassy readies medical aid for https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio 48 survivors of Sulu plane crash n/794026/us-embassy-readies-medical-aid-for- survivors-of-sulu-plane-crash/story/ Why C-130 is called a workhorse https://manilastandard.net/news/national/3588 49 62/why-c-130-is-called-a-workhorse.html Plane crash in Sulu is 3rd AFP aircraft https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/natio 50 crash this year n/794042/plane-crash-in-sulu-is-3rd-afp- aircraft-crash-this-year/story/ PNoy had a soft spot for soldiers https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/pnoy-had-a- 51 — Trillanes soft-spot-for-soldiers-trillanes/ NTF-Elcac to seek P47B for bgay devt, https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/ntf- 52 Phase 2 elcac-to-seek-p47b-for-bgay-devt-phase-2/ S. Kudarat IP farmers, ex-rebels get https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/s-kudarat-ip- 53 P700-K gov't livelihood aid farmers-ex-rebels-get-p700-k-govt-livelihood- aid/ Cops in CARAGA, NPA-infested areas https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/cops-in-caraga- 54 warned vs attacks npa-infested-areas-warned-vs-attacks/ Youth group reiterates calls to junk Anti- https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/youth-group- 55 Terror Law reiterates-calls-to-junk-anti-terror-law/ INDO-PACIFIC NEWS With ILO post, PHL eyes key role in https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/with- 56 global standard-setting ilo-post-phl-eyes-key-role-in-global-standard- setting/ Pandemic drives sea freight prices to https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/07/04 57 record high /business/sea-freight-prices/ Carbon capture technology an important https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sustai 58 pillar for Southeast Asia to tackle climate nability/climate-change-carbon-capture- change, say experts technology-southeast-asia-15133220 Duterte’s Pivot to China Yet to Deliver https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/202 Promised Billions 1-07-04/duterte-s-pivot-to-china-yet-to-deliver- 59 promised-billions-in- infrastructure?srnd=premium-asia Philippines- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/05 60 US ties remain vibrant’ /2110243/philippines-us-ties-remain-vibrant Americans’ July Fourth festivities sparkle https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455458/american 61 after last year’s pandemic cancellations s-july-fourth-festivities-sparkle-after-last-years- pandemic-cancellations White House says it is reaching out to https://www.reuters.com/technology/it-firm- 62 ransomware victims kaseya-hires-fireeye-help-deal-with- ransomware-outbreak-2021-07-04/ Americans in toxic fight over 'insane' https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/americans- 63 critical race theory in-toxic-fight-over-insane-critical-race- theory/3E2LWZLJ5SQ2KTLGXS5RVXRVLM/ China urges U.S. to stop demonizing https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-07- national security law for HKSAR 04/China-urges-U-S-to-stop-demonizing- 64 national-security-law-for-HKSAR- 11CJ2g4WmGc/index.html China Has a BIG Plan for Post-U.S. https://www.thedailybeast.com/china-has-a- 65 Afghanistan—and It's Worth Billions big-plan-for-post-us-afghanistan-and-its-worth- billions China outspends US in ASEAN https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International- 66 investment blitz relations/China-outspends-US-in-ASEAN- investment-blitz Communist China's Genocidal https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17532/china 67 Crackdown on Uyghur Intellectuals -genocide-uyghurs Chinese space firm investigates alleged https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/artic 68 attack on two scientists le/3139776/chinese-space-firm-investigates- chairmans-alleged-attack-two Hong Kong police warn residents against https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 69 mourning man who stabbed police hong-kong-police-warn-residents-mourn-man- officer stabbed-police-officer-15153308 Independence cannot be decided by https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202107040008 70 Taiwanese alone: DPP heavyweight Suga's LDP falls short in Tokyo election https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- 71 as he presses on with Olympics amid pacific/tokyo-goes-polls-pandemic-shadowed- pandemic olympics-loom-2021-07-03/ Tokyo 2020 chief says holding the https://the-japan- 72 Games would bring global trust in Japan news.com/news/article/0007548748 Rescuers search for survivors in https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/r 73 landslide-hit Japan town escuers-continue-search-survivors-landslide- hit-japan-atami-15152114 U.S. tech giants' lack of transparency https://the-japan- 74 criticized in Japan news.com/news/article/0007474428 Police probe organizers of massive rally http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=202 75 in Seoul 10704000111 Korea promoted to developed nation by https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/ UNCTAD 04/business/economy/Unctad-developed- 76 country-developing- country/20210704185600398.html How will ‘emaciated’ Kim ride out a https://www.scmp.com/week- famine in North Kore asia/politics/article/3139689/how-will- 77 a? With China’s help emaciated-kim-jong-un-ride-out-famine-north- korea North Korea not cooperating with global https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021 78 vaccine distribution program: report /07/103_311566.html Malaysia PM in stable condition, to be https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 79 discharged from hospital soon malaysia-pm-stable-condition-to-be- discharged-hospital-15153142 Desperate Malaysians fly white flags as https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 80 a call for help to survive COVID-19 malaysia-fly-white-flag-call-for-help-covid-19- lockdown lockdown-15138100 For Indonesia’s restive Papua region, https://www.scmp.com/week- will Biden bring change? asia/politics/article/3139577/indonesias- 81 restive-papua-region-will-bidens-human-rights- focus Myanmar forces enter home of Japan https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/2021 82 embassy staff 0704_17/ In Cambodia, stateless ethnic https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast- 83 Vietnamese stuck at border amid Covid- asia/article/3139795/cambodia-stateless- 19 ethnic-vietnamese-stuck-border-amid Sri Lanka tightens foreign currency https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/busin 84 outflows ess/sri-lanka-foreign-currency-outflow- restrictions-15153524 https://www.justsecurity.org/77284/americas- 85 America’s Democracy Moment democracy-moment/ Can Taiwan Provide the Alternative to https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/can-taiwan- 86 Digital Authoritarianism? provide-the-alternative-to-digital- authoritarianism/ DEFENSE NEWS At least 29 dead, 50 injured after https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 87 Philippine military plane crashes philippine-military-plane-crash-c-130-people- killed-jolo-15153068 Massive ransomware attack seen https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/mas 88 paralyzing victims in 17 countries sive-ransomware-attack-seen-paralyzing- victims-in-17-countries/ Mass Ransomware Hack Used IT https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/202 89 Software Flaws, Researchers Say 1-07-04/mass-ransomware-hack-used-it- software-flaw-researchers-say?srnd=premium- asia Biden takes aim at Russia over crippling https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/joe-biden- 90 cyberattack takes-aim-russia-crippling-cyberattack- qnr7z3fm7 Time for US nuclear strategy to embrace https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/07/04/tim 91 no first use e-for-us-nuclear-strategy-to-embrace-no-first- use/ Portable reactors put heat on the https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/portable- 92 Pentagon reactors-put-heat-on-the-pentagon/ Meet the Team with an Unusual Task https://www.military.com/daily- for US Navy news/2021/07/04/meet-team-unusual-task- 93 Newest Carrier’s Shock Trials - Preserving Marine Life newest-carriers-shock-trials-preserving- marine-life.html How the US Marine Corps Plans to https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how- 94 Implement Its Strategic Firepower Plan marine-corps-plans-implement-its-strategic- firepower-plan-189133 The US Air Force Plans to Improve Its https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/air-force- 95 Premier Spy Drone plans-improve-its-premier-spy-drone-189107 Pentagon Seeks to Soften Blow of U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/04/us/politic 96 Withdrawal From Afghanistan s/us-afghanistan-withdrawal.html Top US commander in Afghanistan: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/561516-top- 97 Must not 'turn our backs' following troop us-commander-in-afghanistan-must-not-turn- removal our-backs-following-troop American ghosts of war will haunt https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/american- 98 Afghanistan ghosts-of-war-will-haunt-afghanistan/ Taliban overtake districts in northern https://thehill.com/policy/defense/561526- 99 Afghanistan taliban-overtakes-districts-in-northern- afghanistan How the Afghanistan Withdrawal Costs https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2021/07/ho 100 the U.S. With China w-afghanistan-withdrawal-costs-us- china/182882/ If This South China Sea Simulation Is https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/if-south- 101 Any Indication, the U.S. Navy Could Be china-sea-simulation-any-indication-us-navy- In Trouble could-be-trouble-189200 China's foreign minister says Indo- https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2021/07/ 102 Pacific strategy should be dumped 04/chinas-foreign-minister-says-indo-pacific- strategy-should-be-dumped.html Video shows how Chinese army would https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chinese- 103 strike Taiwan video-shows-ballistic-missile-blitz-on-taiwan- fv7xl3xtf Chinese military turboprop enters https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4239 104 Taiwan’s ADIZ 730 Astronauts complete first spacewalk at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/c 105 China's new Tiangong station hina-first-spacewalk-astronauts-space-station- tiangong-15152988 China’s arms trade: which countries https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/arti 106 does it buy from and sell to? cle/3139603/how-china-grew-buyer-major- arms-trade-player Strained ties with India, other nations https://www.hindustantimes.com/world- lead to 'dip' in China's weapon export news/strained-ties-with-india-other-nations- 107 see-dip-in-china-s-weapon-export-report- 101625373178248.html Will China Use Its New Type 075 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/will- 108 Warship To Seize Taiwan? china-use-its-new-type-075-warship-seize- taiwan-189149 How deceit was built into China's first https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/de 109 aircraft carrier fence/how-deceit-was-built-into-chinas-first- aircraft-carrier/articleshow/84111960.cms Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng enters https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227 110 PLA naval service, celebrates CPC 782.shtml centennial with drill HK police vow to crack down on lone- https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227 111 wolf terrorist attacks 780.shtml Taiwan's defense strategy guidelines https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202107040014 112 remain unchanged: MND UK to help Japan develop engine for F-X https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-help- 113 fighter japan-develop-engine-for-f-x-fighter/ SoKor: August joint exercises will go on, https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/ 114 says Pentagon 04/national/defense/USKorea-joint-military-no- delay/20210704153400302.html Myanmar Believed To Be Interested In https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/202 115 Acquiring Russian Project 22160 Patrol 1/07/myanmar-believed-to-be-interested- Vessels in.html Myanmar forces kill 25 in raid on town: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 116 Sources myanmar-military-raid-fighting-depayin- sagaing-deaths-15153612 10 killed in Myanmar clashes between https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/04/10- 117 army and anti-junta fighters killed-in-myanmar-clashes-between-army-and- anti-junta-fighters/ Part-time militants": Security forces face https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/de new challenge in Kashmir fence/part-time-militants-security-forces-face- 118 new-challenge-in- kashmir/articleshow/84114418.cms India’s Opposition Demands https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/202 Parliamentary Probe of Rafale Deal 1-07-04/india-s-opposition-demands- 119 parliamentary-probe-of-rafale- deal?srnd=premium-asia Russia expresses concern over Japan- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/07/04 120 U.S. defense drills /national/russia-concern-japan-u-s-defense- drills/ Kremlin says ‘provocations’ like UK https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455323/kremlin- 121 warship episode demand tough says-provocations-like-uk-warship-episode- response demand-tough-response Millions Dead: Why "Limited" Nuclear https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/millions- 122 Conflict Is a Foolish Myth dead-why-limited-nuclear-conflict-foolish-myth- 189158 COVID NEWS Quarantine, movement limits relaxed for https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/quar 123 fully vaccinated persons–IATF antine-movement-limits-relaxed-for-fully- vaccinated-persons-iatf/ PH still at moderate risk for COVID-19 https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/ph-still-at- 124 infections — OCTA moderate-risk-for-covid-19-infections-octa/ Delta variant causes new lockdowns and https://americanmilitarynews.com/2021/07/delt 125 coronavirus restrictions across the globe a-variant-causes-new-lockdowns-and- coronavirus-restrictions-across-the-globe/ Indonesia ramps up oxygen output after https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/i 126 dozens die amid scarcity ndonesia-medical-oxygen-supply-scarcity- hospital-covid-19-15153566 Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020- 127 Across the World coronavirus-cases-world- map/?srnd=coronavirus Covid map: Where are cases the https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105 128 highest? Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid- 129 vaccine-tracker-global- distribution/?srnd=premium-asia

J. OPINION/EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Title Link 130 Our compromised future https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/07/05/ 2110176/our-compromised-future 131 Diamonds aren’t forever https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/dia monds-arent-forever/ 132 Liberty, conquest and friendship https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/the -fifth-gospel-by-jude-acidre/358818/liberty- conquest-and-friendship.html 133 Shared history and long accord https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/sh ared-history-and-long-accord/ 134 Buck passer not needed https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/bu ck-passer-not-needed/ 135 China’s one-child policy has left a million https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/com Chinese without support mentary/china-s-one-child-policy-poverty- ageing-costs-healthcare-15132198 136 Strains on China-Japan marriage of https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article convenience could trigger a big row /3139630/strains-china-japan-marriage- convenience-could-trigger-big-row 137 Virus lab leak theory dogs Democrats https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/04/wuh eager to keep focus on Trump's Covid an-lab-leak-theory-democrats-497902 failings 138 How the West can learn from China’s https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article Belt and Road Initiative and vice versa /3139659/how-west-can-learn-chinas-belt-and- road-initiative-and-vice-versa

5-mo ng borrowings expand 17% to P1.77T BYBERNADETTE D. NICOLAS JULY 5, 2021 THE national government’s gross borrowings swelled by nearly 17 percent to P1.77 trillion in the first five months of the year as the government relied more on domestic sources for its financing.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed this was higher than the combined gross external and domestic borrowings from January to May last year amounting to P1.51 trillion.

Bulk of the gross borrowings during the five-month period this year were sourced from domestic sources amounting to P1.51 trillion, higher by 31.23 percent from P1.15 trillion a year ago.

Of all the local sources, the government secured the biggest amount through short-term-borrowings from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), at P540 billion. The government also borrowed P463.3 billion through Retail Treasury Bonds and Premyo Bonds, P389 billion through fixed- rate Treasury Bonds, and P120.3 billion through Treasury Bills.

Meanwhile, gross external borrowings from January to May this year shrank by 29 percent to P253.04 billion from last year’s 356.64 billion.

