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.
MANILA – 17 JAN - The Philippines and China have agreed to explore ways to cooperate and address their differences over the South China Sea, despite ongoing tensions.Both countries held their 10th round of talks under a bilateral consultation mechanism, which aimed at resolving disputes in the region. The two sides pledged to enhance coast guard and marine scientific cooperation, with Philippine foreign affairs under secretary Theresa Lazaro emphasizing that there is room for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation, despite unresolved issues.
While both nations agreed to increase communication and dialogue, they also exchanged concerns. The Philippines raised alarms about China's coast guard presence in its exclusive economic zone, while China criticized the Philippines for amplifying maritime disputes. The South China Sea remains a contentious area due to overlapping territorial claims from multiple countries, with a 2016 international ruling rejecting China's claims, a decision that Beijing continues to disregard.
