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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

In a recent development, tensions between China and Canada have escalated following Canada’s accusations of unsafe maneuvers by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) jets in the South China Sea. China has swiftly responded to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing and asserting its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Canada’s accusation stems from its claim that two Chinese …

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s attendance at the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit in Beijing marked a significant moment as it coincided with the program’s 10th anniversary. However, despite this milestone and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s announcement of close to $100 billion in new financing for the initiative, it appears that the Philippines will not benefit from China’s largesse …

Congress must swiftly pass legislation to implement strategic pacts with Pacific Island nations and counter Chinese aggression towards the Philippines, US House representatives from Guam and Hawaii told the foreign affairs committee on Friday. On Thursday night, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a joint resolution to implement deals that President Joe Biden’s administration recently concluded with the Marshall …

On November 3, the USS Dewey (DDG 105) conducted a freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to upholding international law and asserting navigational rights and freedoms. The operation challenged unlawful restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China , Taiwan, and Vietnam. All three claimants …

A recent incident involving a Chinese warplane and a Canadian military helicopter in the South China Sea has raised concerns about the safety and professionalism of Chinese military operations. Last Sunday, a Chinese warplane fired flares in front of a Canadian military helicopter flying over international waters, an action that Canadian military officers have deemed reckless and potentially dangerous. According …

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has responded to reports by the United States and Canada regarding the passage of their warships through the Taiwan Strait. According to the PLA, these nations have exaggerated and sensationalized the event. This latest incident further adds to the ongoing tensions between China and the international community concerning the disputed status of Taiwan. The …

In yet another escalation of tensions, China and Japan found themselves in a face-off as their coastguard ships clashed near the disputed Diaoyu Islands. These uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, have long been a contentious issue between the two Asian giants. This recent incident further underscores the ongoing territorial dispute and raises concerns about the potential …

The collision incident involving two Chinese vessels ramming a Philippine coast guard ship near the Second Thomas Shoal raises critical questions about the Philippines’ approach to dealing with China. It presents a policy dilemma where the Philippines has to decide whether to prioritize diplomacy or take alternative measures to counter Chinese aggression. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr , disillusioned …