Almost half of the financing that the government secured from foreign sources came from its issuance of its first-ever triple-tranche euro- denominated global bonds which allowed it to raise P121.97 billion. Aside from this, the government also secured financing through program loans (P72.12 billion), project loans (P34.76 billion) and its first-ever zero-coupon yen-denominated Samurai bonds (P24.19 billion). https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/5-mo-ng-borrowings-expand-17-to-p1-77t/

Philippine economy seen growing at least 5% Louise Maureen Simeon (The Philippine Star ) - July 5, 2021 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine economy is expected to grow at least five percent this year, still below government targets, as the pace of vaccination rollout and possibility of lockdown measures may dampen the much-needed recovery.

In its latest report, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company in the UK, estimates that gross domestic product of emerging and developing economies will grow by an average of 6.3 percent.

Growth will be led by India at 9.4 percent despite an intense second wave of COVID-19 cases, and China at 8.61 percent.

The Philippines, on the other hand, will likely register at least five percent in economic growth, alongside other emerging economies in the region including Indonesia and Malaysia.

GlobalData’s forecast falls below the six to seven percent updated growth target set by the government. The Philippine economy is coming from a 9.6 percent contraction in 2020. https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/07/05/2110186/philippine-economy-seen-growing-least-5

Philippines on alert for another eruption of Taal volcano as thousands flee

The Taal volcano has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week. (Photo: AFP/TED ALJIBE)

04 Jul 2021 08:53PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 11:01PM) MANILA: Philippine scientists warned on Sunday (Jul 4) a volcano south of Manila could erupt again "anytime soon" as toxic gas emissions hit a record high and thousands more people in vulnerable communities left their homes.

Taal volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake, has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week, creating a haze over Manila and several surrounding provinces, and prompting health warnings.

Advertisement Nearly 4,500 people have left their homes since authorities called for evacuations of high-risk areas on the lake's shores, the provincial disaster agency said on Sunday.

Some settlements have been locked down, temporarily preventing residents from returning to their properties.

"An eruption similar to the Jul 1, 2021 event may occur anytime soon," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement. Taal, which lies 50km south of Manila, burst to life last Thursday, sending steam and rock fragments hundreds of metres into the sky

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/philippines-volcano-eruption-taal-evacuate-15154072

Senate energy panel to DOE: Be transparent in Malampaya review BYBUTCH FERNANDEZ JULY 5, 2021 3 MINUTE READ THE Senate Committee on Energy pressed the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure full transparency in its review of the $380-million sale of Shell Philippines’s stake to Udenna subsidiary Malampaya Energy XP.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, committee chairman, on Friday renewed his earlier call for the DOE to “be transparent in its review” of the sale of Shell Philippines Exploration BV’s (SPEX) entire stake in the Malampaya gas field project to Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Udenna Corporation owned by businessman Dennis Uy.

The senator recalled that just recently, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi himself confirmed the DOE was “still in the process of evaluating the transaction and no decision has been reached.”

Gatchalian recalled that Cusi had claimed the parties concerned still have to comply with government requirements “before it gives its stamp of approval on the sale” reported in May.

Stressing that the deal involved is “no ordinary” State-owned asset, Gatchalian said he expects his fellow lawmakers would also be keen to know the criteria to be used in evaluating this transaction.

“It has to be very clear to the public,” Gatchalian reminded energy officials involved in the deal. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/senate-energy-panel-to-doe-be-transparent-in-malampaya- review/

Free annual medical checkup nears fruition BYJOVEE MARIE DE LA CRUZ JULY 5, 2021 2 MINUTE READ Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte ALL Filipinos may soon be able to receive an annual medical checkup for free under a bill recently approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives.

This was expressed by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, one of the principal authors of House Bill (HB) 9072, or the proposed Free Annual Medical Check-up Act. Villafuerte said the measure provides that the annual medical checkup be given free of charge in any government hospital and institution. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/free-annual-medical-checkup-nears-fruition/

Cyclone Tracker: Tropical Depression 'Emong'

Published July 5, 2021, 12:10 PM by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz (PAGASA) 11 a.m., July 5

PAGASA estimated the location of Emong at 315 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan at around 10 a.m.

ADVERTISING Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are expected over Batanes and Babuyan Islands as tropical depression “Emong” moves closer to the extreme northern Luzon area.

Related story: ‘Emong’ brings moderate to at times intense rains over Batanes, Babuyan Islands — PAGASA

8 a.m., July 5

PAGASA said that tropical depression ‘Emong’ may pass close or make landfall over Batanes, Babuyan Islands this afternoon or evening. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/05/cyclone-tracker-tropical-depression-emong/

‘Emong’ accelerates towards extreme Northern Luzon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Monday said tropical depression Emong is forecast to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Emong is moving northwestward until tonight as it approaches the extreme Northern Luzon-Taiwan area.

Tropical storm warning signal number 1 is in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan, particularly Santa Ana, Gonzaga, including Babuyan Islands. The center of the tropical depression may pass close or over the vicinity of Batanes- Babuyan Islands area tonight.

Emong may likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow morning or afternoon while skirting the southern and southwestern coasts of Taiwan. RELATED TOPICS:EMONGPAGASA ADVERTISEMENT https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/emong-accelerates-towards-extreme-northern- luzon/

PCG drives away Chinese, Vietnamese fishing vessels from PH EEZ

Published July 4, 2021, 11:31 AM by Richa Noriega The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) drove away seven foreign fishing vessels believed to be manned by Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen off Marie Louise Bank in El Nido, Palawan on Wednesday, June 30.

In a video shared by the PCG on Sunday, July 4, the Coast Guard personnel from the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) radio communicated with the seven foreign vessels, composed of five Chinese ships and two Vietnamese ships, while conducting maritime patrol in separate incidents off Marie Louise Bank, which is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/pcg-drives-away-chinese-vietnamese-fishing-vessels-from-ph-eez/

Coast Guard ejects foreign vessels on Palawan waters BYRENE ACOSTA JULY 5, 2021 2 MINUTE READ A patrolling ship from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) turned away seven Chinese and Vietnamese fishing vessels while they were inside the water of Palawan a week ago.

A belated report from the PCG on Sunday said the Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra dispersed five Chinese and two Vietnamese fishing vessels from the waters of the Marie Louise Bank on June 30.

According to a statement released by PCG Spokesma Commodore Armand Balilo, the Marie Louise Bank is located 147 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan.

Balilo said the seven ships were monitored and identified through the radar and automatic identification system (AIS).

“Said PCG vessel utilized Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to conduct radio challenge to said vessels in accordance with the PCG Manual on Rules on the Use of Force within the Philippines’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” he added.

The dispersal of the foreign ships was reported in the aftermath of the week-long anti-terrorism and piracy training by the Coast Guard in the waters of Western Mindanao, the PCG said. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/coast-guard-ejects-foreign-vessels-on-palawan-waters/

Over 200 turtle hatchlings released in Tawi-Tawi island sanctuary

Published July 4, 2021, 2:39 PM by Richa Noriega Over 200 turtle hatchlings were released in Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Friday, July 2.

In a video shared by the PCG on Friday, PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia led the release of the turtle hatchlings on the coast of the turtle sanctuary on June 25.

The PCG said, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the municipality of Turtle Islands, the initiative also aims to take care of the nesting grounds for the endangered Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles.

“Aside from upholding maritime law enforcement, the PCG is also mandated to protect the country’s marine resources, most especially vulnerable marine species and their habitats,” the Coast Guard said.

The wildlife conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said green turtles, classified as endangered, are threatened by “overharvesting of their eggs, hunting of adults, being caught in fishing gear and loss of nesting beach sites.” https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/over-200-turtle-hatchlings-released-in-tawi-tawi-island-sanctuary/

Philippine Air Force C-130H plane crashes in Sulu

Published July 4, 2021, 2:03 PM by Dennis Principe A Philippine Air Force C-130H reportedly crashed in Datu Putih, Patikul, Sulu Sunday afternoon, July 4.

A report by Marawi City Bayan Patrol said the plane, with tail number 5125 was carrying at least 85 people.

The said page also posted several photos showing a still burning aircraft and soldiers rescuing their wounded comrades.

This is a developing story. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/philippine-air-force-c-130h-plane-with-85-people-crashes-in-sulu/

Palace, nation pray for victims of Sulu military plane crash

By Azer Parrocha July 4, 2021, 7:16 pm

DOWN. A C-130 of the Philippine Air Force crashes in Patikul, Sulu shortly before noon on Sunday (July 4, 2021). Latest reports said of the 96 onboard, 29 bodies have been retrieved, 50 were rescued, and 1 7 are still unaccounted for. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 11ID)

MANILA – Malacañang is one with the nation in praying for the victims of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 crash in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

The Western Mindanao Command report as of 5:30 p.m. said of the 96 onboard, 50 were rescued but injured, 29 cadavers were retrieved, and 17 were still unaccounted for in the incident in Barangay Bangkal at about 11:30 a.m.

Two civilians on the ground were killed while four are undergoing treatment.

“We are deeply saddened by the C-130 mishap in Sulu,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. “Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we are one in praying for the safe recovery of the passengers.”

He urged the public to wait for further updates on the “unfortunate” incident.

“Let us wait for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to release an update on this very unfortunate incident,” he said.

On June 23, an S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on a night flight training also figured in a mishap a few miles from the Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.

Three pilots and three airmen were killed. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145946

Some Philippine troops jump before military plane crashes in flames, killing at least 45

Lema 4 minute read

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View of the site after a Philippines Air Force Lockheed C-130 plane carrying troops crashed on landing in Patikul, Sulu province, Philippines July 4, 2021. Armed Forces of the Philippines - Joint Task Force Sulu/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA, July 4 (Reuters) - A Philippines Air Force troop plane crashed and broke up in flames on a southern island on Sunday, killing at least 45 people after some jumped free, officials said, in the country's worst military air disaster in nearly 30 years.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85-people-crashes-afp-2021- 07-04/

45 Killed in Philippine Military Plane Crash By VOA News Updated July 04, 2021 05:13 PM

Forty-five people were killed when a military plane crashed in the Philippines Sunday afternoon.

Forty-two of the victims were members of the army and three were civilians who were killed on the ground when the plane crashed around noon outside Jolo airport in the southern Sulu province.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, but officials citing witnesses said the plane with 96 people on board missed the runway at the airport. The Jolo runway is shorter than others in the Philippines, making it harder to adjust if a pilot misses the landing, an air force official told the Associated Press.

Forty-nine soldiers were rescued from the wreckage, many of them having jumped from the plane before it exploded shortly after the crash.

"This is a sad day, but we have to remain hopeful," Major General William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force-Sulu, said in a statement. "We enjoin the nation to pray for those who are injured and those who have perished in this tragedy."

The Lockheed C-130 was one of two former U.S. Air Force aircraft given to the Philippines this year. It was carrying 88 soldiers, many of whom had recently completed basic training. Three pilots and five crew were also on board. https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/45-killed-philippine-military-plane-crash

42 military men, 3 civilians dead in C-130 plane crash in Sulu

By: Jeannette I. Andrade, Joselle Badilla, Julie Alipala - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:00 AM July 05, 2021

WRECKAGE The Lockheed C-130 Hercules plane, one of two newly acquired transport aircraft that arrived in January, was seen hovering and circling above Sitio Amman in Patikul, Sulu, before it plunged near a garbage area, witnesses said. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMY 11TH INFANTRY DIVISION — A military cargo plane carrying soldiers crashed in Patikul, Sulu province, on Sunday morning, killing 42 military personnel on board and three civilians on the ground.

Forty-nine military personnel on board the C-130 Hercules plane and four civilians on the ground were wounded and rescued. Five other passengers remained missing, military officials said.

All 96 onboard were military personnel, officials said. known as Cagayan de Oro Airport), according to the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The transport plane was bound for Jolo, Sulu’s capital, from Lumbia Airport (also

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455406/42-military-men-3-civilians-dead-in-c-130-plane-crash

Lorenzana orders full probe into deadly C-130 crash in Sulu By JOVILAND RITA, GMA News Published July 5, 2021 7:42am Updated July 5, 2021 10:57am Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday ordered a "full investigation" into the crash of a C-130 military aircraft in Sulu over the weekend that left dozens dead.

-130 incident, as

“I have ordered a full investigation to get to the bottom of the C Insoon an asinterview the rescue on Doboland recovery B TV, Armed operation Forces is completed,” spokesperson Lorenzana Major Ge saidneral on Edgard Twitter. Arevalo said the death toll has climbed to 50 47 soldiers and three civilians. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/794064/loren— zana-orders-full-probe-into-deadly-c-130- crash-in-sulu/story/

Military rules out attack on cargo plane in Sulu crash By CONSUELO MARQUEZ, GMA News Published July 4, 2021 4:16pm

The military on Sunday ruled out speculations that an attack downed a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Sulu before 12 noon, where at least 17 people were killed and 40 others were hurt.

In an interview on Super Radyo DZBB, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said an initial report showed that the plane tried to recover but eventually crashed in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul town.

An investigation on the incident is ongoing, Arevalo added.

"Initially, ang sinabi nagkaroon ng problema ang pag-approach sa paglapag. Nag- attempt na ma-recover subalit nawalan ng power. Ito ay initial na report very sketchy kaya hangga't maaari we cannot provide details yet," Arevalo said.

(It was said the plane had a problem as it made an approach to land. There was an attempt to try to recover but power went out. But the report is still sketchy and we can't provide details yet.)

"We are saying this, so far, to rule out sa mga itinatanong sa akin na mga kasamahan sa media, kung mayroon bang pag-atake na pagganap," he added.

(We are saying this as we rule out an attack based on queries from the media.)

As for now, rescue operation is the focus of the military after the tragedy, Arevalo also said. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/794020/military-rules-out-attack-on-cargo-plane-in- sulu-crash/story/

Robredo’s office ready to assist in Sulu military plane crash

Published July 4, 2021, 7:50 PM by Raymund Antonio The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is ready to extend any assistance to help in the search and rescue operation for possible survivors in the crash of a C-130 transport plane in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, July 4.

Vice President Leni Robredo said she trusts the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other concerned agencies conducting the SAR operation.

Vice President Leni Robredo (OVP/Facebook)

“Handang tumulong ang aming tanggapan sa anumang paraan kung kinakailangan (Our office is ready to help in any way if needed),” she said in a statement.

