Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
China says talks on ‘long-delayed’ South China Sea code going smoothly
China on Thursday said consultations on the “long-delayed” Code of Conduct (COC) for South China Sea are going smoothly.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Mao Ning disclosed this in a regular press briefing after she was asked how optimistic the ministry is for the new phase of negotiations regarding the disputed waters.
Palace: Indonesia vows to look into case Mary Jane Veloso filed in PH
The Indonesian government has vowed to look into the case of Mary Jane Veloso after its president met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Thursday.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo departed from Manila on Thursday afternoon following his three-day official visit.
Oil tanker with 18 Filipino crewmen boarded by armed group near Oman
An oil tanker caught up in a dispute last year between the United States and Iran was boarded by armed individuals off the coast of Oman on Thursday and appeared to have changed course toward Iran, according to UK maritime sources.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker St. Nikolas was boarded by armed intruders as it sailed close to the Omani city of Sohar, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey, and its AIS tracking system was turned off as it headed in the direction of the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask.