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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.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to boost rail transport and infrastructure cooperation at their talks in Putrajaya this week. Photo: Xinhua
China-Asean relations

Trump’s tariffs fuel China’s dream of railway link with Southeast Asia

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, intraregional rail transport was at the top of the agenda.

The Philippines

Philippines warns US tariffs could jeopardise US$5.6 billion fighter jet deal

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Asean

South China Sea: can Malaysia deliver breakthrough in code of conduct talks?

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Mainland China

China, Philippines trade accusations after tense Scarborough Shoal encounter

Chinese coastguards and their Philippine counterparts accuse each other of dangerous behaviour south of the contested area.

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An image published by the Philippine coastguard on social media after the incident. Photo: X/ Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippines

5 drones with ‘Chinese markings’ found in Philippine waters: navy official

The drones were used to collect data for various applications, including for ‘underwater warfare’, a Philippine navy spokesman said.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Like Cixi, Trump has made the mistake of declaring an ill-advised war

Soon after the empress dowager declared war on foreign powers in 1900, the Qing dynasty collapsed. Trump’s tariffs reflect the same delusion.

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The Philippines

Manila praises Google’s move to put ‘West Philippine Sea’ on the map

A senator says the move by Google Maps proves the correctness of Manila’s policy to defend its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

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A Google Earth map shows the western part of the Philippines as the “West Philippine Sea”. 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.

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Australia

Australia boosts Philippines’ South China Sea defence with 20 drones

Australia’s gift comes days after a near-collision between Philippine and Chinese coastguard vessels in the South China Sea.

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Cambodia

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

The China-funded expansion of Ream Naval Base has made the US and analysts worried that it will be used as a strategic outpost by China.

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Members of the Cambodian navy march during a ceremony for modernised infrastructure at Ream Naval Base. Photo: EPA-EFE
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

State media published pictures of the three alleged spies. Photo: CCTV
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US President Donald Trump’s aggressive playbook towards China includes slapping tariffs, playing the Taiwan card, and flexing muscle through Indo-Pacific allies. Photo: EPA-EFE
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’.

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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.

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