At least 29 soldiers were killed after the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 plane crash landed on Jolo island at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday. There were 50 soldiers who were reportedly injured while 17 others were still unaccounted for.

The ill-fated plane was carrying 96 people, including three pilots, five other crew members, and 88 passengers.

Those rescued were brought to the hospital at the 11th Infantry Division in Busbus town in Sulu.

The vice president condoled with the families and loved ones of the soldiers who died in the plane crash. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/robredos-office-ready-to-assist-in-sulu-military-plane-crash/

Biazon underscores urgency of probe into recent C-130, Black Hawk crashes

Published July 4, 2021, 4:20 PM by Ben Rosario An investigation into the latest crashes of military air assets has become “twice as urgent” to immediately determine the cause and safety measures that should be put in place to avoid similar incidents from happening again, the vice chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Security said on Sunday, July 4.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said the crash of a Philippine Air Force C-130 plane before noontime Sunday in Patikul, Sulu is a “major blow to the capability and morale” of the AFP.

This is the second crash of an air asset of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in less than two weeks.

On June 23, a newly-acquired S-70i Black Hawk chopper crashed in Tarlac, killing six officers and crew.

Initial reports on the C-130 incident indicated that 17 military personnel died while at least 40 were rescued after the aircraft crash landed in Patikul.

“The loss of life of our soldiers and airmen during training and non-combat operations is something that is difficult to accept although it is a part of the inherent risks in serving in the military,” said Biazon.

“Their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the performance of their duty, whether while fighting the enemy or in training, is more than enough reason for the nation to give gratitude and honor to them,” he added.

Biazon, son of former AFP chief of staff and ex-Senator Rodolfo Biazon, said it is very urgent that investigators are able to determine “the causes of these crashes whether human error, equipment failure, or weather disturbance is to blame.”

“Being newly-acquired assets, should equipment failure be determined as the cause, it will bring to fore questions on the quality of the assets acquired or the maintenance capability of the unit involved,” he said.

The lawmaker added: “Should it be determined that crew error is the cause, the training and readiness of personnel may have to be reviewed.” https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/biazon-underscores-urgency-of-probe-into-recent-c-130-black-hawk- crashes/

US Embassy condoles with families of the C-130 crash victims in Sulu

Published July 4, 2021, 5:30 PM by Roy Mabasa The United States has offered its condolences to the families of the victims of a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that crashed in Sulu before noon on Sunday.

United States Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’Affaires John Law (US Embassy Manila) US Embassy Charge d’Affaires John Law said the Embassy is extending medical support to the Department of National Defense (DND) and expressed its readiness to provide additional help.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away in the crash in Sulu. The U.S. Embassy is assisting @dndphl in providing medical support and stands ready to provide further assistance,” Law said in a statement posted on his Twitter account. Initial reports said at least 17 people have died while 40 have been rescued after a C1-30 Hercules crashed as it tried to land in Jolo, Sulu. Ninety-two people, mostly army personnel were on board the plane that emanated from Cagayan de Oro. The C130 plane was one of the two United States military aircraft that was turned over to the Philippines early this year as part of the US military assistance to the country. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/us-embassy-condoles-with-families-of-the-c-130-crash-victims-in-sulu/

US Embassy readies medical aid for survivors of Sulu plane crash By CONSUELO MARQUEZ, GMA News Published July 4, 2021 5:13pm

medical aid to survivors of the C-130 aircraft tragedy of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)Chargé in d’Affaires Sulu. John Law said Sunday that the US Embassy in Manila will send

"We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away in the crash in Sulu. The US Embassy is assisting @dndphl in providing medical support and stands ready to provide further assistance," Law said on Twitter.

A number of people died, and several others hurt after the military cargo plane trying to land at a Jolo port suddenly lost power and crashed.

Philippine military chief General Cirilito Sobejana said most passengers were military personnel who were to be assigned to the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Battalion's Joint Task Force Sulu after graduating recently from their basic military course. —LBG, GMA News https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/794026/us-embassy-readies-medical-aid-for-survivors- of-sulu-plane-crash/story/

Why C-130 is called a workhorse posted July 05, 2021 at 01:20 am by Manila Standard

• The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin).

• The aircraft first entered service in 1956, and is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide.

• Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft.

• More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L- 100, operate in more than 60 nations.

• The Philippine Air Force had 3 C-130 aircraft, all from the United States, in its fleet.

• Of the three, the first one, a C-130B model delivered by the US in January 2021 with tail number 5125, was what crashed in Sulu on Sunday.

• The PAF is ordering two more C-130J "Super Hercules" from the United States.

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/358862/why-c-130-is-called-a-workhorse.html

Plane crash in Sulu is 3rd AFP aircraft crash this year Published July 4, 2021 9:31pm Updated July 5, 2021 1:26am The plane crash in Sulu on Sunday that killed at least 45 people and injured 53 others is the third air crash involving an Armed Forces of the Philippines aircraft this year. All three incidents resulted in loss of life.

According to a report on "24 Oras" on Sunday, the C130 military aircraft with tail number 5125 took off from Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City and was about to land in Jolo port in Sulu when it crashed at 11:30 a.m.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Cirilito Sobejana said that the plane may have missed the runway.

On January 16, a PAF UH-1H helicopter crashed near Bukidnon's Barangay Bulonay. The seven people aboard were killed.

On June 23, a brand-new S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing figured in an accident off Capas, Tarlac, during night flight training. Three pilots and three airmen were killed.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied that the AFP purchases and uses defective equipment.

"With the investigations of the past mishaps still ongoing, such speculations are as of yet baseless and disrespectful to the affected men and women of the Philippine Air Force, AFP and their families," he said.

"We call on the public to refrain from spreading highly speculative statements about the unfortunate incident," he added. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/794042/plane-crash-in-sulu-is-3rd-afp-aircraft-crash- this-year/story/

PNoy had a soft spot for soldiers—Trillanes

Published July 4, 2021, 11:43 AM by Raymund Antonio Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV remembered fondly how the late former President Benigno S. Aquino III had a special spot for soldiers in his heart, adding that the former Chief Executive was the one who reached out to him when he was detained at Camp Crame.

In a video tribute to Aquino posted on his Facebook page Saturday night, Trillanes remembered the late President’s visits to his detention cell at Camp Crame.

“Hindi ako magpapanggap na matalik kong kaibigan si PNoy pero ang masasabi ko isang tunay ko siyang kaibigan (I will not pretend that PNoy was my close friend, but what I can say is that he was a true friend),” he said.

Their friendship started in 2009 when Aquino started visiting him at his detention cell to ask about his situation and those of his colleagues in the Magdalo group.

Trillanes, then a Philippine Navy lieutenant senior grade (equivalent to an Philippine Army captain), and some 300 Magdalo members were detained from 2003 for staging a failed mutiny against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Oakwood Premier Ayala Center to protest alleged corruption in government.

The former senator said that Aquino took a special interest in their welfare while in detention. At one point, the former Chief Executive even sent an entertainment system so the soldiers would have something to do while there.

“Talagang makwento siya. Maraming siyang nalalaman sa iba’t ibang bagay even sa mga aspeto ng pagiging sundalo. So makikita mo talagang malapit siya sa sundalo at gusto niya ang mundo ng kasundaluhan (He had a lot of stories. He knew many things in the aspect of being a soldier. So, you will see he’s really close to the soldiers and he liked their world),” he said.

Trillanes also shared that Aquino used to give him updates either through his staff or personally when he visited at Camp Crame. In the 2007 midterm elections, they were both candidates of the independent block and were elected as senators.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/pnoy-had-a-soft-spot-for-soldiers-trillanes/

NTF-Elcac to seek P47B for bgay devt, Phase 2 BYSAMUEL P. MEDENILLA JULY 5, 2021 3 MINUTE READ BADOY: “The bigger problem is really poor governance. This terrorism of 52 years is a symptom of the absence of government in those areas.” THE government’s anti-insurgency task force will be requesting for P47 billion for the second round of its controversial barangay development program (BDP) next year.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF- Elcac) is now eyeing to enroll an additional 2,368 barangays in its BDP.

In an exclusive interview with the BusinessMirror, NTF-Elcac BDP Action Officer Monico Batle said of the said barangays, 962, were freed by the military from the control of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) from 2011 to 2015.

The other 1,406 barangays were cleared from the communist rebels’ presence last year.

“If this is approved by Congress and Senate, all of the cleared barangays from 2011 to the present will be covered [by the BDP],” Batle said.

Under BDP, cleared former strongholds of the CPP-NPA will each be given a P20 million subsidy to be used for the construction of any of the following: farm-to-market roads; schools; health station; water, and sanitation system; and rural electrification and livelihood. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/ntf-elcac-to-seek-p47b-for-bgay-devt-phase-2/

S. Kudarat IP farmers, ex-rebels get P700-K gov't livelihood aid

Published July 4, 2021, 9:09 PM by Philippine News Agency ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Farmers including surrendered rebels from an indigenous peoples (IPs) community in an upland town in this province are expected to have increased productivity and income.

This as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are set to provide them with coffee production post-harvest facilities.

“It was in support of the national government’s call to end armed conflict in the countryside,” DOLE-12 Director Raymundo Agravante said in a statement on Sunday, July 4.

Agravante said the post-harvest facilities, amounting to P666,156 were turned over Friday afternoon to the Tupi-Bato Farmers Association at Sitio Tupi-Bato, Barangay Midtungok, Sen. Ninoy Aquino (SNA) municipality, some 20 kilometers south of this capital town.

With the simple intervention, Agravante said the 36 members of the association, mostly IPs, can now improve coffee production and marketing with the use of a brand new coffee huller machine, a 2,500-kilogram platform weighing scale, 10 all-weather plastic dryer tents, and 100 liters of crude gas, among others.

Before the turnover of the facilities, Agravante said the DOLE-Sultan Kudarat field office conducted capability building as a preparatory step in setting up a business formation.

Meanwhile, Agravante said the DOLE-12 also awarded a “Kabuhayan” check amounting to P1,547,070 to its accredited co-partner, the SNA town government, for 85 informal sector workers, most of whom are self-employed IP women, youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, former rebels, and parents of child laborers. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/s-kudarat-ip-farmers-ex-rebels-get-p700-k-govt-livelihood-aid/

Cops in CARAGA, NPA-infested areas warned vs attacks

Published July 4, 2021, 2:55 PM by Aaron Recuenco Police forces in CARAGA region and other communist rebel-infested areas were advised to be both on offensive and defensive stance amid threat of renewed attack by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar issued the warning on police units after the intelligence units in CARAGA region received reports that the rebels would attack police officers even in their homes.

“This kind of information should not be ignored as this may affect the safety and welfare of innocent civilians in the communities,” said Eleazar.

The Chief PNP also stressed the need for the PNP and the community to work together against the CPP-NPA.

“We urge the public to inform us on any information about CPP-NPA presence in your communities to prevent their attacks,” said Eleazar.

“Like what happened in Masbate and in Surigao del Norte, civilians were among the casualties in their attacks. Let us not allow fear and silence to discourage you from reporting because your safety amy also be at stake,” said Eleazar.

Eleazar branded this move of the NPA as a desperate act to show that the group still has the strength to fight against the government.

He also tasked police units and offices to intensify intelligence-gathering efforts to prevent rebel attacks. All concerned PNP personnel were also ordered to closely coordinate with military units. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/cops-in-caraga-npa-infested-areas-warned-vs-attacks/

Youth group reiterates calls to junk Anti-Terror Law

Published July 4, 2021, 1:26 PM by Gabriela Baron The Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) called anew for the junking of the Anti-Terrorism Law a year after it was first imposed.

(AFP / MANILA BULLETIN) President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 on July 3. The law took effect on July 18.

In a statement, YACAP called the Anti-Terror Law an “unconstitutional attempt of the state to silence their critics.”

“With its vague definitions of ‘terrorism’ as a whole, environmental defenders and activists can easily be tagged and manipulated as terrorists, leading to their illegal detention, and even their deaths,” the youth-led alliance said.

According to YACAP, in Duterte’s first three years in office, a total of 199 land and environmental defenders were killed.

In 2019, 49 more environmental defenders were killed, while 500 cases of human rights abuses were recorded in 2020.

“The Philippines, primarily being an agricultural country, requires farmers and agricultural workers in order to thrive, and yet these workers account for 63 [percent] of total deaths,” YACAP said.

“On December 1, 2020, Kalikasan [People’s Network for the Environment] was ‘red tagged’ by government officials in a Senate hearing. In the same month, nine Indigenous people from the Tumandok Tribe in Panay were killed by soldiers and policemen. These officials believed that the Indigenous people were ‘supporters’ of a communist rebel movement regarding a local dam project,” it added. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/youth-group-reiterates-calls-to-junk-anti-terror-law/

With ILO post, PHL eyes key role in global standard-setting BYSAMUEL P. MEDENILLA JULY 5, 2021 1 MINUTE READ THE Philippines will now be taking the lead over the influential Government body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), giving it a key role in setting global standards.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officially assumed the chairmanship of the ILO body last week, the DOLE announced on Sunday.

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III hailed the development, especially since Philippines is the first non-regular member country of the ILO to assume such role.

“We will also exercise pivotal role in helping the ILO achieve full, equal, and more democratic participation of its small, non-regular members in setting policies and programs,” Bello said.

As chairman of the Government group of ILO, it will be responsible for convening and chairing the Group meetings during and outside ILO official meetings and facilitating negotiation for a common position, thus contributing to reaching consensus.

DOLE’s International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Visperas said the country will turn over the chairmanship of the government body on June 28, 2022. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/with-ilo-post-phl-eyes-key-role-in-global-standard-setting/

Pandemic drives sea freight prices to record high

LONDON Container shipping prices have reached record highs some 18 months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted maritime logistics chains and drove demand sky-high.– “We are basically running out of vessels and of empty containers,” said Alan Murphy, head of the consultancy Sea Intelligence.

“There’s been a massive shortage of empty containers, they are in the wrong place, they are stuck in ports and not in Asia ready to be loaded.” The Freightos Baltic Index, a benchmark for major shipping routes, has more than tripled in a year to nearly $7,000 for a trip from China to the west coast of the United States.

