China puts Philippines on hypersonic nuke alert – Asia Times
Due to rumors that China is developing a new underwater capable of carrying nuclear-tipped hypersonic missiles especially to neutralize the missile threat, China’s conflict with the Philippines appears to have reached a disturbing new phase.
A semi-official military newspaper reported this month that a Chinese invasion submarine that is currently being developed at a factory in Wuhan might be used to strike Philippine medium-range weapon defense systems.
The report indicates that the People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ) has not yet confirmed if the submarine class is under development.
However, SCMP notes that a publication from Naval &, Merchant Ships, owned by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation ( CSSC), a PLA Navy ( PLA-N) supplier, mentions details about its design and features, thus validating its existence and reasons for its development.
The release mentions that the US Typhon missiles, which have been stationed in the Philippines since April 2024, may launch missiles from Luzon, a northern Philippine area, into island China.
The PLA can launch attacks from outside enemy lines, according to the report, and it has the option to use nuclear missiles if important. China’s most recent submarine is capable of carrying hypersonic missiles.
The YJ-21, which is used on its Type 093 nuclear attack submarines ( SSN), is likely to be used for the new submarine. The YJ-21 has also been deployed on China’s Model 055 ships, and its estimated collection is 1, 500 to 2, 000 km with an estimated velocity of Mach 10.
The underwater, first spotted in mid-2024, appears to have Vocabulary and an X-shaped tail fin for better athleticism and security, according to SCMP. Additionally, the report mentions that the submarine is anticipated to have AIP (air-independent propulsion ) technology.
Tensions between China and the US Typhon weapon system have gotten worse. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated in September 2024 that the Typhon’s implementation “undermines regional peace and stability,” adding that it “is not in the interests of local locations.”
But, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro hit up at the notes, stating that China is using “reverse philosophy” to prevent the Philippines from building its security features.
Teodoro challenged China to “lead by instance”, saying that it should kill its nuclear arsenal, reduce its ballistic missile features, “get out of the West Philippine Sea”, and get out of Mischief Reef, a contested element in the South China Sea.
However, China conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) test since 1980, flying an ICBM from Hainan to French Polynesia, just outside France’s Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) around the country, in a thinly veiled signal of displeasure the same month.
Undaunted, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr highlighted in January 2025 that China’s missile systems substantially exceeds the Philippines. In exchange for halting anger in the South China Sea, he suggested removing the US Typhon missile program.
China appears determined to take a radical stance despite the strong words from Spanish leaders. In February 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that the Philippines is “placing its safety in the arms of people” and that China” does not stand idly by when its passions are threatened.
If China’s assertion that its new submarine carries hypersonic missiles is confirmed, the Philippines lacks reliable air and missile defense capabilities to counteract such a threat.
As of 2022, the SM-6 missile is the only weapon in the US arsenal that can intercept hypersonic missiles, and even that capability is described as “nascent”. The US Glide Phase Interceptor ( GPI), designed to destroy hypersonic missiles in their glide phase, is still under development.
Should the Philippines strengthen its extended deterrence strategy with the US and use the Typhon as a foundation, it may purchase military equipment that will support the Typhon missile system in its own backyard.
While the Philippines operates SPYDER surface-to-air missile ( SAM ) batteries, they are not designed to engage hypersonic threats. In addition to SPYDER, the Philippines plans to buy additional short-range SAMs, possibly India’s Akash missile system. But, as with SPYDER, Akash is not designed to engage or neutralize hypersonic threats.
Given the Philippines ‘ capability shortcomings, it may be up to the US to defend its Typhon batteries against China’s hypersonic arsenal. The US deployed Patriot missile launchers to the Philippines in May 2024, with the Patriot successfully intercepting a Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile over Kyiv in May 2023.
However, Russia’s propaganda may have overhyped the Kinzhal’s capability, and China, having much more resources than the former, can likely afford more sophisticated hypersonic missiles.
