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US Coast Guard

The latest news and top stories on the US Coast Guard. A prominent Washington D.C. based governmental body, the US Coast Guard is a military service and federal law enforcement agency dedicated to maritime safety security and stewardship. Its primary mission is to protect defend and save lives and property at sea. Key activities include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, port security and national defence. As the oldest continuous seagoing service in the United States, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation's waters and economic interests.

Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, speaks during a Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security in New York on Tuesday. Venezuela requested a Security Council meeting, citing escalating tensions resulting from “US aggression” against the country. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

China, Russia clash with US at UN over Venezuela oil seizures and naval pressure

Venezuela turns to UN as Trump’s oil crackdown intensifies and Caracas advances a law targeting those in support of naval blockades.

24 Dec 2025 - 7:46AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China says US broke international law by seizing oil tankers off Venezuela

23 Dec 2025 - 8:27AMvideocam

Venezuela

US pursues third oil tanker as Trump’s Venezuela ‘blockade’ intensifies

22 Dec 2025 - 10:20AM

Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuela slams ‘international piracy’ after US seizes another vessel

Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers in and out of the area, but the ship is reportedly not one of those blacklisted.

21 Dec 2025 - 9:57AMvideocam

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted footage of the operation on social media on Saturday. Image: X/Sec_Noem

Americas and the Caribbean

Tanker seized off Venezuela to be taken to US port, as threat of war grows

White House justifies targeting ‘black-market oil’ as Russia expresses support for its ally, Nicolas Maduro.

12 Dec 2025 - 10:12AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

‘We keep it’: Trump says US seized oil tanker off Venezuela coast

Venezuela accuses the US of ‘blatant theft’ and ‘international piracy’ after US forces stormed a sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean.

11 Dec 2025 - 4:02PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Explainer | Why are tensions between China and Japan running so high now?

Diplomatic row could be seen as culmination of complex history, coupled with recent statements and deeds that both sides view with wariness.

19 Nov 2025 - 10:48AMvideocam

Beijing has accused Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of undermining the political basis of China-Japan relations. Photo: Kyodo

The Philippines

Why the US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan

The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner.

24 Oct 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

China doubles GenAI users, PLA ship near disputed shoal: SCMP daily highlights

From the fourth plenum kicking off in Beijing to China reporting 4.8% quarterly GDP growth, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

20 Oct 2025 - 9:15PM

China's military weapons

PLA tanker ‘spotted resupplying coastguard vessel’ near Scarborough Shoal

Philippine maritime domain awareness report suggests PLA replenishment ship Qinghaihu was part of multi-vessel manoeuvre with coastguard.

20 Oct 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

The Qinghaihu, hull number 885, is a Type 908 replenishment ship of the PLA Southern Theatre Command. Photo: Handout

South China Sea

China begins drills near Scarborough Shoal as US-Philippine naval exercises end

Combat rehearsals follow recent confrontations between Beijing and Manila over disputed territories in resource-rich South China Sea.

17 Oct 2025 - 4:42PMvideocam

The disputed Scarborough Shoal, lying about 120 nautical miles from the Philippines, has become a flashpoint in tensions between Beijing and Manila. Photo: AFP

United States

Titan sub imploded on way to Titanic wreck ‘because of faulty engineering’

In addition to failing to meet strength and durability requirements, the vessel was not adequately tested by OceanGate, the vessel’s owner.

16 Oct 2025 - 5:25AMvideocam

South China Sea

South China Sea tensions spike again as Chinese, Philippine ships collide

China claims ‘illegal intrusion’ into waters near contested Sandy Cay, while the Philippines condemns ‘clear threat’ and bullying tactics.

13 Oct 2025 - 12:13PMvideocam

The Philippines

Philippines to boost US presence with naval base deal amid ‘entrapment’ fears

While the US presence serves as a deterrent, experts warn the Philippines risks becoming a target should tensions with China rise.

5 Oct 2025 - 5:03PM

This screenshot shows a Philippine navy vessel anchored at Oyster Bay naval facility in Palawan province, west of Manila. Photo: AFP

South China Sea

China says Philippine ship deliberately hit coastguard boat near disputed shoal

Chinese used water cannons and other ‘control measures’ against boats they say were ‘engaged in illegal activities’ in the area.

16 Sep 2025 - 2:00PMvideocam

China’s coastguard said “multiple Philippine government vessels” were involved in the confrontation near Scarborough Shoal. Photo: Reuters

The Philippines

Filipinos worry Chinese online claims to Batanes risk real-world conflict

Analysts warn such narratives seek to enhance Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea and influence public opinion in the Philippines.

25 Aug 2025 - 6:55PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | The US shouldn’t disrespect China’s right to the high seas

Washington’s recent confrontation of a Chinese research icebreaker reflects gaps in its application of international maritime law.

8 Aug 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

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US Coast Guard

China, Russia clash with US at UN over Venezuela oil seizures and naval pressure

Venezuela turns to UN as Trump’s oil crackdown intensifies and Caracas advances a law targeting those in support of naval blockades.

China says US broke international law by seizing oil tankers off Venezuela

US pursues third oil tanker as Trump’s Venezuela ‘blockade’ intensifies

Venezuela slams ‘international piracy’ after US seizes another vessel

Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers in and out of the area, but the ship is reportedly not one of those blacklisted.

Tanker seized off Venezuela to be taken to US port, as threat of war grows

White House justifies targeting ‘black-market oil’ as Russia expresses support for its ally, Nicolas Maduro.

‘We keep it’: Trump says US seized oil tanker off Venezuela coast

Venezuela accuses the US of ‘blatant theft’ and ‘international piracy’ after US forces stormed a sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | Why are tensions between China and Japan running so high now?

Diplomatic row could be seen as culmination of complex history, coupled with recent statements and deeds that both sides view with wariness.

Why the US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan

The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner.

China doubles GenAI users, PLA ship near disputed shoal: SCMP daily highlights

From the fourth plenum kicking off in Beijing to China reporting 4.8% quarterly GDP growth, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

PLA tanker ‘spotted resupplying coastguard vessel’ near Scarborough Shoal

Philippine maritime domain awareness report suggests PLA replenishment ship Qinghaihu was part of multi-vessel manoeuvre with coastguard.

China begins drills near Scarborough Shoal as US-Philippine naval exercises end

Combat rehearsals follow recent confrontations between Beijing and Manila over disputed territories in resource-rich South China Sea.

Titan sub imploded on way to Titanic wreck ‘because of faulty engineering’

In addition to failing to meet strength and durability requirements, the vessel was not adequately tested by OceanGate, the vessel’s owner.

South China Sea tensions spike again as Chinese, Philippine ships collide

China claims ‘illegal intrusion’ into waters near contested Sandy Cay, while the Philippines condemns ‘clear threat’ and bullying tactics.

Philippines to boost US presence with naval base deal amid ‘entrapment’ fears

While the US presence serves as a deterrent, experts warn the Philippines risks becoming a target should tensions with China rise.

China says Philippine ship deliberately hit coastguard boat near disputed shoal

Chinese used water cannons and other ‘control measures’ against boats they say were ‘engaged in illegal activities’ in the area.

Filipinos worry Chinese online claims to Batanes risk real-world conflict

Analysts warn such narratives seek to enhance Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea and influence public opinion in the Philippines.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | The US shouldn’t disrespect China’s right to the high seas

Washington’s recent confrontation of a Chinese research icebreaker reflects gaps in its application of international maritime law.

Explainer | Why are tensions between China and Japan running so high now?

Opinion | The US shouldn’t disrespect China’s right to the high seas