Philippines again suspends scrapping of troop pact with US

The Philippines has for the third time suspended a decision to scrap a two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

Monday, June 14, 2021 21:41

Philippines again suspends scrapping of troop pact with US ảnh 1

US military forces cross a flooded area near the shore during the annual Philippines-US amphibious landing exercise (PHIBLEX) at San Antonio, Zambales province, in the Philippines on Oct 7, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippines has for thethird time suspended a decision to scrap a two-decade-old Visiting ForcesAgreement (VFA) with the US.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsinsaid on June 14 that the suspension would be for a further six months whilePresident Rodrigo Duterte "studies, and both sides further address hisconcerns regarding, particular aspects of the agreement.”

The President terminated the agreement in February2020. The termination process, however, was suspended in June last year. ThePhilippine government again held off the suspension in November 2020.

Signed in 1998, the VFA provides the legal frameworkfor the presence of American troops in the Philippines as they conduct jointmilitary exercises./.

VNA

#Philippines #Visiting Forces Agreement #Teodoro Locsin #President Rodrigo Duterte #Vietnam #VietnamPlus #Vietnam news Philippines

See more

Cambodia steps up efforts to protect endangered wildlife

08/08/2026 07:38

Conservation experts emphasise that protecting the Giant Ibis is of paramount importance and urge the public to prevent illegal land clearing, end wildlife trafficking and poisoning, and decline the consumption or keeping of wild animals.

Cambodia, RoK expand “Peace Village” initiative for rural development

08/08/2026 05:38

The Peace Village Project is part of the Cambodia-RoK Strategic Partnership. In its second phase, the project is being implemented in 30 villages across three northwestern provinces that were heavily affected by war and landmines, with the aim of transforming them into areas of peace, sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Thai SMEs face mounting pressure from costs, debt: UTCC survey

08/08/2026 04:23

The SMEs Competitiveness Index fell to 45.1 points in the second quarter, down 0.8 points from the previous quarter and remaining below the 50-point threshold that signals a contraction in business conditions.

Cambodian Prime Minister sets four priorities to strengthen education system

08/08/2026 03:15

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for stronger digital education through improved digital infrastructure at schools, expanded online learning resources, greater use of technology in teaching, and better digital platforms to prepare students for the future labour market.

A view of the meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and 150 researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on August 6 (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia sees technology mastery as key to national progress

08/08/2026 02:32

Addressing a meeting with 150 researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on August 6, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that mastery of science and technology is essential for accelerating national development and enhancing Indonesia's global competitiveness.

Much of Southeast Asia's recent data centre growth has shifted towards Malaysia; Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are also building capacity. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

AI infrastructure emerges as Southeast Asia's new growth engine

07/08/2026 22:30

Data centres have accelerated in growth throughout Southeast Asia. Much of the region’s recent data centre growth has shifted towards Malaysia; Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are also building capacity.

Firefighters strive to extinguish the flames at Mount Bromo National Park, Indonesia's East Java province, on August 6, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia intensifies firefighting efforts at Mount Bromo National Park

07/08/2026 18:50

More than 107,000 hectares of land burned in Indonesia between January and June this year, more than double the area destroyed in forest fires in 2023, according to the country's Ministry of Forestry.

Cambodia eyes higher value-added manufacturing

07/08/2026 18:43

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol urged the private sector to work closely with the government in preparing for the next phase of industrial development by moving upstream into higher value‑added manufacturing and strengthening supply chain capabilities.

Malaysia steps up drive to build world-class startup ecosystem

07/08/2026 17:50

For KL20 2026, four new priority areas have been added, aligning with Malaysia's 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), which seeks to increase economic complexity, strengthen high-value industries and expand domestic production of value-added goods and services.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (front, right) and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing (front, left) at their meeting in Bangkok on August 6, 2026 (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Thailand, Myanmar jointly tackle cross-border pollution

07/08/2026 16:53

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin described the TOR signing as an important milestone in bilateral environmental cooperation, saying it would enhance water resource management, protect ecosystems and improve life quality for those living in border areas.

Thailand, Japan deepen cooperation in smart agriculture

07/08/2026 15:56

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in smart agriculture through the application of automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced technologies and innovation, while promoting the use of modern agricultural machinery and expanding workforce training.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing (centre) at the official welcome ceremony for the latter in Bangkok on August 6, 2026. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Thailand, Myanmar promote economic, space technology cooperation

07/08/2026 14:52

At the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum in Bangkok, attended by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, President Min Aung Hlaing and more than 700 representatives from government agencies, businesses and the business communities of both countries, the two leaders outlined orientations for boosting economic cooperation and expanding bilateral ties.

At least four killed in Philippines landslides

07/08/2026 14:21

Philippine authorities said four days of heavy rain on the island of Luzon have triggered multiple landslides. In Benguet province, a hillside collapsed onto a small restaurant on August 6, burying three employees working in the kitchen.

Malaysia moves to protect farmland from industrial expansion

07/08/2026 06:23

Indonesia has already set aside about 25,000 hectares through the Permanent Food Production Zones programme, which will help protect land from encroachment by industries.

Thai rice exports decline nearly 19% in first half of 2026

07/08/2026 05:48

DFT Director-General Arada Fuangthong attributed the decline to abundant global rice supplies, which have intensified price competition. In addition, conflicts in the Middle East disrupted Thai rice exports to Iraq – one of its key markets – from March.