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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

With the Biden administration currently focused on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, there is a concern that a new crisis may emerge in another part of the world. One area of particular concern is the Pacific region, with China being seen as a key troublemaker. China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea have raised alarm. Beijing appears …

The rhetoric in Chinese Communist Party-controlled media has become extremely heated regarding the recent conflict in the South China Sea. Chinese officials and media outlets have made strong statements about the situation, including threats of military action against the Philippines. Director of China’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Xu Liping, warned that if the Philippines continues to provoke, China’s countermeasures …

China’s defense ministry recently released footage showing what they claim to be evidence of harassment by a US warship in the South China Sea. According to the ministry, the video was recorded in August during routine training near the Xisha Islands, which China claims as its territory. The video depicts a US destroyer crossing the bow of a Chinese destroyer. …

On October 24, 2023, a concerning incident took place in the South China Sea involving a People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot and a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft. The B-52 was lawfully conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was subjected to an unsafe intercept by the PRC pilot. The intercept occurred during the night with limited visibility, …