South China Sea
TOPIC
 / location

South China Sea

Home
Background
The Hague case
Analysis
Video
Interactive
South China Sea
South China Sea
The latest news on South China Sea territorial disputes. The contrasting claims have been an ongoing point of contention among several countries including China, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Filipino coastguard crew look at a Chinese coastguard ship during a resupply run to the Second Thomas Shoal in March 2024. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines

Philippines completes South China Sea resupply run without a hitch

Seventh trouble-free mission to disputed Second Thomas Shoal could be due to the July 2024 arrangement between both sides, analysts note.

videocam
Australia

Australia boosts Philippines’ South China Sea defence with 20 drones

videocam
10
Cambodia

India boosts defence cooperation with Cambodia as China’s influence draws scrutiny

videocam
China-India relations

India may not join the Squad. But its regional ties are ‘gaining momentum’

New Delhi could draw closer to Southeast Asian nations as they face similar pressures over Beijing’s territorial claims, analyst says.

videocam
There have been frequent run-ins between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea in recent years. Photo: AP
US-China relations

China’s rise ‘unstoppable’ as US grows tired of policing the world: Zhou Bo

A book of essays by the retired PLA senior colonel examines the question of whether the world should fear China.

videocam
14
Asean

South China Sea: is Beijing’s code of conduct ‘milestone’ progress or a tactic?

In all likelihood, the negotiations will be kicked further down the road just as in the past, analyst says.

videocam
5
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Australia

Sinking feeling: is Australia’s navy ready for a Pacific conflict?

For years, Australia assumed it had time on its side. But experts warn its maritime defences are woefully unprepared for a modern conflict.

videocam
28
HMAS Parramatta, and Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Philippines disputes China’s arrest of alleged Filipino spies

The Philippines says the three were ordinary citizens and the arrests could be retaliation for Manila’s arrest of alleged Chinese spies.

Cambodia

Cambodia’s China-renovated naval base has ‘nothing to hide’, Hun Manet says

Senior officials denied US media reports in 2022 that the new facilities were being built exclusively for the Chinese navy.

US-China trade war

Will Trump tariffs open door for China to improve ties with Vietnam?

The ‘very damaging’ move could take a heavy toll on the country and may prompt Hanoi to move to boost economic ties with its neighbour.

videocam
54
The tariffs could hit US firms with manufacturing operations based in Vietnam. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-Philippines relations

Mounting China-Philippine spy cases risk rattling economic relations

Chinese firms might consider the atmosphere ‘not friendly enough’ to continue investing in the Philippines, analyst says.

videocam
On February 25, Philippine authorities showed seized equipment and Chinese nationals, pictured in the background with alleged Philippine accomplices, arrested on espionage charges. Photo: AFP
Science

China’s deep sea space station: could South China Sea be the next Persian Gulf?

An alien, underwater world could hold the answers to China’s energy security, scientists say, as they work to unlock its mysteries.

videocam
The Philippines

Opinion | Why the Philippines can’t count on the US’ strategic love

The Trump administration has offered reassurances to Manila, but mixed signals and global tariffs mean there are still reasons to be wary.

videocam
The Philippines

Philippines offered 20 US F-16 fighter jets in major defence upgrade

Experts stress the urgent need to upgrade the Philippine Air Force due to its limited capabilities in defending against China’s military presence.

videocam
31
Two US Air Force F-16 fighter jets soar over the Indo-Pacific. The US approved a sale of 20 F-16 warplanes to the Philippines, boosting its air defence. Photo: US Air Force
US-China relations

PLA puts US military on notice over ‘dangerous’ activities near China

Warning follows maritime security meeting in Shanghai between US and Chinese personnel.

videocam
15
US military activities in the waters near China are raising the risk of miscalculation, the Chinese military says. Photo: US Navy
Asean

Southeast Asians expect more US engagement amid Trump’s tariff call: survey

Singapore, one of the US’ closest partners in the region, is the most worried about the impact of Trump’s second term, a new survey shows.

videocam
7
China-Philippines relations

Sinophobia among Philippine officials? China’s travel advisory spurs reflection

The advisory comes after incidents of harassment of Chinese citizens and a series of espionage and online gaming crackdowns by Manila.

videocam
7
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China economy

Opinion | Despite hurdles, China’s ambition for global leadership role is clear

From the ‘two sessions’ to Boao Forum, Beijing is promoting tech independence, green innovation and support for developing nations.

videocam
Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

China-US summit hopes fade as Trump 2.0 goes hard on tariffs, Taiwan: analysts

Washington has changed its tune on Beijing, mistakenly believing that China will yield, observer says.

videocam
56
Asean

South China Sea: poor diplomacy and deep mistrust may spark crisis, expert warns

Region is in ‘stable tension’, analyst tells Boao Forum. ‘We already have so many actors in the region … It’s so crowded, this place’.

videocam
9
Food and Drinks

Supply squeeze threatens Vietnam’s traditional fish sauce makers

Overfishing and warming seas threaten stocks of anchovies, the key ingredient of the nuoc mam fish sauce villagers in central Vietnam make.

A villager makes fish sauce in his home in Nam O, Da Nang, Vietnam. Climate change is affecting the supply of anchovies on which the traditional trade depends. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Observers warn of South China Sea, Taiwan uncertainties as US allies draw closer

Warning comes after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Philippines and Japan with pledges to boost defence cooperation.

videocam
43
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has highlighted the need for regional cooperation to counter China. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Can Manila become Beijing’s ‘plus one’ amid South China Sea tensions?

The Philippines’ economic zones chief says Manila is being eyed as ‘the next preferred destination’ for China’s ‘plus-one’ strategy for firms dodging US tariffs.

videocam
5
The Philippines

Is Duterte’s ‘capable’ daughter reshaping her image for a 2028 presidential run?

Showcasing a kinder image to overseas Filipinos, Sara Duterte-Carpio appears to be positioning herself for a future presidential bid.

videocam

PLA’s South China Sea arm on ‘high alert’, warns Manila against stoking tensions

PLA’s Southern Theatre Command conducted ‘routine patrol’, spokesman says, as Philippines and Japan hold naval drills with treaty ally US.

videocam
60
US, Philippine and Japanese navy vessels take part in a multilateral exercise “in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific” on March 28. Photo: X/ US7thFleet
China-Philippines relations

As Hegseth visits Manila, Beijing warns against meddling in South China Sea

‘Those who willingly become pawns will inevitably be discarded,’ Chen Xiaodong, foreign vice-minister, tells Boao Forum panel.

videocam
7
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (left) and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner salute on arriving at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

US Air Force nominee wants total drones approach to counter mainland China

Troy Meink tells confirmation hearing that the Pentagon needs to shorten acquisition timelines or PLA will continue to close the gap.

videocam
48
The Philippines

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game-changer’ missiles to deter China threat

During a visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed alliance, deterring Beijing’s ‘aggression’ in the South China Sea.

videocam
9
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement