Charlie Kirk Amplifies Conservative Youth Movements in Asia Ahead of Fatal Utah Shooting

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in conservative politics, embarked on his first speaking tour in Asia just days before his fatal shooting at a Utah university event. During his visits to South Korea and Japan, Kirk emphasized the growing momentum of conservative youth, particularly young men, and spoke out against what he described as a "globalist menace." At the Build Up Korea 2025 conference in Seoul, which has hosted notable conservative figures like Donald Trump Jr., Kirk proudly claimed credit for helping to secure former President Donald Trump’s victory. His remarks were met with enthusiastic support from the audience, who greeted him with cheers and phone lights amid a dramatic pyrotechnic introduction. Kirk remarked, "The phenomenon of young people, especially men, turning conservative is occurring simultaneously across multiple continents. It is not unique to the US, which is why it deserves more attention. That is why I chose South Korea as my first Asian destination." The event also featured religious themes, including a worship concert and discussions on Christian leadership, along with a message from Everylife, an American company with a pro-life stance encouraging South Korean youth to increase birth rates. This aligns with wider trends seen in recent elections across North America, Europe, and Asia, where young men have increasingly supported right-wing parties while young women lean towards progressive platforms. This gender voting split is notably pronounced in South Korea, where the liberal Democratic Party recently regained power following upheavals tied to the conservative administration’s failed martial law attempt. Continuing his tour, Kirk moved to Tokyo where he spoke at a symposium hosted by the emerging Sanseito party, recognized for its anti-immigration stance after gaining upper house seats in July. Kirk told a Sanseito legislator in an interview, "I’m excited … to learn and to hopefully invigorate the people of your great nation to keep fighting this globalist menace." In response to Kirk’s sudden passing, Sanseito party leader Sohei Kamiya expressed his sorrow on social media, calling Kirk a "comrade committed to building the future with us." He revealed plans they had discussed to collaborate further had been tragically cut short. Reflecting on his Asia visit in a podcast, Kirk highlighted the global nature of conservative challenges: "The same things we have been fighting for here – whether it be lawfare in South Korea or mass migration in Japan – this is a worldwide phenomenon." Though Japan’s foreign-born population remains low at about 3%, recent increases in tourism have heightened the visibility of foreigners in urban areas, playing into political debates over immigration and national identity across Asia.

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Harass Philippine BFAR Ship at Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels deployed water cannons against the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship BRP Datu Gumbay Piang at Bajo de Masinloc early Tuesday morning, resulting in damage to the Filipino vessel and injury to a crew member. According to the PCG, the BFAR vessel was conducting a resupply mission approximately 14 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc when CCG 5201 targeted the ship’s starboard side with water cannon fire for about 29 minutes. This aggressive attack caused extensive damage, including shattered glass from the bridge's aft window, compromised partitions in the captain’s cabin, and a short circuit that disabled electrical outlets and five outdoor air conditioning units. One BFAR personnel was wounded by the flying glass. At the same time, another Chinese vessel, CCG 21562, launched water cannon assaults from the port side roughly 17 nautical miles east of the shoal. Moreover, a Chinese maritime militia ship identified as CMM 00001 performed hazardous maneuvers and attempted similar water cannon actions, though the BFAR ship successfully evaded significant harm through defensive navigation. The PCG also disclosed that a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship bearing bow number 525 broadcasted warnings about ongoing live-fire exercises near the area. These announcements caused alarm among Filipino fishermen operating in the vicinity. The incident takes place in the waters referred to by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea, encompassing portions of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) including the Luzon Sea, the Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal upheld the Philippines’ sovereignty over its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), invalidating China’s extensive historical claims. However, China has continued to reject this ruling. This latest episode underscores ongoing maritime tensions in the disputed South China Sea region amid continued challenges to Philippine sovereignty and security.

