January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
BEIJING, April 30 — China’s navy conducted a patrol in the South China Sea today, accusing the Philippines of creating “disturbances” and holding joint patrols with other nations.
China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, is locked in an increasingly tense standoff with the Philippines as both nations assert competing sovereignty claims over the disputed waters.
Over 14,000 troops from the Philippines and the United States are currently taking part in joint military exercises from April 21 to May 9, described as a “full battle test” in response to shared regional security concerns. Beijing has criticized the drills as provocative.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the Southern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army said its forces had carried out “routine” patrols in the South China Sea that same day, without specifying the exact location.
“Lately, the Philippines has frequently engaged in maritime provocations, creating disturbances and inviting countries from outside the region to conduct so-called ‘joint patrols’,” the statement read.
The command added that its naval and air forces were closely monitoring developments and maintaining vigilance.
“Troops in the theatre remain on high alert, firmly defending the nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, and safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea region,” it said.
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has yet to respond to requests for comment. — Reuters