A trip to Europe has exceeded $10,000, compared with just $1,600 at the same time last year.

Murphy said the unprecedented situation compounded the troubles of the last 10 years, which he said had been “really bad for the shipping lines.”

Blighted by overcapacity in the sector, he said the firms “were losing money every time they were moving a container.”

‘Unprecedented drop’

The COVID-19 pandemic, which initially brought global shipping to a virtual standstill, did not bode well for the industry and led to “an unprecedented drop in demand,” said Didier Rabattu, of Lombard Odier Investment Managers.

But this did not account for the trends among U.S. and European consumers, who during lockdown stopped spending in restaurants and theaters or going on holiday and instead used their money to purchase material goods — many of them imported from Asia.

“Imagine how many televisions you can buy if you don’t go skiing for a week with four people?” said Paul Tourret, director of France’s Higher Institute of Maritime Economics (ISEMAR).

Disruptions to loading and unloading operations, from dockers falling ill and COVID-19 restrictions to unforseen events like the shipping backlog caused the blockage of the Suez Canal in March, have only exacerbated the trend.

As a result, ship owners have never been in better shape.

The Marseille-based CMA CGM container and shipping company for example posted a net profit of more than $2 billion for the first quarter of 2021 alone, 40 times more than the previous year. Its Danish competitor AP Moller-Maersk announced an even higher net profit of $2.7 billion for the first three months of the year — 13 times what it saw last year.

‘Reached a peak’

“It is true that ship owners are making a lot of money at the moment,” Tourret said.

“But it is also a way for them to renew their fleets and accelerate their liquefied natural gas (LNG) programs,” he added.

CMA CGM placed an order in April for 22 container ships, more than half of which are LNG-powered.

Maritime transport is “one of the main emitters of sulfur dioxide,” the French expert said, adding that although figures were favorable for each ton transported, the sector nevertheless emitted levels of carbon dioxide “comparable to Germany.” The price of container transport depends on the level of demand, but also on supply-side capacity to meet it.

“Whether or not ship owners decide to wage a trade war is a major factor,” Tourret said.

“None of them has any interest in driving prices down. Their collective discipline today must be not to sell out,” he added. The situation could last, Tourret said, driven in part by the need to transport perishable goods.

“If you are carrying perishable goods that will be worth nothing if they don’t move, how much are you prepared to pay?” he asked.

Jean-Marc Lacave, the executive officer of the body for France’s maritime service professionals, Armateurs de France, said he did not expect things to return to normal before the first quarter of 2022.

“I think we have reached a peak,” he said. “If demand continues to rise, there is a not insignificant risk that prices could rise again, but we are more or less at the top of the curve,” he added. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/07/04/business/sea-freight-prices/

Carbon capture technology an important pillar for Southeast Asia to tackle climate change, say experts Carbon capture technology aims to prevent emissions reaching the atmosphere. (Photo: AP/Branden Camp) By Jack Board

05 Jul 2021 06:03AM(Updated: 05 Jul 2021 06:10AM) BANGKOK: Countries in Southeast Asia will need to harness new technologies to capture and store carbon emitted by fossil fuel industries if they want to reach their future climate change goals, according to experts.

A report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in June said that the region would need to fast accelerate its collective investment in carbon capture technologies, to the tune of an average of US$1 billion per year between 2025 and 2030, or risk missing Paris Agreement temperature targets.

That would mean developing capture potential from essentially zero today up to 200 million tonnes or more by 2050.

Globally, the IEA in its separate Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap states that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies will need to be responsible for more than 10 per cent of cumulative emissions reductions. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sustainability/climate-change-carbon-capture-technology- southeast-asia-15133220

‘Philippines-US ties remain vibran MANILA, Philippines — Despite pressing issues on the West Philippine Sea and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the relationship between the Philippines and the United States remains vibrant and vital today, according to a top official of the US embassy in Manila.

The three pillars of Philippine-US ties military alliance, economic partnership and heartfelt friendship remain alive today, US embassy Charge d’Affaires John Law said in his speech marking the 245th year of American Independence on Thursday, during which the 75th year of Philippine-US diplomatic relations was also celebrated.

“I assure you, the United States is and will forever remain dedicated. Ang tunay na magkaibigan, walang iwanan (True friends don’t leave each other),” Law said.

Since the signing of the Treaty of Manila in 1946, the two countries have forged a security alliance that helps ensure peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Trade and investment ties have brought prosperity and economic opportunity to both countries.

“Everything that we do together are the bonds of family and friendship that span generations and are reflected in the millions of Filipinos and Americans who call each other’s country their second home,” Law said.

He said he believes that the two countries’ alliance would continue because “it is in the hearts” of both the American and Filipino people.

The US is also hopeful that Manila and Washington can arrive at a “satisfactory” arrangement to continue the VFA, Law said.

He stressed that the US-Philippine alliance is more than merely a defense agreement, with the US having enormous faith in the future of the relations between the two countries. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/05/2110243/philippines-us-ties-remain-vibrant

Americans’ July Fourth festivities sparkle after last year’s pandemic cancellations

Reuters / 06:32 AM July 05, 2021

Daniel Flanagan and Zhadyra Darbayeva enjoy the weather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, U.S., July 3, 2021. (REUTERS)

NEW YORK fireworks that may look brighter, hot dogs that may taste juicier and marching bands – Americans marked their nation’s 245th birthday on Sunday with that may sound jauntier after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of nearly all celebrations last year.

As always, fireworks displays are the highlight of the July Fourth holiday. Two of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in the country will blast off over the National Mall in Washington, and over a mile stretch Manhattan from the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. of New York City’s East River, separating Despite being scaled back by COVID-

19, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Joey Chestnut shattered his own world record by downing 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 Brooklyn’s Coney Island thrilled socially distanced crowds when reigning champion minutes. That was one more than he gobbled last year and marked his 14th win.

-19 and amid a rise in the more aggressive Delta variant, was a time for Americans to This year’s Independence Day holiday, following 600,000 U.S. deaths from COVID show their patriotism and celebrate a personal sense of freedom by mingling with

Butfriends the againoccasion and was enjoying not entirely summer’s carefree. simple The pleasures. U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned state and local police last week of a heightened threat of violence by domestic extremist groups amid relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and the July Fourth holiday.

It was expected to be the busiest July Fourth road travel holiday on record with an estimated 43.6 million Americans behind the wheel, or 5% more than a previous – record set in 2019, the American Automobile Association said.

At Independence Hall in Philadelphia, first lady Jill Biden t -19 along with old a crowd: “The clouds have broken” after a long, dreary winter of isolation battling COVID Fourth. The government calculated the number at about 67%, as some people have efforts to meet her husband’s goal of getting 70% of U.S. adults their first shot by July resisted getting vaccinated.

“We’re not at the finish line yet, but summer has never felt more full of possibility, and doesn’tUnvaccinated the air attendees smell so much must sweeter wear a mask without at an our evening masks?” cele thebration first lady for 1,000said. people on the White House lawn that President Joe Biden and the first lady are hosting for essential workers and military families, officials said. [L2N2OG0FZ]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455458/americans-july-fourth-festivities-sparkle-after-last-years-pandemic- cancellations

White House reaching out with assistance to latest ransomware victims

Raphael SatterTrevor Hunnicutt 3 minute read

WASHINGTON, July 4 (Reuters) - The White House said on Sunday it was reaching out to victims of a wide-ranging ransomware outbreak that is centered on a Florida-based information technology company and has had an impact on hundreds of businesses worldwide.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/it-firm-kaseya-hires-fireeye-help-deal-with-ransomware- outbreak-2021-07-04/

Americans in toxic fight over 'insane' critical race theory

4 Jul, 2021 10:24 AM5 minutes to read

Daily Telegraph UK By: Nick Allen On a leafy street in America's richest county Jessica Mendez, a mother of two, was on her doorstep telling a television crew why she opposes critical race theory.

As she did so, her female neighbour walked by, and raised both middle fingers in the air.

"I'm really hurt right now," Mendez said. "I thought that we had a rapport, that I could be conservative and she could be liberal, and we could still be friends. I guess I was wrong."

The incident summed up the toxic mood that has overtaken the genteel environs of Loudoun County, Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington DC.

Tensions have exploded on parental Facebook groups, proponents and opponents of critical race theory, known as CRT, have made complaints to the sheriff's department, claiming they've been threatened. Security cameras have gone up outside homes.

At the centre of it all is an issue which is set to be a political football in the US midterm elections in 2022.

The previously obscure doctrine of CRT began in the 1970s with academics responding to what they viewed as a lack of progress following the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/americans-in-toxic-fight-over-insane-critical-race- theory/3E2LWZLJ5SQ2KTLGXS5RVXRVLM/

China urges U.S. to stop demonizing national security law for HKSAR

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has strongly disapproved and firmly opposed the far-fetched allegations in the "2021 Trafficking in Persons Report" released by the U.S. State Department, which vilified the national security law in Hong Kong to smear the efforts and achievements of the HKSAR in combating trafficking in persons.

The report ignored the fact, smacked of political bias, and was part of the contemptible scheme to seize every possible chance to demonize the national security law in Hong Kong, a spokesperson of the office said.

The spokesperson pointed out that the national security law in Hong Kong targets crimes that gravely endanger national security. It punishes a very small handful of criminals while protecting the vast majority of residents, and in no way impedes the normal exchanges and cooperation between the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong commu nity, including non-governmental organizations.

The United States has a notorious record for trafficking in persons, where forced labor and human trafficking cases abound, the spokesperson said.

But instead of reflecting upon itself, the United States has been busy pointing fingers and dictating at others, and has even distorted the truth with trumped-up charges in order to serve its ulterior political agenda, the spokesperson said, noting that it is outright hypocrisy and shamelessness. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-07-04/China-urges-U-S-to-stop-demonizing-national-security-law- for-HKSAR-11CJ2g4WmGc/index.html

China Has a BIG Plan for Post-U.S. Afghanistan—and It’s Worth Billions

KARACHI, PAKISTAN—As the U.S. exits Afghanistan, Beijing is preparing to swoop into the war-torn country and fill the vacuum left by the departed U.S. and NATO troops.

China is poised to make an exclusive entry into post-U.S. Afghanistan with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to government officials in Afghanistan told The Daily Beast that Kabul authorities are growing more intensively engaged with China on an extension of the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the flagship project of BRI, which involves the construction of highways, railways and energy pipelines between Pakistan and China—to Afghanistan.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/china-has-a-big-plan-for-post-us-afghanistan-and-its-worth-billions

China outspends US in ASEAN investment blitz Solar panel plant in Malaysia and new highway in Laos

Solar power company Risen Energy has agreed to invest $10 billion in Malaysia's solar panel industry. © Reuters

KOYA JIBIKI and TSUKASA HADANO, Nikkei staff writersJuly 5, 2021 03:14 JST

JAKARTA/BEIJING -- China plans to open a big solar panel module plant in Malaysia and build a 580 km highway in Laos, part of a charm offensive as the U.S. steps up efforts to counter Beijing's influence in Southeast Asia.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-outspends-US-in-ASEAN-investment- blitz

Chinese space firm investigates official’s alleged attack on two scientists

The main contractor to China’s space programme is investigating claims that the chairman of one of its subsidiaries assaulted two scientists over membership of an international astronautics organisation. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3139776/chinese-space-firm-investigates- chairmans-alleged-attack-two

Hong Kong police warn residents against mourning man who stabbed police officer People hold flowers to mourn the death of the assailant who stabbed a police officer in Hong Kong, Jul 2, 2021. (Photo: AP/Kin Cheung)

04 Jul 2021 03:38PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 03:40PM) HONG KONG: Hong Kong authorities on Sunday (Jul 2) warned residents against mourning a man who killed himself after stabbing a policeman, saying that encouraging such memorials was the same as "supporting terrorism".

Police had described the attacker, who stabbed an officer before fatally wounding himself on Thursday, as politically "radicalised".

Advertisement Hong Kong has become a deeply polarised city, especially since the huge, often violent pro- democracy protests of 2019. Many residents chafe under Beijing's increasingly authoritarian rule.

Some tried to pay tribute to the attacker by laying flowers and observing a moment of silence on Friday, prompting the latest warning from police.

"Advocating members of the public to mourn for the attacker is no different from supporting terrorism," the force said in a statement. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-police-warn-residents-mourn-man-stabbed- police-officer-15153308

Suga's LDP falls short in Tokyo election as he presses on with Olympics amid pandemic

Kiyoshi TakenakaHideyuki Sano

TOKYO, July 4 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and allies failed to win outright a local election in Tokyo on Sunday that was seen as a key test of voter sentiment ahead of national polls later this year. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/tokyo-goes-polls-pandemic-shadowed-olympics-loom- 2021-07-03/

Tokyo 2020 chief says holding the Games would bring global trust in Japan

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

7:21 pm, July 04, 2021

The Yomiuri ShimbunThere are less than three weeks to go until the curtain rises on the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Amid lingering concern over holding the Games during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sat down with Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Writer Wakako Yuki on Friday for an interview in which the committee chief discussed her aspirations for the Games and the deeper meaning she seeks to showcase through them.

The Yomiuri Shimbun: As we enter the final stretch of the countdown to the Games, a number of uncertain variables still remain, such as infection prevention measures and the question of spectators. [Given these uncertainties] what is your vision for the event?

Seiko Hashimoto: The [infection prevention] measures stipulated in https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0007548748

Rescuers search for survivors in landslide- hit Japan town An air-conditioning unit dangled from one devastated home with solar panels on the roof. (Photo: AFP/CHARLY TRIBALLEAU)

04 Jul 2021 09:11AM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 04:14PM) ATAMI, Japan: Rescuers in a Japanese holiday town hit by a deadly landslide were forced to suspend their search for survivors several times on Sunday (Jul 4) as more rain lashed the devastated area.

Two women were confirmed dead after torrents of mud crashed through part of the hot-spring resort of Atami in central Japan on Saturday morning, following days of heavy downpours.

Advertisement Nineteen people have been rescued and around 20 others are still missing, the town's disaster management spokesman Yuta Hara told AFP.

"We are doing our best to rescue survivors while carefully checking the weather and other conditions," he said.