Tropical Storm Nando Intensifies, Poses Potential Threat to Northern Luzon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported early Friday, September 19, that Tropical Storm Nando (international name: Ragasa) has slightly intensified while progressing west-northwest over the Philippine Sea. As of 4 a.m., the storm's center was located approximately 1,075 kilometers east of Central Luzon. TS Nando currently sustains maximum winds of 75 km/h near its core, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h and a central pressure of 998 hPa. It is moving at a speed of 15 km/h toward the west-northwest, producing gale-force winds extending up to 380 kilometers from its center. At present, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) are in effect. However, PAGASA indicated that Signal No. 1 could be raised over Northern Luzon as early as Saturday, September 20. Authorities further warned that if Nando intensifies into a super typhoon, the highest alert level, Signal No. 5, might be imposed. "Nando will continue to strengthen while traversing the Philippine Sea and is likely to reach typhoon status by Saturday evening," PAGASA stated. The weather bureau also emphasized that a transition to super typhoon intensity is possible as the storm approaches Extreme Northern Luzon. Although direct effects on the country’s weather are not expected within the next 48 hours, Nando's interaction with the southwest monsoon (locally known as habagat) may enhance rainfall, leading to heavy showers from Sunday, September 21, or Monday, September 22. Residents in Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas may experience strong to gale-force gusts on Friday. These conditions could extend to Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga on Saturday, followed by Bicol Region, Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga on Sunday. Sea conditions are currently stable but will deteriorate starting Sunday, with moderate to rough seas expected along most coastal areas of Luzon. Wave heights could reach up to 14 meters near Extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA cautioned that storm surge warnings might be necessary for coastal communities in Northern Luzon starting Saturday. Forecasts project that Nando will follow a west-northwest course, possibly making a brief loop around September 19 before advancing toward Extreme Northern Luzon. The storm may pass near or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands between Monday evening, September 22, and Tuesday morning, September 23, before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by late Tuesday. PAGASA continues to advise residents, particularly those in areas susceptible to flooding and landslides, to remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations. Disaster risk reduction agencies are urged to implement precautionary measures in anticipation of the storm's intensification. "Preparedness is essential as Nando may bring intensified conditions across northern regions," the agency concluded.

Rare Stegodon Fossil Skull Unearthed in Northern Philippines Sheds Light on Ancient Elephant Relatives

Paleontologists have reported the discovery of the first complete Stegodon fossil skull in the Philippines, found in Solana, Cagayan in northern Luzon by a local resident. The research team, composed of experts from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) and the University of Wollongong in Australia, recently published their detailed analysis of this million-year-old specimen. Dr. Meyrick U. Tablizo and Dr. Allan Gil S. Fernando of the UPD-CS National Institute of Geological Sciences, together with Dr. Gerrit D. van den Bergh from the University of Wollongong, revealed that the skull likely belonged to a juvenile Stegodon, an extinct relative of modern elephants. They estimate that this individual might have been slightly taller than an average Filipino, with mature adults being somewhat smaller than today’s Asian elephants. "The skull’s characteristics are consistent with Stegodon species from Indonesian islands such as Sangihe, Sulawesi, and Flores," Tablizo explained. "This points to remarkable swimming abilities in these ancient elephants, enabling them to traverse open seas and colonize islands despite the absence of land bridges." Finding a fossilized Stegodon skull is exceptionally uncommon. Tablizo noted that large animal fossils often do not survive intact, especially fragile skulls. Most Stegodon remains found in the Philippines before this discovery were limited to isolated teeth or tusk fragments, with very few bone pieces recovered. Despite some deformation, the newly uncovered skull includes a complete tooth and two small tusks, marking it as a singular find in the country’s paleontological record. While previous reports mentioned Stegodon skulls in Luzon, none had undergone formal scientific study or been curated in museums, making this find unprecedented. This important discovery enhances understanding of the prehistoric fauna of the Philippines. "Although Stegodon fossils have been known since the late 19th century, previous research focused primarily on teeth and tusk fragments," said Tablizo. "A skull provides far more comprehensive information about evolutionary relationships and migratory pathways." The study suggests that Luzon was home to at least three Stegodon varieties: a large-bodied form, a smaller dwarf species, and this newly identified intermediate type, indicating a more complex evolutionary history than previously recognized. Tablizo highlighted the significance of contextual data, including the fossil’s exact location, geological layer, and associated remains. "Given the limited number of paleontologists in the Philippines, discoveries made by locals are invaluable," he said. "We encourage anyone who finds fossils to reach out to institutions like the Nannoworks Laboratory, the Paleontological Society of the Philippines, or the National Museum to ensure proper preservation and study. Such finds can greatly contribute to unraveling our natural heritage." The team’s findings were published in the scientific journal *Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology* in a paper titled "Island-hopping across the Wallace Line: A new Pleistocene Stegodon fossil skull from Luzon (Philippines) reveals dispersal links to Wallacea."