Aside from attempting to intercept China’s hypersonics, US submarines in the South China Sea could try to track and hunt their Chinese hypersonic-armed counterparts.
In the South China Sea in 2023, 11 US SSNs and two nuclear ballistic missile submarines ( SSBN ) were discovered, according to a report from the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI ) in March 2024.
China may launch a nuclear response if it believes its underwater nuclear deterrent is in danger because it may be using the South China Sea as a protected bastion for its SSBNs. The Philippines runs the risk of being caught in a nuclear conflict between the US and China because of nuclear-armed submarines from opposing sides patrolling nearby.  ,
However, in a May 2024 National Bureau of Asian Research ( NBR ) report, Herman Kraft argues that the Philippines does not view China’s nuclear arsenal as a direct threat but rather as a factor in US-China competition. According to Kravit, China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea has not until recently resulted in the threat of nuclear weapons.
Manila is also developing relations with other countries, including Japan and Australia, while the Philippines acknowledges that the US might use its military installations and forces to target China. He claims that this strategy allows the Philippines to expand its defenses without being involved in US-China nuclear dynamics.
Kraft claims that while the Philippines advocates a normative, diplomatic approach to nuclear weapons, it is constrained by its longstanding dependence on the US.
Although the US Typhon missile system makes the Philippines a potential target for China in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, it is improbable whether any president of the Philippines will permit US offensive strikes from its territory, unless the Philippines ‘ main islands are attacked.
If a leader of the Philippines approves such strikes, it runs the risk of making China, which will always be present nearby, a long-standing adversary.
Singaporean man charged with importing 40kg of drugs into Australia
A Singaporean man was accused of bringing 40 kilograms of marijuana into Australia on an international flight on Tuesday ( Feb 25 ).
Shanmugam Sundar Darmaraju is accused of importing a border-controlled medicine in two separate matters. He was denied parole after making an appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
When the 55-year-old man arrived in Sydney on a flight from Malaysia on February 20th, the Australian Border Force ( ABF ) officers stopped him.
The ABF and the AFP jointly released a statement claiming that the man reportedly claimed in a joint news release that he was not traveling with any checked baggage and that he had originally been given the right to leave Sydney Airport.
ABF officials later discovered two backpacks that had allegedly had id keywords with the boy’s name on them and were left on a luggage carousel.
The backpacks contained 8 kg of methamphetamine and 32 kg of meth. The policeman seized them and began the research for the customer.
China says defence spending ‘entirely necessary’ after Putin backs mutual cuts
Beijing: Following Donald Trump’s suggestion that Russia, the US, and China all cut their defense budgets in half, Beijing declared on Tuesday ( Feb 25 ) that its defense spending was “entirely necessary.” Russia has significantly increased military spending since launching its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but as hostilitiesContinue Reading
1MDB drops US$248 million suit against Wolf of Wall Street producer: Lawyer
The sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia, 1MDB, has withdrawn its US$ 24 million lawsuit against one of the manufacturers of The Wolf of Wall Street, who is also Hamid Razak’s son. When the multi-billion money economic scandal broke in the 2010s, Riza Aziz and his drama firms were charged withContinue Reading
Parliament to discuss recent MRT train disruptions, drug reoffending rate and terrorism threats
SINGAPORE: The , MRT train service disruptions , this month affecting three different rail lines, the continued rise in drug reoffending rates , and the threat of terrorism on the back of an assault case at a church , are  , expected to be raised when parliament next sits on Wednesday ( Feb 26Continue Reading
Telangana: Race to save eight Indian workers trapped inside tunnel
Officials in Telangana, a state in southern India, are pressing ahead to save eight construction workers who have been stranded for more than 72 hours in a hole.
Around 50 workers had been working inside the 43km ( 26.7-mile ) -long tunnel, located in Nagarkurnool district, when a part of its roof caved in early Saturday morning.
Officials claim that 43 of them were able to leave the tunnel carefully, but attempts to reach the remaining eight men have encountered numerous setbacks as a result of free ground, mud, and mud inside.
Additionally, they have been unable to create email with the people who were being held hostage or to give them oxygen and other essentials.
The chances of their life are very remote, according to Jupally Krishna Rao, a express minister directing the evacuation effort.
On Monday an expert team of “rat-hole miners” – people trained in narrow tunnel navigation – arrived to clear the debris and get to the workers. The same team had sucessfully rescued 41 construction workers trapped in a tunnel after a landslide in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in 2023.
According to officials, approximately 33 km of construction has been completed so far, and about 10 km of it still exists.
To reach a point where they need to walk on to a conveyor belt to eliminate the dust, volunteers are using a coach. According to reports, they also continue to pump out waters to provide the pipe with oxygen. However, the rugged terrain in the area has slowed them along.
As recovery efforts get going, the families of the buried workers, the majority of whom are regular salary workers, are eagerly awaiting news of their loved ones.
” I only hope my child comes up safe this time. I did not send him away to make again”, said Rampratap Sahu, a citizen of Jharkhand condition.
A portion of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal ( SLBC ) collapsed around 13km from its opening at 8: 30 local time ( 03: 00 GMT ) on Saturday.
A slab of concrete covering leakage on the roof slipped and fell, leading to the injury. In the conflict, at least ten workers suffered injuries.
The hole is part of the longest-running water job of the Telangana government. It passes through the largest Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam cat reserve in India, which is situated in a high wooded region.
Construction work was resumed just four days prior to the incident, according to officials, after nearly three years of delay.
Numerous relief organizations are present at the location, including members of the American army’s National Disaster Response Force and Indian troops firefighters.
A group of rescuers was the first to leave the building on Sunday, according to authorities.
” We covered 11km by coach, 2km by conveyor belt and the remaining distance on foot”, an official, who wanted to stay anonymous, said. ” But finally we hit a roadblock”.
” There were large mounds of dirt and soft earth. The staff ‘ “boredom equipment” was turned upside down, preventing any further travel.
The rescuers claimed that because they lacked the necessary tools and equipment to clean the ice, they were forced to come back after that point.
” We shouted and screamed, whistled and pointed lights, hoping for a reply but didn’t speak anything”.
Thai govt worries about influx of freed scam centre foreigners
Long lines of people waiting to purchase gasoline at Myawaddy crossing into Thailand
PUBLISHED: 25 Feb 2025 at 14: 07
Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister, is concerned about a potential disaster of foreigners leaving Myawaddy’s shuttered con centers.  ,
He stated on Tuesday that the state may try to encircle them until their home countries agreed to send them back. Particularly concerning was the unlawful entry through normal border crossings.
” The number of individuals is building up in Myawaddy. We are considering this because we are concerned about overcrowding]of facilities]. There are many healthy border crossings, according to Mr. Phumtham, but if those in charge cannot control this and leave them, it will become our trouble.
He was responding to rumors that thousands of people had been detained for screening in Myawaddy,  , which is directly contrary Mae Sot borders region in Thailand’s Tak state.
Mr. Phumtham claimed that the government was attempting to arrange for these immigrants ‘ quick relocation with international officials. If their home countries had requested their quick relocation, Thailand refused to accept them.
The Taiwanese authorities was among those cooperating, he said. But, coordinating with African countries with no offices in Thailand was hard.
Mr Phumtham, even defence secretary, said there were similar issues over the reduction of fraud centres based in Cambodia. Between Cambodia and Thailand, there were numerous biological bridges.
The deputy prime minister said,” I firmly believe that they will not be permitted to enter Thailand without the appropriate functions ‘ consent.”
He stated that while urging the government to stop the government from preventing call fraud centers operating from it, the authorities would continue to deny cross-border electricity, oil, and digital supply to Myanmar towns bordering Thailand.
