The Philippines recently announced its intention to develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory. This move is aimed at making these islands more habitable for troops stationed in the area. The plans come at a time of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim territory in the South China …

In a recent visit to the Philippines, Germany’s top diplomat expressed concerns over the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. She emphasized that the world does not need another crisis and criticized China’s maritime maneuvers during talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. Germany’s top diplomat expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the South China Sea during her …

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi announced on Tuesday that her country is willing to collaborate with other Southeast Asian nations to finalize a long-delayed code of conduct for the South China Sea. Many neighboring countries, including Indonesia, have overlapping claims with China in the region. During a joint press conference with her Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo in Manila, Retno stated, …

Tensions surrounding Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea have escalated in 2023, with accusations from Manila that the Chinese coastguard used a military-grade laser and incidents of water cannon firing and dangerous collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels. These events have raised concerns about a wider conflict in the region, and there has been no indication of de-escalation …

The South China Sea disputes between China and Southeast Asian claimants have become a major flashpoint in the region in 2024. In a significant diplomatic intervention before the New Year, Indonesia, as the outgoing chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), rallied the bloc’s foreign ministers to issue a joint statement calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution …

Vietnam and the Philippines are reportedly in talks to develop a strategic partnership focused on the South China Sea, aiming to avoid maritime disputes and present a united front against China. Both countries are asserting their claims in the region, which makes them vulnerable to China’s alleged wedge strategy or actions aligned with Beijing. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated …

According to reports, a US aircraft carrier has entered the South China Sea, a move that experts argue sends the wrong signal to the Philippines amidst the country’s repeated provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the region. The US Navy’s Carl Vinson carrier strike group departed from Singapore after a port visit and is now operating in the South …

The Second Thomas Shoal, located 120 miles off the coast of Palawan in the Philippines, is home to the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era landing vessel that serves as an important infrastructure and outpost for the Philippine marines. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague ruled that the shoal belonged to the Philippines and that China …

Recently, US President Joe Biden engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding China’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. Such discussions bring into question China’s rightful claim over this disputed region. China’s bold assertion of control in the South China Sea, without legal authority or historic precedent, raises concerns globally. The country has not only militarized the …

Joint maritime and air patrols in the South China Sea between the Philippines and the United States military have been launched, according to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He described it as a “significant initiative” aimed at bolstering the interoperability of the two countries’ military forces. The decision to conduct these patrols comes amidst a rapid strengthening of ties between …

The United States has commenced advisory support to the Philippines for repairing a World War II-era warship stranded on an atoll in the South China Sea. This gesture underscores Washington’s commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime rights amidst escalating tensions with China. The grounded warship, the Sierra Madre, was intentionally stranded by the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal in the …

In a recent survey conducted in Taiwan, it was found that while a majority of respondents expressed doubt regarding the trustworthiness of the United States, they continue to believe in Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s security. This intriguing finding sheds light on the complex sentiment among Taiwanese citizens towards the US. Taiwan has long been a focal point of tension between …

In a recent meeting between Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Chinese officials, President Marcos emphasized the importance of not allowing the South China Sea disputes to overshadow the broader scope of bilateral relations between the two countries. These remarks were made with the intention of finding a peaceful resolution and fostering cooperation amidst rising tensions regarding territorial rights in …

During a closely watched meeting on Wednesday, President Joe Biden told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the United States has every right to be present in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden shared this information with more than 1,000 business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. He highlighted the significance of the Pacific to the US, emphasizing their role in …

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) showcased its newly commissioned 10,000 ton-class large destroyer, the Zunyi, during a combat-oriented exercise in the South China Sea. Analysts believe that the exercise displayed the ship’s rapid capability generation in defending national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights amid tensions in the region. The Zunyi conducted realistic air defense, anti-missile, and sea assault combat …