Philippines Condemns China’s Proposed Nature Reserve on Disputed Scarborough Shoal

The Philippine government issued a strong diplomatic protest on Thursday against China’s plan to designate a "national nature reserve" on Scarborough Shoal, a strategically significant and disputed maritime area in the South China Sea. Manila views the move as a thinly veiled attempt by Beijing to reinforce its control over the territory. China unveiled the proposal a day earlier, intending to safeguard the "diversity, stability, and sustainability" of the natural ecosystem around Huangyan Island—the name China uses for Scarborough Shoal. State-run Chinese media reported the reserve would cover approximately 3,523.67 hectares (8,707 acres), emphasizing the protection of the coral reef environment. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned the initiative, labeling the establishment of the "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve" as an "illegitimate and unlawful action." The department reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereignty over the area and announced it would formally protest the declaration. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano characterized the reserve’s creation as "less about protecting the environment and more about justifying (China’s) control over... part of the territory of the Philippines." Ano warned that this move is a blatant pretext for "eventual occupation" of the shoal. Adding to concerns, retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, a professor at Manila's Ateneo School of Government, highlighted the possibility that China might engage in land reclamation and construct permanent installations in the area. Ong suggested that continued Philippine naval patrols could serve as an initial deterrent to such actions. China’s Foreign Ministry rejected Manila’s claims, asserting that the area has never belonged to the Philippines. Spokesman Lin Jian dismissed the protest as "groundless accusations or so-called protests" and urged the Philippines to halt what it described as provocations to prevent further escalation. Scarborough Shoal is located roughly 240 kilometers west of Luzon, the Philippines’ main island, and about 900 kilometers from Hainan Island, China’s nearest major territory. The area remains a flashpoint, notably after a recent incident in which a Chinese navy vessel collided with a Chinese coast guard ship during a pursuit of a Philippine patrol boat near the shoal. China asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea—a vital trade corridor for over 60 percent of global maritime shipping—despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidating its expansive claims under international law.

International Opposition Grows Against China’s Plan for Scarborough Shoal Nature Reserve