– Much quesues for energy - ,
Myanmar cars formed kilometres-long counters in Myawaddy on Tuesday, waiting to cross the border to Mae Sot to purchase gas.
The queues grew at the first Thai-Myanmar connection bridge.
Since energy supplies were suspended early this month, little gas stations in Myawaddy have closed, while large ones are still open for just one minute a day.
Petrol and diesel were apparently sold for 70 to 71 Rmb per gallon in Myawaddy.
At least S$1.1 billion lost to scams in 2024; one victim had S$125 million stolen
META Materials, TELEGRAM” PARTICULARLY CONCERNING”
Scammers frequently reach out to survivors through messaging systems, social media, telephone calls and online purchasing platforms, SPF found, with messaging platforms being the most popular method.  ,
Scammers contacted patients via messaging channels in 15, 145 cases next year- up from 12, 368 in 2023.
According to the authorities, WhatsApp and Telegram were the best two messaging systems used by swindlers.  ,
Around 95.7 % of Telegram scam cases were reported, which is an increase of about 95.7 %.
The number of instances where scammers contacted patients via social advertising increased to 14, 991 in 2024 from 13, 725 in 2023. In specific, 59.8 per cent were contacted through Facebook, 18 per cent through Instagram and 13.2 per share via TikTok.
Online shopping sites were also cited as a” contact process of problem,” according to the police. The number of fraud cases that took location via these channels increased to 5, 079 in 2024, away from 4, 893 in 2023.  ,
Of these, 75 per cent occurred on Carousell and 18.3 per share on Facebook Marketplace.  ,
” Three products from Meta ( Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram ) and Telegram remain particularly concerning, consistently being overrepresented among the platforms exploited by scammers to contact potential victims and conduct their scams”, said SPF.  ,
SCAM VICTIMS
Similar to previous years, it was discovered that younger people were more at risk of falling for frauds than older persons. In 2024, 70.9 % of fraud victims were those under 50 years old.  ,
On the other hand, while only a small percentage of fraud victims were old, the average loss per target was the highest among the different age groups.
Students aged 19 or under made up 6.3 per share of fraud subjects, while young people aged 20 to 29 accounted for 23.4 per share. People aged 30 to 49 made up 41.2 per share.
All three years teams tended to fall for e-commerce, work or phishing scams.
” Young elders”, such as those aged 50 to 64, formed 20.7 per share of fraud victims. This group mainly fell for spoofing, investment and false buddy call scams.  ,
This was also the situation for those aged 65 and over, making off 8.4 per share.  ,
Vaping schoolgirls remain in hospital
PUBLISHED: 25 Feb 2025 at 13: 29
BURI RAM- The municipal wellness chief said on Tuesday that three schoolgirls who have been hospitalized for a month after two years of improper vaping are still on nearby watch for lung problems.
The three students were enrolled in a class in the Satuk area, according to Dr. Pichit Puetkhunthod.
Because X-ray images showed light over large areas of their lungs, they remained on nearby watch in the clinic. Typically, these areas may be darker on the X-ray picture.
They continue to rely on antibiotics and medication to treat heart infection. They must be kept under close study, to see if there are any difficulties”, he said.
One was in Buriram Hospital, the other in Satuk Hospital, and the other in Buriram Hospital.
After vomiting, complaining of chest tightness, and having trouble breathing, the three individuals were taken to the hospital by their college next year. They had been drinking teak wine and smoking e-cigarettes for about two centuries.
In the midst of the discovery, local authorities are arresting e-cigarette suppliers throughout the state. The girls ‘ school’s location was where the buyers were detained, and their confinement was protracted.  ,
Dr. Pichit claimed that the female ‘ general health was improving.  ,
” Their breathing will recover after they are discharged from the hospital depending on their natural state. Long-term smoking does specifically , affect the respiratory system.
The Buri Ram health main warned that their families may stop them from smoking and consuming teak juice.
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