Hara said around 130 homes and other buildings had been destroyed as the landslide swept through the residential area, leaving behind a quagmire that stretched down to the nearby coast. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/rescuers-continue-search-survivors-landslide-hit-japan- atami-15152114

Police probe organizers of massive rally in Seoul Seoul city to report umbrella labor union to police for violation of infectious diseases prevention

By Shin Ji-hye

Published : Jul 4, 2021 - 12:31 Updated : Jul 4, 2021 - 12:31 Police have set up a special team to investigate the organizers of Saturday’s rally held by the umbrella labor union, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

Police said they plan to seek charges against organizers and key participants of the KCTU on suspicion of holding illegal rallies and marches, traffic obstruction and violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also plans to file a criminal complaint against the KCTU for violating the same disease control act. Seoul City, which currently bans gatherings of more than 10 people, has notified the union five times to refrain from assemblies over the last month.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday, despite the government’s call for self-restraint due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus. http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210704000111

Korea promoted to developed nation by Unctad

Korea’s status was upgraded from a developing country to a developed country by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).

It is the first time the UN body upgraded a country’s classification from developing to developed since its establishment in 1964.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday that Unctad, a UN body set up to support developing countries access the benefits of a globalized economy, decided to classify Korea as a developed nation during its 68th board meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva. It was a unanimous decision.

The UN agency classifies member countries into four groups. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Korea has been moved from Group A, which consists of Asian and African member countries, to Group B, which consists mostly of European countries as well as developed nations from different continents such as the United States, Japan and Australia.

Including Korea, 32 member countries are in Group B. Unctad has 195 member countries.

Lee Tae-ho, the permanent representative of Korea to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, said Korea hopes to more actively play the role of bridge builder between different groups within Unctad as a major donor country.

On June 22, Lee said Korea was the sixth largest Aid-for-Trade donor among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and that with other OECD donors, Korea is seeking to institutionalize its contributions at the Unctad, hinting the country was seeking to change its status to a developed country.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the Korean government will expand its mediation between developing and developed countries.

Korea has been considered a unique example in history of becoming a donor country after being a recipient of UN aid.

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/04/business/economy/Unctad-developed-country- developing-country/20210704185600398.html

North Korea not cooperating with global vaccine distribution program: report Posted : 2021-07-04 13:40 Updated : 2021-07-04 17:06

North Korea has not been cooperating with a United Nations-led global vaccine distribution program, failing to complete necessary paperwork to receive help against the coronavirus pandemic, a report said Sunday.

Citing an anonymous source, Voice of America (VOA) reported on talks between North Korea and Gavi, a vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX, an international initiative aimed at global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the report, North Korea has completed only two of the seven required administrative steps. The source told VOA that North Korea has refused entry to international aid workers who could facilitate shipment of vaccines, citing COVID-19 infection concerns.

North Korea has also expressed reservations about the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine and has been reluctant to sign a liability waiver in case of potential side effects, the VOA report added.

In March, Gavi announced plans to send 1.7 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to North Korea by May.

During a ruling party meeting last Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong- un said a "grave incident" had happened that could threaten the safety of his people and country during the pandemic. It was not immediately clearly what the grave incident entailed. (Yonhap)

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/07/103_311566.html

Malaysia PM in stable condition, to be discharged from hospital soon File photo of Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at a news conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Mar 11, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Lim Huey Teng)

04 Jul 2021 02:00PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 02:10PM) KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is in stable condition and is expected to be discharged from hospital soon after receiving treatment for a digestive system infection, his office said on Sunday (Jul 4).

Following advice from a team of doctors, Muhyiddin, who was hospitalised for diarrhoea on Wednesday, will remain in hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment and is expected to be discharged "in a few more days", his office said in a statement.

Advertisement "His condition is stable and improving and he is allowed to work while receiving treatment," it said.

A thorough health screening found no evidence that Muhyiddin was experiencing a recurrence of cancer, his office said. In 2018, Muhyiddin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was declared cancer-free last June. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-pm-stable-condition-to-be-discharged- hospital-15153142

Desperate Malaysians fly white flags as a call for help to survive COVID-19 lockdown Jambu Nathan Kanagasabai put up a white flag as a desperate call for help. It has since been taken down after he received aid from the village committee. (Photo: Vincent Tan) By Vincent Tan

04 Jul 2021 06:01AM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 12:05PM) KUALA LUMPUR: At the gate of a wooden and brick house in Sungai Way New Village, Petaling Jaya, a white flag hung limply on a long stick.

Mr Jambu Nathan Kanagasabai, 64, put up the flag on Thursday (Jul 1) morning after seeing a post by a local retail chain offering food hampers to those in desperate need of assistance.

Advertisement Shortly after that, passers-by took notice of his plea and alerted the local village committee.

"The committee chairman offered my father some cash, but he just needed food because 'segan' (ashamed)," Mr Jambu Nathan's daughter Vani told CNA.

Mr Jambu Nathan, his wife and his sister share a house at the Malayan Emergency-era settlement. He used to earn about RM1,300 (US$312) monthly as a security guard for a goldsmith shop.

With that money and small contributions from his children, he could afford to buy food and pay for rent, utilities and his wife's medication. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-fly-white-flag-call-for-help-covid-19- lockdown-15138100

For Indonesia’s restive Papua region, will Biden’s human rights focus bring any change?

Reporting for this story was supported by the Round Earth Media programme of the International Women’s Media Foundation https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3139577/indonesias-restive-papua-region-will- bidens-human-rights-focus

In Cambodia, stateless ethnic Vietnamese stuck at border amid Covid-19

Shunned by authorities on both sides of the border, Bach Bai has been relying on the generosity of strangers since his ethnic Vietnamese fishing community was evicted from

Cambodia’s capital three weeks ago and cast off downstream on their floating homes. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3139795/cambodia-stateless-ethnic-vietnamese- stuck-border-amid

Sri Lanka tightens foreign currency outflows Sri Lankan construction labourers work on a road in Colombo. (File photo: AFP/LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI)

04 Jul 2021 05:05PM COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's central bank on Sunday (Jul 4) further tightened controls on the outflow of foreign currency to combat a growing cash crunch triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign exchange reserves have almost halved since late 2019 to US$4 billion after the rupee sank to a record low last year.

Advertisement The economy has been badly hit by the spread of the virus and lockdowns in its worst downturn since independence from Britain in 1948.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said overseas investments by local firms would be suspended for six months.

The amount of capital that companies and citizens can take out of the island nation would also be restricted, it added.

Sri Lanka has already banned imports of luxury goods and cars since last year to combat the foreign currency outflows. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/sri-lanka-foreign-currency-outflow-restrictions- 15153524

America’s Democracy Moment by Maria J. Stephan July 1, 2021

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it is crucial to recognize the gravity of the threats still facing U.S. democracy, even after Donald Trump left the presidential stage. And it is more vital – and possible — than ever to mobilize a powerful movement in response.

That means, first and foremost, to find ways of talking about the threat that transcend partisan narratives, which limit the national conversation and shrink the collective imagination about how to respond together. Second, we Americans have to intensify community and national dialogue efforts with the aim of dismantling walls that prevent people from humanizing each other and recognizing that the fight for democracy is a shared struggle – and that confronting the legacy of slavery and white supremacy is an integral part of that struggle. Third, grassroots pressure must be sustained – including, when necessary, through organized non-cooperation and civil disobedience — to defend against attacks on fundamental democratic practices like free and fair elections. Americans have done it before and can do it again.

Starting with the declaration of independence from British rule, to the struggles to abolish slavery and win universal suffrage, to the Civil Rights movement, the people have flexed the muscle of democracy to expand meaningful participation and inclusion. In 2016, with Trump’s election, the United States confronted the prospect of losing its democracy altogether. Now, six months after the Jan. 6 insurrectionary attack on the Capitol, more than 100 democracy scholars have warned that U.S. democracy remains in grave danger. Citing state-level restrictions on voting rights and efforts to politicize election administration, they argue the foundations of American democracy are cracking, risking future violence and chaos, and they propose steps to prevent a downward spiral. While Americans like to think that their democracy is exceptional, bolstered by a powerful Constitution and a set of institutional checks and balances that can serve as bulwarks against democratic breakdowns, the past few years, punctuated by the Jan. 6 attack, revealed how fragile it really is. This is the story playing out around the world, in places like Hungary, Poland, Turkey, India, the Philippines, Venezuela, or Brazil. Those dramatic cases of backsliding did not occur as a result of a revolution or a military coup. Rather, as Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, the authors of “How Democracies Die,” remind us, “Democratic backsliding today begins at the ballot box.” https://www.justsecurity.org/77284/americas-democracy-moment/

Can Taiwan Provide the Alternative to Digital Authoritarianism? China and Taiwan are becoming digital states in parallel — China as a digital authoritarian regime, and Taiwan as a digital democracy. By Melissa Newcomb July 05, 2021

Credit: DepositphotosADVERTISEMENT

When the Chinese Communist Party marked its centennial anniversary on July 1, China analysts were closely watching for any clues as to what Chairman Xi Jinping will do next. Taiwan, on the other hand, is moving forward with an Open Parliament plan introduced in June 2020 and a policy of radical transparency. China and Taiwan are becoming digital states in parallel China as a digital authoritarian regime, and Taiwan as a digital democracy. Of the two, digital authoritarianism is — easier to implement and there is much scholarship focused on defining and understanding it. There is no clear model of what a digital democracy is yet, but Taiwan is in the process of creating one.

What exactly is the Open Parliament plan? Introduced by Legislator Freddy Lim last year, it was partly inspired by Taiwan’s Open Government National Action Plan. The knowns as the Legislative Yuan (LY): transparency, openness, participation, Open Parliament plan lays out five major objectives for Taiwan’s parliament, digitization, and literacy. In an interview, Lim said he has long been interested in

tech and politics, adding: “The reason to pursue this initiative was for a new vision https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/can-taiwan-provide-the-alternative-to-digital-authoritarianism/ of what the future of government and parliament should be like.”

At least 45 dead after Philippine military plane crashes This photo released by the Joint Task Force - Sulu shows the remains of a Philippine military C-130 plane that crashed in Patikul town, Jolo province, southern Philippines on Jul 4, 2021. (Photo: Joint Task Force-Sulu via AP)

04 Jul 2021 01:39PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 10:57PM) COTABATO, Philippines: At least 45 people were killed on Sunday (Jul 4) when a Philippine military aircraft carrying troops crashed and burst into flames after missing the runway in the country's south, officials said.

Ninety-six people, most of them recent army graduates, were on board the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft when the accident happened as it tried to land on Jolo island in Sulu province around midday.

Advertisement The Department of National Defence said of the 45 dead, three civilians were killed on the ground, while 53 were injured, including four civilians. Five military personnel were still missing.

"A number of soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it hit the ground, sparing them from the explosion caused by the crash," the Joint Task Force Sulu said in a statement. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/philippine-military-plane-crash-c-130-people-killed-jolo- 15153068

Massive ransomware attack seen paralyzing victims in 17 countries BYBLOOMBERG NEWS JULY 5, 2021 4 MINUTE READ Just weeks after President Joe Biden implored Vladimir Putin to curb cyber crime, a notorious, Russia-linked ransomware gang has been accused of pulling off an audacious attack on the global software supply chain.

REvil, the group blamed for the May 30 ransomware attack of meatpacking giant JBS SA, is believed to be behind hacks on at least 20 managed-service providers, which provide IT services to small- and medium-sized businesses. More than 1,000 businesses have already been impacted, a figure that’s expected to grow, according to the cybersecurity firm Huntress Labs Inc.

“Based on a combination of the service providers reaching out to us for assistance along with the comments we’re seeing in the thread we are tracking on our Reddit, it’s reasonable to think this could potentially be impacting thousands of small businesses,” according to John Hammond, a cybersecurity researcher at Huntress Labs.

Biden said he had ordered a “deep dive” by US intelligence officials on what happened in the attacks. At this point, he said “we’re not sure” that Russia is behind them.

“I directed the intelligence community to give me a deep dive on what’s happened and I’ll know better tomorrow,” Biden said, recalling that he told Putin during their meeting in June that the US would respond to cyber transgressions. He added that he hasn’t called the Russian president about the latest case.

Biden says ‘not sure’ If Russia is behind latest cyberattack “We’re not sure it’s the Russians,” he said. “The initial thinking was, it was not Russian government, but we’re not sure yet.” https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/massive-ransomware-attack-seen-paralyzing-victims-in-17- countries/#google_vignette

Joe Biden takes aim at Russia over crippling cyberattack

President Biden took a break from international relations to have pie and jam at a diner in Michigan. He has not spoken to President Putin about the cyberattack

JOSHUA ROBERTS/REUTERS Marc Bennetts, Moscow | Alistair Dawber, Washington Monday July 05 2021, 1.01am BST, The Times

Washington and Moscow traded accusations after President Biden indicated that he believed Russian criminal hackers were responsible for a ransomware attack that has hit hundreds of American businesses. Biden, 78, ordered intelligence agencies, including the FBI, to investigate the attack, which is thought to have been carried out by a criminal gang based in Russia or former Soviet states.

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It comes weeks after he warned President Putin at their summit in Geneva to crack down on cybercrime. Biden said he told Putin, 68, that the US would respond if any future cyberattacks were linked to Russia. Anne Neuberger, the US deputy national security adviser for cyber, said that Biden had “directed the full resources of the government to investigate this incident”. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/joe-biden-takes-aim-russia-crippling-cyberattack-qnr7z3fm7

Time for US nuclear strategy to embrace no first use 4 July 2021

Author: Van Jackson, Victoria University of Wellington

It was one of the most potent lessons of the Cold War — nukes are good for deterring others from using nukes, but not much else. Weapons capable only of spasmodic mass violence are too crude as a credible tool of coercion in most circumstances.

If the United States seeks only deterrence, but not political advantage from nuclear weapons, then adopting a no-first use nuclear policy is not just low-risk — it’s necessary.

Most of the leading candidates campaigning for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination publicly endorsed a no-first use policy. Legislation requiring it has growing support in the US Congress. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine any scenario where the United States gains from using nuclear weapons before an adversary, especially when Washington’s conventional arsenal has global reach.

