On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Indonesia Commissions Over 1,000 Military and Police Officers to Master Cyber and AI Defence
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has commissioned 1,177 new officers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), using the occasion to call for a new generation of security personnel equipped to respond to artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats and other emerging security challenges.
Thai-Cambodian Maritime Settlement Remains Uncertain despite UNCLOS Conciliation
On July 19, Cambodia confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Thailand in regard to both countries’ maritime dispute around Koh Kut Island to allow additional time for the appointment of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing the delay as “modest and entirely appropriate.” The extension followed a joint request by the four appointed conciliators and backed up by the Cambodian government that it will not affect any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the UN-backed process.
Singapore, Malaysia Conclude Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) concluded their Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING on July 23, emphasising continued defence and operational cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Cambodia Advances AI-Driven Future through Human Capital and Tech Cooperation
Cambodian Prime Minister (PM) Hun Manet has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to prepare for an artificial intelligence (AI) driven future, highlighting investment in human capital and international technological cooperation as one of the key priorities for Cambodia’s long-term development.
US’ Secretary of State Arrives in Manila for ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Manila from July 19 to 23 to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meetings (FMM) and related meetings, as well as to pay a courtesy call on the Philippine President and ASEAN Chair, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan Heads to Snap Polls Following State Assembly Dissolution
The Negeri Sembilan state of Malaysia will head to the polls on August 1 in a snap state election following the early dissolution of its legislative assembly. This contest forms part of a series of state polls ahead of the country’s next general election scheduled for February 2028.
Cambodia Plays Down Delay in UNCLOS Gulf Case Against Thailand
On July 19, Cambodia confirmed that it has made an agreement with Thailand to allow additional time for the appointment of the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), playing down the delay as “modest and entirely appropriate.” Phnom Penh has staked a great deal on theUN-backed process, as it tries to compel reluctant Bangkok to join, in an attempt to resolve amaritime dispute around Koh Kut Island that the two governments do not yet agree is even about the same thing.
Myanmar, Russian Forces Conclude First Joint Military Exercise Amid Closer Defence Ties
Myanmar and Russian special forces concluded their first joint military exercise, codenamed Tiger-2026, on July 17 after nearly two weeks of joint training, highlighting expanding defence cooperation between the two countries.
Japan Coast Guard Training Vessel Arrives in Manila as Philippines, Japan Deepen Maritime ties
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training vessel Itsukushima (PL-23) called at Manila from July 16-20, marking the final overseas port of call of its 89-day Global Ocean Training Voyage for fiscal year 2026 before returning to Japan. The four-day visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, reflecting the two countries’ expanding maritime partnership.