Several countries and international entities have raised objections to China’s recent announcement to create a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed maritime area in the South China Sea. Canada, Australia, Japan, Denmark, and the European Union condemned the move, stating it undermines established international law and threatens the stability in the region. In statements released over the weekend, officials from these countries voiced "deep concern" about Beijing’s plan, which contradicts the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling and restricts Filipino fishermen’s access to their traditional fishing waters. The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines emphasized the importance of marine conservation but rejected any effort to use environmental protection as a pretext to assert control over Scarborough Shoal. The embassy affirmed, "Canada recognizes the rights of states in the region, including the Philippines, to exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction within their exclusive economic zones in accordance with international law." Echoing similar sentiments, Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown highlighted the "potential implications" of China’s proposal and called on all parties to respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) alongside the 2016 ruling, which affirms the fishing rights of Filipinos at Scarborough Shoal. Denmark’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, described the initiative as a "so-called national nature reserve" and urged adherence to the unanimous 2016 tribunal verdict that protects Filipino fishermen’s traditional rights at Scarborough Reef. Japan’s Ambassador Endo Kazuya expressed "serious concern," warning that Beijing’s move may destabilize the South China Sea region. He reiterated that the 2016 arbitral award is "final and legally binding" and stressed the need for all parties to comply. The European Union delegation in Manila also affirmed support for the Philippines’ sovereign and maritime entitlements under international law, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved peacefully and warning against unilateral actions that alter the status quo in contested waters. Scarborough Shoal has been a vital fishing ground for hundreds of small-scale fishermen from Zambales, Pangasinan, and Bataan, particularly as other nearby fishing areas have grown depleted. However, since China seized control of the shoal in 2012 following a prolonged standoff with the Philippine Navy, Filipino access to these resource-rich waters has been significantly restricted. Reports from Filipino fishermen include instances of being driven away with water cannons, blocked from entering parts of the lagoon, or coerced into surrendering portions of their catch to Chinese Coast Guard personnel. China’s State Council recently approved the establishment of the 3,523-hectare "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve," reportedly aimed at protecting coral reef ecosystems. Nonetheless, Chinese state directives also include increased enforcement against "illegal and irregular activities," a clause that critics fear will be used to further exclude Filipino fishermen and strengthen Beijing’s hold on the shoal. This move has drawn criticism from other quarters, including from the United States, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the plan as "yet another coercive attempt" by China to enforce expansive claims in the South China Sea "at the expense of its neighbors."

Team USA Advances to Round of 16 with Straight-Set Win Over Portugal in FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship

In a decisive Pool D match at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship held at the Mall of Asia Arena, Team USA defeated Portugal in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17, on Monday night. This victory marked the Americans’ second dominant performance in the preliminary rounds, ensuring their progression to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Pool E witnessed a spectacular showdown as Bulgaria mounted a remarkable comeback against Slovenia. After losing the first two sets 19-25 and 14-25, Bulgaria rallied to take the next two sets 25-18 and 25-23, and clinched the match with a 15-13 win in the decisive fifth set. Bulgaria’s triumph came on the heels of a hard-fought 40-38, 25-22, 25-20 victory over world No. 10 Germany just last Saturday. Bulgarian outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov was instrumental in the comeback win against Slovenia, leading all scorers with 26 points. His tally included 23 successful attacks, one block, and two service aces, contributing significantly to the reverse-sweep victory. These results intensify the competition as both teams look forward to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Mariah Carey Performs Amazon-Themed Concert in Belem Ahead of COP30 Summit

BELEM, Brazil – On the evening of September 17, Belem welcomed internationally renowned pop star Mariah Carey for a unique concert aimed at raising awareness about the Amazon rainforest just weeks before the U.N. COP30 climate summit is set to take place in the city. The event, titled "Amazon Live – Today and Forever," spanned two days and was organized by Rock World, the promoters behind major music festivals such as Rock in Rio and The Town. Carey, 56, who recently performed to a crowd of over 70,000 in Sao Paulo, took center stage for a special half-hour set on a floating platform designed to resemble a giant water lily on the Guama River. Dressed in a glittering red gown, Carey opened the concert with her song "Sugar Sweet," sharing a message with her audience before performing: \"Tonight, we are here to raise awareness for the preservation of the rainforest. So let’s do it with a little tropical thing.\" This marks the sixth time the singer has performed in Brazil, having previously appeared in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro last year. The Amazon River concert was televised nationally and followed an emotional segment featuring female artists from the Amazon region. In November, Belem is poised to draw global leaders, climate advocates, and business representatives as it hosts the landmark COP30 summit, the first U.N. climate meeting held within the Amazon rainforest itself. The concert underscores growing international efforts to highlight environmental issues in the Amazon ahead of this pivotal event.