A no-first use nuclear policy would therefore be honest nuclear policy. No sane president would use nuclear weapons before an adversary did, except perhaps out of tragic misperception. But since the Trump presidency, the imperative of a no-first use policy has grown more urgent.

Only a fool would trust in US strategic competence after the decision-making of the Trump era. Trump was a symptom not an anomaly of US politics today. He has spawned many imitators in the Republican Party, who traffic in conspiracy theories and promote antagonistic, militaristic and racialised foreign policies to score domestic political points.

Who wants to entrust a candidate of the far right with the authority to launch nuclear weapons? No first use is the most meagre of many measures needed to restrain US presidential authority in the nuclear realm.

While US President Joe Biden has spoken favourably about a no-first use policy in the past, his administration’s nuclear thinking is so far mostly indistinguishable from that of the Trump era. In the past four years, the United States has withdrawn from most arms control agreements, expanded investments in hypersonic glide vehicles, advanced development of low-yield ‘tactical’ nuclear weapons, threatened nuclear use in the most gratuitous ways, and committed to a US$1.5 trillion nuclear modernisation plan. Why, then, would preserving a first-use nuclear option be a good idea, especially when the context is not one of US restraint but rather an uninhibited US arms build-up? Opponents of no first use offer three justifications. https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/07/04/time-for-us-nuclear-strategy-to-embrace-no-first-use/

Portable reactors put heat on the Pentagon

US Defense Department is working to quickly procure a small, transportable nuclear reactor

By DAVE MAKICHUKJULY 5, 2021 Print The Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office selected two teams in March to continue their work developing transportable nuclear microreactor prototypes as part of “Project Pele.” Credit: AFP photo.

Every once in a while, the Pentagon comes up with an idea that just doesn’t fly.

Of course, this is often after spending millions and millions of US taxpayer dollars.

The latest mis-hit, is the US Navy’s much-hyped electromagnetic railgun.

The program, which began in 2005, was supposed to use magnetic fields instead of gunpowder to fire rounds at speeds of up to Mach 7.

However, despite the more than 15 years that program has spent in development, it never was fielded. Navy officials continued to insist that it saw a future for the US$500 million experiment as late as 2018. https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/portable-reactors-put-heat-on-the-pentagon/

Meet the Team with an Unusual Task for the Newest Carrier’s Shock Trials - Preserving Marine Life

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford completes the first scheduled explosive event of Full Ship Shock Trials while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 18, 2021. (U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley B. McDowell)

4 Jul 2021

Military.com | By Konstantin Toropin More than four years before the explosive went off beside the aircraft carrierGerald R. Ford on June 18, a team of scientists began making plans for the ship’s shock trials. Their goal, however, was not battle readiness -- they were trying to protect marine wildlife.

The process of planning the Ford’s shock trials began in 2016, according to Tom Douglas, the environmental impact director for the Navy’s shock trials. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/07/04/meet-team-unusual-task-newest-carriers-shock-trials- preserving-marine-life.html

Pentagon Seeks to Soften Blow of U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Keeping the top commander in the country longer is part of an effort to reassure Afghans as the Taliban step up their offensive.

Gen. Austin S. Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will remain in the country for “at least a couple more weeks,” a Pentagon spokesman said.Credit...Ahmad Seir/Associated Press

By Eric Schmitt July 4, 2021

WASHINGTON — When Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III convened his military brain trust last Thursday on a classified videoconference for an update on Afghanistan, commanders had reason to feel positive.

The American troop drawdown that President Biden ordered in April was complete — two months ahead of schedule. The last combat forces would exit the military’s hub at Bagram Air Base overnight, leaving just 650 troops to help secure the United States Embassy in Kabul and Kabul International Airport. There was even talk that the top American commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Austin S. Miller, would leave for good in a few days.

But reality steadily intruded in the days leading up to Mr. Austin’s meeting with General Miller; Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the head of the military’s Central Command. The Afghan Army was reeling from a series of defeats in battles against the Taliban. The Afghan Air Force faced grounding without contractor support that was scheduled to end. And Mr. Biden’s plan to relocate thousands of Afghan interpreters, drivers and others who worked with American forces in an effort to keep them safe had stalled.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/04/us/politics/us-afghanistan-withdrawal.html

Top US commander in Afghanistan: Must not 'turn our backs' following troop removal BY DOMINICK MASTRANGELO - 07/04/21 10:11 AM EDT 381

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A top U.S. military commander warned on Sunday that the country needs to stay vigilant in Afghanistan as American troops leave the area this year.

"I would like us not to just turn our backs on this," Army Gen. Scott Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said during an appearance on ABC's "This Week."

"I think there are tremendous lessons. And, you know, they're not all positives, there's victories as well. So we will celebrate those within organizations, and really learn from those things that didn't go as well as they wanted to. You know, an honest self reflection, that's going to be important going forward."

The comments from Miller come after the general warned at the end of June that the security situation in Afghanistan was "not good" amid U.S. withdrawal from the country.

The Taliban have moved quickly following the beginning of troops withdrawing in April, taking control of dozens of districts and creating conditions that "won't look good for Afghanistan in th https://thehill.com/policy/defense/561516-top-e future if thereus-commander- is a pushin for-afghanistan-must-not-turn-our-backs- a military takeover,” following-troop

Taliban overtake districts in northern Afghanistan BY CELINE CASTRONUOVO - 07/04/21 01:27 PM EDT 1,109

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter continued withdraw from the region. Several of Afghanistan’s northern districts were taken by the Taliban overnight Saturday as U.S. forces personnel had crossed into Tajikistan while fleeing Taliban fighters advancing in Afghanistan's northeastTajikistan’s Badakhshan State Committee province, for Nationalaccording Security to The Associasaid Sundayted Press. that more than 300 Afghan military

Mohib- have largely resulted from low morale among outnumbered Afghan troops. ul Rahman, a Badakhshan council member, told the AP that the Taliban’s recent gains in the area that eight out of 10 districts in the last three days fell to Taliban control without much resistance. “Unfortunately, the majority of the districts were left to the Taliban without any fight,” he added, saying According to the AP, the Taliban have now taken control of about a third of the 421 total districts and district centers in the country. noted that no plans were released on how local forces were going to make an attempt to take back the districts.Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry said Sunday that the Taliban gains were temporary, though the AP

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to the AP that no fighting occurred in the recent territorial gains.

The advances are just the latest made by Taliban fighters, who have been taking control of districts since the Biden administration began removing troops in April as all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that sparked part of the president’s goal to remove

WhileAmerica’s many longest praised war. President Biden s decision to take U.S. soldiers out of the country, he also received bipartisan criticism from lawmakers who expressed fears that the Taliban would quickly seize on the diminished American presence in the’ region. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/561526-taliban-overtakes-districts-in-northern-afghanistan

How the Afghanistan Withdrawal Costs the U.S. With China

The benefits of the withdrawal in terms of promoting competitiveness with China aren’t as compelling as they seem. RICHARD FONTAINE and VANCE SERCHUK, THE ATLANTIC |

Announcing the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan two months ago, President Joe Biden invoked the need to focus on Washington’s No. 1 foreign-policy priority: China. Ending the war would, the president argued, permit America to redirect its energies toward new, more pressing challenges, foremost among them “extreme” competition with an assertive Beijing. As a rising authoritarian superpower threatens to eclipse the United States technologically, militarily, and economically, the thinking goes, we can hardly afford to be tied down in an endless war.

The idea that the U.S. needs to extricate itself from the greater Middle East to get serious about the Indo -Pacific has a natural appeal. It is also not new. The Obama administration similarly justified its withdrawal from Iraq as part of a pivot to Asia.

Yet as details of the Biden administration’s post-withdrawal strategy for Afghanistan emerge, its benefits for American competitiveness against Beijing look nebulous. In fact, the U.S. departure from Kabul could end up undermining, rather than stren gthening, America’s strategic hand against China. https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2021/07/how-afghanistan-withdrawal-costs-us-china/182882/

If This South China Sea Simulation Is Any Indication, the U.S. Navy Could Be In Trouble

In a 2013 simulation of a conflict with China, the Navy's Littoral Combat Ships weren't up to the task.

by David Axe Follow @daxe on TwitterL

Here's What You Need to Remember: The 20 heavily-armed frigates will replace roughly half of the 50 or so Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) that the Navy had planned to buy before realizing that the lightly-armed LCS likely couldn’t survive in a major shooting war.

The U.S. Navy in late 2019 or 2020 expects to select a shipyard to build the fleet’s new guided- missile frigate.

The 20 heavily-armed frigates will replace roughly half of the 50 or so Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) that the Navy had planned to buy before realizing that the lightly-armed LCS likely couldn’t survive in a major shooting war.

Just how vulnerable is the LCS?

In 2013 journalist Kyle Mizokami put the speedy, 3,000-ton-displacement vessel to the test. Booting up Command: Modern Naval/Air Operations -- a high-end computer war game -- Mizokami pitted simulated LCSs against a Chinese flotilla. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/if-south-china-sea-simulation-any-indication-us-navy-could-be- trouble-189200

Chinese video shows ballistic missile blitz on Taiwan

if necessary

BeijingA LA MY has vowed to ‘liberate’ Taiwan with force Didi Tang, Beijing Monday July 05 2021, 1.01am BST, The Times

A Chinese magazine has marked the ruling Communist Party’s centenary by releasing a video simulating a military attack on Taiwan following a warning by President Xi that any move to separate the island nation from China would be resolutely opposed. “Let’s together make the deafening voice: Taiwan independence is a dead-end road,” declared Naval and Merchant Ships, a magazine published by the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.67887898767 It said on social media that the 11-minute video was a compilation of “wisdom and innovative ideas” by its director, scriptwriters and many web users on “Taiwan liberation”.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chinese-video-shows-ballistic-missile-blitz-on-taiwan-fv7xl3xtf

Chinese military turboprop enters Taiwan’s ADIZ Taiwan sent aircraft, issued radio warnings, deployed air defense missile systems to track PLAAF aircraft

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By Eric Chang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer 2021/07/04 13:24

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Chinese military aircraft flew into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday afternoon (Ju ly 3), marking the second in trusion th is mon th.

A single People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shaanxi Y -8 an ti-submarine warfare plane entered the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ, according to the Ministry of National Defense. In response, Taiwan sen t aircraft, issued radio warnings, and deployed air defense missiles systems to track the PLAAF.

Chinese planes have been tracked in Taiwan’s identification zone so far this month on Ju ly 2 an d 3, with all instances in volving slow-flying turboprops. Last month, China only sent planes into Taiwan’s ADIZ on 10 days.

Since September of last year, Beijing has stepped up gray zone tactics by frequently sending planes into Taiwan’s ADIZ, with most instances taking place in the southwest corner of the zone.

An ADIZ is an area that extends beyond a country’s air space where air traffic con trollers ask in coming aircraft to identify th emselves. Gray zon e tactics are defined “as an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.” https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4239730

Astronauts complete first spacewalk at China's new Tiangong station This photo released by Xinhua News Agency shows a screen at Beijing Aerospace Control Center showing astronaut Liu Boming stepping out of core module of the China's new space station in space on Jul 4, 2021. (Photo: Jin Liwang/Xinhua via AP)

04 Jul 2021 01:00PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 04:41PM) BEIJING: Chinese astronauts successfully performed the country's first tandem spacewalk on Sunday (Jul 4), working for seven hours on the outside of the new Tiangong station in orbit around Earth.

Tiangong's construction is a major step in China's ambitious space programme, which has seen the nation land a rover on Mars and send probes to the Moon.

Advertisement Three astronauts blasted off last month to become the station's first crew, where they are to remain for three months in China's longest crewed mission to date. On Sunday morning, two of them exited the station for around seven hours of work in the first spacewalk at Tiangong, the China Manned Space Agency said.

"The safe return of astronauts Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo to the Tianhe core module marks the complete success of the first spacewalk in our country's space station construction," the space agency said. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/china-first-spacewalk-astronauts-space-station- tiangong-15152988

Explainer |China’s arms trade: which countries does it buy from and sell to?

The deep-sea drones, ballistic missiles, tanks, and fighter jets flaunted in military parades and at events like the

Communist centenary celebrations increasingly demonstrate China’s growing military power.

Party’s https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3139603/how-china-grew-buyer-major-arms-trade- player

Strained ties with India, other nations lead to dip in China's weapon export: Report An article on Foreign Policy has analysed why China's weapon export has plunged. It said that snazzy weapons mean a lot less if you don't have friends and this is why the world doesn't want Beijing's fighter jets.

By hindustantimes.com | Written by Amit Chaturvedi, Hindustan Times, New Delhi PUBLISHED ON JUL 04, 2021 10:11 AM IST

China's rise as a super power has always been under global scrutiny. Many countries in the West, as well as smaller countries, have raised concerns about China's handling of issues. It is involved in a stalemate with the United States, particularly over the origin of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, which has killed hundreds of thousands across the globe. The cautious approach is what has led to various countries going slow with importing the weapons made by China, especially the fighter jets.

According to a report in Foreign Policy, and quoted by news agency ANI, after last month's confrontation with the Philippines, where Chinese naval vessels entered Philippine waters without authorisation, few want to partner up with Beijing.

China is involved in a border standoff with India in Ladakh, leading to deterioration of bilateral ties, said Foreign Policy. Though it has imported weapons from other countries, India won't consider China for the same, the magazine said. Ditto for Vietnam, with its worsening maritime dispute with China. Malaysia and Indonesia are also too wary of Beijing's ambitions to ever consider acquiring a Chinese fighter, reported Foreign Policy. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/strained-ties-with-india-other-nations-see-dip-in-china-s- weapon-export-report-101625373178248.html

HK police vow to crack down on lone-wolf terrorist attacks Ambiguous attitude put Vitasoy into hot water as Chinese netizens call for a full-scale boycott of its products

A recent lone wolf-style terrorist act taking place in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay had led to a heated online debate about how some Hong Kong residents could have considered committing an act of terror as a way of expressing opposition toward the government, as instigating or supporting any form of terrorism is absolutely unacceptable and should be firmly condemned.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based beverage firm Vitasoy was entangled in the public opinion storm due to its ambiguous attitude toward the incident. Vitasoy's somewhat indulging attitude toward terrorism reflects the company's failure to distinguish right from wrong, said some observers, as a growing number of netizens have called for a full-scale boycott of its products.

