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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.
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
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.

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US-China relations

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

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The Philippines

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

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Science

China finishes deep-sea tests on upgraded Jiaolong submersible

The month-long trial shows that upgrades will allow it to complete more frequent and intensive scientific research missions, state media says.

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The Jiaolong recently finished a month-long trial. Photo: National Deep Sea Centre
The Philippines

Philippines set to host second Typhon unit, signalling Trump’s defence pledge

The second Typhon unit will allow more Philippine troops to train with the system and enhance the country’s sovereignty, analysts say.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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US-China relations

US military seen as stretched but South China Sea activity rose: paper

SCSPI think tank says US may adopt primary approach of drones or autonomous weapons to address ‘quantity anxiety’ in the contested waters.

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The US military sent three carrier strike groups, including the USS Carl Vinson, for eight activities gaining access to the South China Sea last year, according to a Beijing-based think tank report. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Opinion | In handing Duterte to ICC, Marcos stirs up Philippine hornets’ nest

Too many questions surround the abrupt U-turn on cooperation with the International Criminal Court, from sovereignty to political persecution.

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US-China relations

US won’t ‘live fire’ Philippine-based Typhon missile system that angered China

US Army statement comes with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth set to visit Manila this week to ‘advance security objectives’.

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China’s military drills

China to hold joint naval drills with Thailand near South China Sea port

‘Blue Strike-2025’ exercise will be held from late March to early April near Zhanjiang on southern coast, Beijing’s defence ministry says.

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The Chinese navy’s sixth “Blue Strike” naval exercise with Thailand is expected to focus on counterterrorism tactics and anti-submarine warfare, according to Beijing. Photo: Xinhua
The Philippines

Philippine defence chief labels Beijing’s South China Sea claims ‘fiction and lie’

Gilberto Teodoro denounced Beijing’s South China Sea claims urging stronger defence and alliances amid rising tensions.

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A Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea in December 2023. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines

Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands as South China Sea ‘sentinels’

Experts say it might be legally and logistically difficult to repurpose Grande and Chiquita Islands but political will might hold sway.

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US-China relations

Don’t expect the US to scale back its Asia-Pacific military presence, analysts say

Trump may not have spelled out his South China Sea position but deployments are peaking and only likely to be maintained, according to observers.

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Science

China unveils a powerful deep-sea cable cutter that could reset the world order

Beijing now has the power to disrupt global communications after scientists revealed a device that can sever undersea cables.

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A new device built by Chinese engineers can cut through undersea communications cables. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Hegseth’s Manila visit ahead of Balikatan signals strong US-Philippines ties

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s visit is seen as an important step in strengthening Washington’s alliances in the Asia-Pacific.

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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to visit the Philippines this month, ahead of joint drills between the countries. Photo: TNS
The Philippines

Will India and South Korea join the Philippines’ ‘Squad’ to counter China?

Analysts say expanding the Squad would strengthen surveillance and response capabilities, making it harder for Beijing to operate unchallenged in contested waters.

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Indonesia

Indonesia and Vietnam to seal maritime deal – will China respond?

Indonesia’s parliament is set to sign an agreement to formalise maritime boundaries with Vietnam next month.

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China-EU relations

EU defence white paper says China’s military action risks disruption for Europe

Paper warns geopolitical shifts are something ‘we have been warned about many times but is now happening faster than many had anticipated’.

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EU High Representative and Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas gives a press conference to unveil the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 19, 2025. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

Video | Vietnam targets Chinese dolls over South China Sea ‘map’

Investigation launched after a version of Baby Three toys with a design similar to a map of the waterway were being widely sold

Malaysia

Malaysia agrees ‘no find, no fee’ terms to restart flight MH370 search

Exploration company Ocean Infinity will receive US$70 million if the wreckage is successfully located.

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The Philippines

Philippines taps India as nickel trade partner to curb reliance on China

Philippines realises it is too risky to depend solely on China, which imports nearly 98 per cent of its nickel, analysts say.

A barge being loaded with nickel ore at in Infanta, Philippines. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Backlash brews in Malaysia over tea chain Chagee app’s South China Sea map

Irate consumers spur boycott calls after Chinese tea chain’s app prominently displayed the controversial nine-dash line.

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Guests attend the opening ceremony of a new Chagee outlet in Kuching, Malaysia. Photo: Facebook/my.chagee
The Philippines

Filipino activists to hold ‘peace concert’ in the South China Sea

The Atin Ito coalition said they would sail into the disputed waterway in May with musicians to deliver supplies and a message of solidarity.

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The Philippines

‘Lip service’: Philippines’ cyber defences lag amid Chinese attack claims

With reports of military networks and government sites being breached, experts warn the Philippines is ill-prepared for cyber warfare.

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US-China relations

Beijing hits out at ‘arrogant and malicious’ G7 criticisms over South China Sea

Despite growing internal trade tensions, the G7 has presented a united front in attacking Beijing’s ‘illicit’ and ‘dangerous’ actions.

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Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army carries out a combat drill in the Taiwan Strait. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

G7 slams China’s ‘dangerous’ moves in South China Sea, strongly backs Ukraine

Statement by foreign ministers gathered in Canada also highlights importance of ‘maintaining peace and stability’ across Taiwan Strait.

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(From left) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in La Malbaie, Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada, on Friday. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Will Typhon system feature in Philippines’ full-battle Balikatan drills?

Similar to Balikatan 2024, this year’s drills will feature sinking exercises 12 nautical miles outside the Philippines’ territorial waters.

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China-Japan relations

Exclusive | Don’t use China as a hedge against US, Beijing’s envoy warns Japan

Ties with Tokyo may be on the mend but could be undone by Japan’s view of its neighbour, ambassador Wu Jianghao says.

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