The national security department of the Hong Kong Police Force took over the attempted murder and suicide case that occurred on Thursday at Causeway Bay, in which the suspect, Leung Kin-fai, brutally stabbed a police officer, fatally hurting him, then the attacker committed suicide. The attack showcased the characteristics of "a lone wolf-style act of domestic terrorism," the police said in a statement it sent to the Global Times on Sunday.

Leung, 50, was an employee of the Hong Kong unit of beverage company Vitasoy. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227780.shtml

Taiwan's defense strategy guidelines remain unchanged: MND

07/04/2021 09:31 PM Listen

Taipei, July 4 (CNA) Taiwan's military strategy guidelines remain "solid defense with multi-layered deterrence," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Sunday.

In a statement issued that day, the MND said the military has been developing its defense concept and asymmetric warfare based on the guidelines, which were tested and proven effective in previous military exercises.

The MND said Taiwan's defense forces will continue to refine their military strategies and tactics to better defend the country.

Although the MND has not clarified the substance of the guidelines, analysts in Taiwan believe "solid defense" represents Taiwan's utmost determination to resist invasion, while "multi-layered deterrence" establishes multiple defensive lines to deter the enemy from invading.

Taiwan's overall military defense concept has rarely been mentioned since its principal advocate former Chief of the General Staff Lee Hsi-ming (李喜明) retired in June 2019, leading to speculation that it had been abandoned by his successors.

https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202107040014

August joint exercises will go on, says Pentagon

Pentagon spokesperson John Supple nixed the possibility of postponing U.S.-Korea joint military exercises scheduled in August, after dozens of ruling Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers requested a delay.

“There has been no change to the schedule of our planned training events,” Supple told Radio Free Asia on Friday. “Military readiness is a top priority of the secretary of defense. Our combined military training events are a principal method of ensuring our combined alliance readiness.”

On Thursday, 66 DP lawmakers, six Justice Party, three Open Democratic Party and one independent lawmaker signed a statement calling for a postponement of the joint military exercises for the sake of dialogue with North Korea.

“At the Korea-U.S. summit in May, the two countries agreed to achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through diplomacy and dialogue based on existing inter-Korean and U.S.- North commitments, including the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration and the Singapore Joint Statement,” reads the statement.

“Bold proposals and measures are needed to bring about the final peace negotiations within the term of the Moon Jae-in administration,” it said. “We strongly urge the Korean and American authorities to postpone the Korea-U.S. joint military exercise scheduled for August this year so that the Moon government can finally engage in negotiations for denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/04/national/defense/USKorea-joint-military-no- delay/20210704153400302.html

Myanmar believed to be interested in acquiring Russian Project 22160 patrol vessels

Myanmar is believed to be interested in acquiring patrol vessels from Russia, as part of expanded military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian news outlet Sputnik reported that a country from Southeast Asia was interested in acquiring an initial batch of two Project 22160 patrol vessels from Russia, plus another two ships to be built locally with technical assistance from Russia.

The country was not named by the head of Ak Bars Shipbuilding Renat Mistakhov, mentioning only that it came from an ASEAN-member country.

Myanmar news outlets believe that the said country could be Myanmar, which is also expanding its defense cooperation with Russia as the country's military chief and Chairman of the State Administration Council Gen. Ming Aung Hlaing visited Moscow and met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Russian Defense Min. Shoigu also noted that Myanmar is one of their "time-tested strategic partner and reliable ally in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region", while Gen. Hlaing said that "our (Myanmar) military has become one of the strongest in the region thanks to Russia".

Gen. Hlaing also confirmed that discussions were made on expanding cooperation on air defense issues, with plans to expand its air defense capabilities. https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2021/07/myanmar-believed-to-be-interested-in.html

Myanmar forces kill 25 in raid on town, residents and media say FILE PHOTO: Soldiers of Karen National Union (KNU) stand guard during the 70th anniversary of Karen National Revolution Day in Kaw Thoo Lei, Kayin state, Myanmar January 31, 2019. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo

04 Jul 2021 06:09PM(Updated: 05 Jul 2021 02:23AM) YANGON: Myanmar security forces killed at least 25 people on Friday in a confrontation with opponents of the military government at a town in the centre of the Southeast Asian nation, two residents and Myanmar media said on Sunday (Jul 4).

A spokesman for the military did not respond to calls requesting comment on the violence at Depayin in the Sagaing region, about 300km north of the capital, Naypyidaw. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/myanmar-military-raid-fighting-depayin-sagaing-deaths- 15153612

10 killed in Myanmar clashes between army and anti-junta fighters

At least 10 anti-junta fighters and civilians were killed during clashes with the military in central Myanmar, villagers said Sunday, as locals increasingly take up arms against the regime in the coup-wracked country.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, with 890 people killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

In some areas civilians have formed “defence forces” to combat the State Administration Council, as the junta dubs itself, often using hunting rifles or makeshift weapons cobbled together from household items.

The central Sagaing region has been the site of multiple skirmishes between defence forces and the military, and on Friday fighting broke out in Depayin township.

Residents told AFP that military trucks entered their area and opened fire on a village near the jungle hoping to flush out members of the local defence force.

“We heard the shooting of artillery 26 times,” said a villager, who added that anti-junta fighters tried to retaliate but could not fend off the attack.

“They shot everyone who they saw on the road and in the village. They did not just have one target,” he said.

Civilians were among the dead, he added.

Villagers waited until Saturday to venture out of their homes to assess the casualties, said another witness, who helped to collect the bodies around Depayin township. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/04/10-killed-in-myanmar-clashes-between-army- and-anti-junta-fighters/

Russia expresses concern over Japan-U.S. defense drills • The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan sails in formation with destroyers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Sea in July 2020. | U.S. NAVY / VIA REUTERS • • • • JIJI • • SHARE • Jul 4, 2021 MOSCOW Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has voiced Moscow’s frustration at the ongoing Japan-U.S. defense drills. Russia has– no choice but to pay attention to the unprecedented scale of the Orient Shield 21 drills, Zakharova, head of the ministry’s information and press department, said in a statement on Saturday.

The exercises between Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Army started on June 24 in Japan.

Noting that part of the drills was conducted in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, which is close to Russia, Zakharova said that Moscow is examining the matter from the standpoint of security of Russia’s Far East borders. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/07/04/national/russia-concern-japan-u-s-defense-drills/

Kremlin says ‘provocations’ like UK warship episode demand tough response

Reuters / 09:03 PM July 04, 2021

FILE PHOTO: A view shows Russian warships on sunset ahead of the Navy Day parade in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, Crimea July 27, 2019. REUTERS/Alexey Pavlishak/File Photo

MOSCOW territorial waters near Crimea last month is the kind of provocation that demands a — A British warship’s entry into what Moscow considers Russian tough response, the Kremlin said on Sunday.

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia, which fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of the warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters off the coast of Crimea, could have sunk the warship.

Moscow challenged the right of HMS Defender to pass through waters near Crimea, something London said it had every right to do. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 but most of the world still recognizes it as part of Ukraine.

-planned

Peskov, speaking on state television on Sunday, said the incident was “a well provoke a response. provocation” and that Putin’s reaction had made it clear that any repetition would

“It is obvious that the reaction will of course be tough,” Peskov said. together. He echoed Putin’s accusation that Washington and London had planned the episode ce agencies of course know who took that decision. But, of course, I think the essence of such operations is planned by all the same senior “I think that our intelligen comrades

Tensions are– those running over high the asocean,” Ukraine Peskov and NATOsaid. countries hold military drills in the

Black Sea, monitored by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Peskov said the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was a destabilizing element that led to confrontation, but that Russia remained open to dialogue with the body.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1455323/kremlin-says-provocations-like-uk-warship-episode-demand-tough- response

PH still at moderate risk for COVID-19 infections — OCTA

Published July 4, 2021, 7:45 PM by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

The Philippines is still classified as “moderate risk” for the coronavirus disease as the daily incidence rate remains above 1 during the June 27-July 3 period, OCTA Research said in a special report released on Sunday, July 4.

Using the US Covid Act Now indicator, OCTA said the Philippines’ daily incidence, or the level of risk based on a seven-day average number of daily new cases per 100,000 population, was 5.06, which is considered “moderate.”

“While this assessment does not match those of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) exactly, both sources regard incidence of less than 1 as low risk,” said OCTA research fellows Guido, David, Erika Enriquez, and Ranjit S. Rye.

Based on Covid Act Now’s indicators, an incidence of below 1 is considered low as it is on track for containment; 1-10 is considered medium or moderate; 10-25 is considered high; 25-75 is very high; and over 75 is considered severe.

Meanwhile, CDC said the level of risk is low if incidence is less than 1.79; between 1.79 and 3.57 is moderate; between 3.57 and 17.86 is high; and more than 17.86 is very high.

Incidence rate is referred to as average daily attack rate or ADAR by the Department of Health (DOH). https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/ph-still-at-moderate-risk-for-covid-19-infections-octa/

Delta variant causes new lockdowns and coronavirus restrictions across the globe Illustration of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. (CDC/TNS)

JULY 04, 2021 CELINA TEBOR - LOS ANGELES TIMES

To many people, the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to be over: The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are set to begin next month — albeit with safety restrictions, countries have taken steps to try to restart their economies, and 3 billion doses of the vaccines have been administered across the globe.

But the highly contagious delta variant is serving as a harsh reminder of the unrelenting nature of a virus: to stay alive, it adapts and mutates.

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2021/07/delta-variant-causes-new-lockdowns-and-coronavirus- restrictions-across-the-globe/

COVID-19: Indonesia ramps up oxygen output after dozens die amid scarcity Patients with breathing problem are seen outside the emergency ward at a government-run hospital, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases surges, in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 1, 2021. Picture taken July 1, 2021. REUTERS/Yuddy Cahya Budiman

04 Jul 2021 05:39PM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 05:45PM) JAKARTA: Indonesia has ordered oxygen makers to prioritise medical needs amid growing demand from COVID-19 patients, the government said on Sunday (Jul 4), following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving gas was almost exhausted.

The world's fourth most populous nation is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, with Saturday's 27,913 infections becoming the newest of many peaks during the last two weeks.

Advertisement In a statement, the Sardjito hospital on the island of Java said 63 patients died after it nearly ran out of oxygen over the period from Saturday until early on Sunday, when fresh supplies arrived.

A hospital spokesman could not confirm if all the dead had suffered from COVID-19, however.

In response, the government was asking the gas industry to increase production of medical oxygen, said health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi.

"We also hope people don't stock up on oxygen," she added, referring to stockpiles that could have the effect of denying the gas to many. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-medical-oxygen-supply-scarcity-hospital-covid-19- 15153566

Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World Updated: July 5, 2021, 2:21 PM GMT+8

Brazil 2,494 89,252 150.8 N/A

U.K. 1,964 75,189 3,199.1 2.5

U.S. 1,833 102,091 1,417.8 2.8

France 1,647 86,497 N/A 6.0

Germany 1,134 46,549 802.9 8.0

Russia 956 39,059 1,032.8 8.1

India 307 23,320 315.8 0.5

Japan 118 6,414 125.0 13.1

Mainland China 3 66 N/A 4.3

Testing data as of July 2, 2021, 10:30 PM GMT+8 Sources: OECD for number of hospital beds (2016 for the U.S., 2017 for other countries), government agencies and the COVID Tracking Project via Our World in Data for testing data (various recent dates) (reported in the past 45 days) and the U.S. Census Bureau for population figures (2019).

The world is bracing for a new wave of Covid-19 infections, as the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 180 million people and killed more than 3.9 millionglobally since late January 2020. Efforts many countries took to stamp out the pneumonia-like illness led to entire nations enforcing lockdowns, widespread halts of international travel, mass layoffs and battered financial markets. Recent attempts to revive social life and financial activities have resulted in another surge in cases and hospitalizations, though new drugs and improved care may help more people who get seriously ill survive.

Jurisdictions with cases confirmed as of July 5, 2021, 2:21 PM GMT+8 1–99

100–999

1,000–9,999

10,000–99,999

100,000–999,999 1,000,000–9,999,999

10 million or more Where deaths have occurred Deaths Cases U.S. 605,526 33,717,574 Brazil 524,417 18,769,808 India 402,728 30,585,229 Mexico 233,622 2,540,068 Peru 193,230 2,065,113 Russia 135,637 5,544,209 U.K. 128,486 4,920,168 Italy 127,649 4,263,317 France 111,323 5,848,171 Colombia 108,896 4,350,495 Argentina 95,904 4,535,473 Germany 91,039 3,738,470 Iran 84,792 3,254,818 Spain 80,911 3,833,868 Poland 75,084 2,880,270 Show more Note: Totals for Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. include overseas territories and other dependencies. Cases and deaths for cruise ships have been separated in accordance with JHU CSSE data.

The epicenter of the pandemic has continued to shift throughout the year, from China, then Europe, then the U.S., and now to developing countries like Brazil. Cases globally surpassed 10 million in late June, but ever since infections have been multiplying faster. The U.S. and India have the most infections, accounting for more than a third of all cases combined.

Global Cases Added Per Day New cases: 282,641 Jan 21, 2020 Jul 4, 2021 Brazil New cases: 27,783 Jan 21, 2020 Jul 4, 2021 Russia 24,693 U.K. 23,896 Iran 13,781 U.S. 3,697 France 2,549 Germany 411 Mainland China 22 India 0 Note: On February 14, 2020, Hubei officials changed their diagnostic criteria, resulting in a spike in reported cases.

Countries took drastic measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 on their homefront— with varying degrees of success. More than 140 governments placed blanket bans on incoming travelers, closed schools and restricted gatherings and public events, according to data compiled by Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and Bloomberg reporting.

As countries loosen lockdowns in an effort to reboot their economies, many have seen a resurgence of infections. The number of new daily cases in the U.S. rose to record highs after some states relaxed social distancing requirements. Even places that successfully contained infections earlier in the year, like China and South Korea, have seen cases bubble back up. Theories that warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere would bring relief appear to be unfounded. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-coronavirus-cases-world-map/?srnd=coronavirus

Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country

By The Visual and Data Journalism Team BBC News

The US, India and Brazil have seen the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by France, Russia, Turkey and the UK. Very few places have been left untouched.

In the table below, countries can be reordered by deaths, death rate and total cases. In the coloured bars on the right-hand side, countries in which cases have risen to more than 10,000 per day are those with black bars on the relevant date.

Note: The map, table and animated bar chart in this page use a different source for figures for France and the UK from that used by Johns Hopkins University. US figures do not include Puerto Rico, Guam or the US Virgin Islands.

Confirmed cases have been rising steeply since the middle of last year, but the true extent of the first outbreaks in 2020 is unclear because testing was not then widely available. The 100 millionth Covid case was recorded at the end of January - about a year after the first officially diagnosed case of the virus.

Deaths have also been rising, however official figures may not fully reflect the true number in many countries. Data on excess deaths, a measure of how many more people are dying than would be expected based on the previous few years, may give a better indication of the actual numbers in many cases.

Who has vaccinated the most? Several coronavirus vaccines have been approved for use, either by individual countries or groups of countries, such as the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Of the 193 countries and territories administering vaccines and publishing rollout data, 67 are high-income nations, 101 are middle-income and 25 low-income.

The map below, using figures collated by Our World in Data - a collaboration between Oxford University and an educational charity - shows the total number of doses given per 100 people, mostly first doses. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105

More Than 3.19 Billion Shots Given: Covid-19 Tracker In the U.S., 331 million doses have been administered Updated: July 5, 2021, 3:31 AM GMT+8

The biggest vaccination campaign in history is underway. More than 3.19 billiondoses have been administered across 180 countries, according to data collected by Bloomberg. The latest rate was roughly 39.4 million doses a day.

In the U.S., 331 million doses have been given so far. In the last week, an average of 1.04 million doses per day were administered.

World Map of Vaccinations More than 3.19 billion doses have been administered—enough to fully vaccinate 20.8%of the global population

• no data01102030%of population covered Note: “Population covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number of doses required for full vaccination. Data gathered from government agencies, public statements, Bloomberg interviews and the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University.

Enough doses have now been administered to fully vaccinate 20.8% of the global population—but the distribution has been lopsided. Countries and regions with the highest incomes are getting vaccinated more than 30 times faster than those with the lowest.

Note: Vaccine access calculations account for the number of doses needed for full protection; some vaccines require a two-dose regimen while others require just a single dose. Countries and regions are ordered by GDP per capita (PPP). When will life return to normal?

While the best vaccines are thought to be 95% effective, it takes a coordinated campaign to stop a pandemic. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease official in the U.S., has said that vaccinating 70% to 85% of the U.S. population would enable a return to normalcy.

On a global scale, that’s a daunting level of vaccination. At the current pace of 39.4 million a day, it would take another year to achieve a high level of global immunity. The rate, however, is steadily increasing, and new vaccines by additional manufacturers are coming to market.

The Path to Immunity Around the World In the U.S., the latest vaccination rate is 1,039,561 doses per day, on average. At this pace, it will take another 5 months to cover 75% of the population. Note: Immunity calculations take into account the number of doses required and the current rate of administration for each vaccine type. The “daily rate estimate” is a seven-day trailing average; interpolation is used for jurisdictions with infrequent updates. *Coverage may exceed 100% in some places, as shots may be administered to non-residents. Data are from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker.

Israel was first to show that vaccinations were having a nationwide effect. The country has led the world in vaccinations, and by February more than 84% of people ages 70 and older had received two doses. Severe covid cases and deaths declined rapidly. A separate analysis in the U.K. showed similar results.

It’s now a life-and-death contest between vaccine and virus. New strains threaten renewed outbreaks. In the early stages of a campaign, the effect of vaccinations are often outweighed by other factors of transmissibility: virus mutations, seasonality, effectiveness of mask use and social distancing. In time, higher vaccination rates should limit the Covid-19 burden around the world.

Vaccinations vs. Cases Covid rates have generally flattened or declined where vaccination rates are highest. Currently, 38 places have administered enough shots to cover at least 40% of the population. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/?srnd=premium-asia

Our compromised future DEMAND AND SUPPLY - Boo Chanco (The Philippine Star ) - July 5, 2021 - 12:00am According to the World Bank, 80 percent of Filipino children don’t know what they are supposed to know. Let that sink in and panic.

One in every four Grade 5 students does not have the reading and mathematics skills for Grade 2 or 3. Four in every five 15-year-old students do not understand basic mathematical concepts such as fractions and decimals that should be mastered by fifth graders.

The future of our country is compromised. We are growing generations of Filipinos whose skills to have a good life in today’s world are minimal.

Our hopes for taking advantage of the so-called demographic dividend are dashed.

A NEDA explainer released when Ernie Pernia was director general, noted that “the Philippines is expected to be the last major Asian economy to benefit from the demographic dividend between the years 2025-2070.”

NEDA warned that “if not properly addressed, the country would need to wait until at least 2050 to benefit from the demographic dividend or possibly miss it all together.”

What is the demographic dividend? Here is NEDA’s explanation:

“In a nutshell, demographic dividend is the economic growth experienced by a country as a result of the change in the country’s population structure. https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/07/05/2110176/our-compromised-future

Diamonds aren’t forever “The Philippines, for a long time a US colony, is an important and strategic partner for the superpower country to lose.

From a colonial master to “protector” to a major economic and military partner, the Philippines has seen a weaker partnership with the United States of America under outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, who has marked the final of his six-year term end of last month.

On 26 March in Washington, D.C., US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim launched a bilateral campaign to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

The celebration is coming at a tense moment in history when the US is shifting its focus to Asia and the Pacific, whose countries have flexed some economic muscles through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

It is a 15-country deal that aims to eliminate about 90 percent of the tariffs on imports between the signatories and establish common rules for e-commerce, trade and intellectual property.

Members are Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, with China as their strongest partner.

The unified rules of origin will help facilitate international supply chains and reduce export costs throughout the bloc, making the RCEP their most potent weapon in pulling the economic center of gravity back toward Asia.

When things like this happen, we could expect China to take the lead in writing the rules.

It is at this juncture when the US is trying to pull all stops in regaining its influence in the region.

Last week, the US Embassy in Manila hosted an affair to celebrate the 75th US-Philippines relations attended by some government officials and other politicians who the US deemed were important to advancing its interests in the country. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/diamonds-arent-forever/

Liberty, conquest and friendship posted July 05, 2021 at 12:05 am by Jude Acidre

"These dates leave us with valuable lessons that each nation must never forget."

On July 4, 75 years ago, crowds assembled at the Independence Grandstand, a temporary structure constructed in front of the ruined old Congress building, witnessed the US flag being lowered, and the Philippine flag finally raised to fly alone, a fitting symbol to culminate decades of the country’s struggle for independence. Finally, the United States has recognized our nation’s independence, 48 years since our forebears took off the shackles of the Spanish colonial power.

The Fourth of July, however, is best known around the world as the US Independence Day, commemorating the date when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, rejected the authority of the British king and formally declared the 13 colonies as united, free and independent states.

But on the same date, more than a hundred years later, the United States has forgotten its colonial past, and guided by ill-conceived ideas of manifest destiny, it became the colonial master it once derided. Few remember that unfortunate day of July 4, 1902, when then US President Theodore Roosevelt issued an absolute pardon and amnesty to all Filipinos and declared the cessation of all hostilities resulting from the “insurrection against the Government of the United States.” The same act, however, consequently established US colonial authority over the Philippines Islands.

Ironically, that same day celebrating the Declaration of Independence became a day of conquest that later intertwined the destinies of the two countries—a relationship that continues to this day.

Forty-four years later, this historical irony would later be corrected with the United States formally recognizing the independence of the Philippines. This ended a process which began as early as 1916 with the passage of the Jones Act that guaranteed eventual recognition of Philippine independence and the Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934 which provided for the creation of the transitional Commonwealth of the Philippines.

On July 4, 1946, Manuel Roxas took his oath as the President of a truly independent Republic of the Philippines.

Interestingly, until 1962, July 4 was the date when Philippine Independence Day was celebrated every year, and for many years the Philippines shared its independence day with its former colonial master. In many ways, the overlap in the dates left the date of Philippine independence largely unnoticed, and greater attention, of course, was given to the United States. This was especially true in diplomatic circles, when the traditional fete in honor of the Philippine Independence Day would often be anticipated or belatedly celebrated in deference to the US holiday.

On the other hand, June 12, was celebrated as Flag Day, commemorating the first time the national flag was first unfurled in Kawit, Cavite. Not only were the political leaders of that time felt that the nascent attempt to establish the Philippine Republic in 1896 a failed democratic experiment; they were also hesitant to give undue attention to the revolutionary old guard, former President Emilio Aguinaldo, and of course, the entire political establishment of the Malolos Congress. https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/the-fifth-gospel-by-jude-acidre/358818/liberty-conquest-and- friendship.html

Shared history and long accord “Shared histories have kept our alliances strong, but maybe now is the perfect time to strengthen it even more.

I still remember Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who had such a big, warm smile that issues like the American bases during her stint seemed to carry less sting.

It was a time of great turmoil, with Saddam Hussein’s death and terrorist bombings rocking our consciousness in this part of the world.

The first female US ambassador to the Philippines managed to bring our Western ally closer to Filipino hearts, though this recollection could be a product of either personal biases or the different circumstances at the time.

Kenney succeeded Ambassador Francis Ricciardone Jr., under the George W. Bush administration, arriving in Manila in March 2006.

When Kenney left her post in 2009, she said she was “heartbroken” at leaving it. Certainly, many Filipinos remember her fondly.

The war on terror was the biggest global concern at the time, and then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was a staunch supporter of this cause.

The world has undergone such rapid changes since then, where old narratives have been overturned and that once-unquestionable friendship between the Philippines and the US has been undeniably affected.

It is a fact that President Rodrigo Duterte’s independent foreign policy has plenty to do with the increased attention to China and Russia in recent years, though I believe this does not directly translate to general sentiment on the ground.

Another factor has been former US President Donald Trump’s “America first” policy, leading to a “cold” phase, so to speak, in friendship ties between the Philippines and the US.

And then the pandemic happened. The “distance between us” could not have been more felt (but then again, almost all diplomatic activities had ground to a halt anyway). https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/shared-history-and-long-accord/

Buck passer not needed “NGCP can only blame itself for the lack of power supply since it was contracted to maintain the electric highway.

Concessionaire National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) stock excuse when confronted with the brownout problems that strike when demand for electricity peaks was that the current situation “is not a reserve but a supply problem.”

In effect, the operator of the power transmission network is trying to deflect the blame for the perennial supply shortage to the Department of Energy (DoE) for failing to anticipate demand. The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (PIPPA), which grou ps together all the major power plants in the country, however, belied NGCP’s claims.

PIPPA president and executive director Anne Montelibano explained the poor structure of the backbone that fell to neglect during the nine years under the hands of the private consortium resulted to the failure of maximizing available power capacity, which when totaled can prevent the scourge of outages.

PIPPA also cited red tape for the delay of projects under development. Thus, the confluence of government and private sector inefficiencies has set back the power industry and not the absence of a road map, which the DoE wanted to fully enforce in running after NGCP.

PIPPA cited the chief hurdles for generating companies being the papers required from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, radio equipment directive compliance test, system impact, facilities study, water permits and local government unit licenses for each project. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/05/buck-passer-not-needed/

Commentary: China’s one-child policy has left a million Chinese without support

From 1980 to 2015, the Chinese government limited couples to having just one child but many have since lost their only child to illness, accident, suicide or murder, says anthropologist Lihong Shi. China began to phase out its one-child– policy in 2015 in response to concerns about an ageing population and shrinking workforce (Photo: AFP/STR) By Lihong Shi

04 Jul 2021 06:01AM(Updated: 04 Jul 2021 06:10AM) CLEVELAND, Ohio: A child’s death is devastating to all parents. But for Chinese parents, losing an only child can add financial ruin to emotional devastation.

That’s one conclusion of a research project on parental grief I’ve conducted in China since 2016.

Advertisement From 1980 to 2015, the Chinese government limited couples to one child only.

I have interviewed over 100 Chinese parents who started their families during this period and have since lost their only child – whether to illness, accident, suicide or murder.

Having passed reproductive age at the time of their child’s death, these couples were unable to have another child. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/china-s-one-child-policy-poverty-ageing-costs- healthcare-15132198

Virus lab leak theory dogs Democrats eager to keep focus on Trump's Covid failings

Democrats worry that murky conclusions that don’t identify the origin of the virus could play into the Republicans’ hands.

A worker in protective overalls walks outside the Wuhan Central Hospital in Wuhan, China, on Feb. 6, 2021. | Ng Han Guan/AP Photo

By ALICE MIRANDA OLLSTEIN 07/04/2021 07:00 AM EDT

• • • •

Congressional Democrats are having to balance escalating calls to investigate whether Covid-19 escaped from a lab in China with their efforts to highlightthe Trump administration’s response to the pandemic and the ongoing push to stamp out the virus.

The dilemma shows how much shaping a narrative of the health crisis ahead of the 2022 midterms is already consuming lawmakers as new outbreaks emerge in parts of the country. And it puts Democrats who control the congressional agenda in a bind, as they wrestle with the possibility of stoking potentially unprovable claims about a man-made crisis or facing accusations from Republicans of engineering a cover-up.

“Regardless of how it started, no origin can excuse the lethal recklessness of Donald Trump’s mismanagement of Covid-19. Nothing,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a member of the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, which recently rebuffed calls from its Republican members to hold hearings on the issue. “Presidents have a responsibility to protect public health regardless of the origin of a public health crisis.”

The issue flared again over the past week, when top House Republicans from four committees convened a self-styled hearing on the origins of the virus, during which they accused Democrats of ignoring the issue and fronting for Beijing. Lawmakers also clashed over the Wuhan leak theory duringThursday’s House deliberations on a fiscal 2022 State-Foreign Operations spending bill. https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/04/wuhan-lab-leak-theory-democrats-497902

How the West can learn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and vice versa

More than a year into the pandemic, chaos remains in the once very efficient and “lean” global supply chains. The pandemic has interrupted the normal flow of goods, creating bottlenecks at different stages of the global production network. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3139659/how-west-can-learn-chinas-belt-and-road- initiative-and-vice-versa