China’s building and military of man-made islands in the South China Sea has changed the strategic scenario of the region. Beijing has transformed the reefs and shoals into permanent military outposts that could be used to host aircraft or naval vessels as well as radar installations well away from the Chinese mainland. This has more to do than just a …

This was a major milestone in the Southeast Asian context of negotiation between the leaders of the countries in the Southeast Asian region, namely Prabowo Subianto and Xi Jinping (China) in November 2024.  The deal also included about US$10 billion in economic cooperation, for trade, mining and industrial projects, as well as the introduction of a more sensitive topic: joint …

The Philippines takes on ASEAN Chairmanship for 2026 with this year characterized by a sea of uncertainty and unaffordable climate risks. Although the regional economic-integration agenda and the Myanmar issue continue to be treated as a top priority, Manila has taken the security of the waters in the region and the much-expected South China Sea Code of Conduct. 2026 is …

Indonesia and Vietnam have completed their long-negotiated and pending ratification of their maritime boundaries. While this will probably improve maritime security and help prevent illegal fishing, the agreement will likely cause rifts with China because of the latter’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. President Prabowo Subianto said he was mulling ratifying the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) treaty with …

ASEAN has been a long-standing anchor for stability in Southeast Asia, laying the groundwork for economic and political cooperation, establishing dialogue, and promoting a security architecture based on rules and mutual respect. Today, with several complex challenges facing the region, it is as vital as ever that ASEAN continues to be part of the management of these challenges. Founding Principles: …

China tests its expanding military abilities by holding major amphibious landings in the South China Sea because tensions in the region keep growing. The military carried out beach operations practice in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province using vessels that deliver troops and military vehicles directly onto shores like in island invasion scenarios. News sources show experts from Radio Free Asia who reviewed …

The Philippines has suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea days after China’s coast guard and navy allegedly “harassment” its fisheries vessels. The Philippine coast guard on Saturday accused Chinese coast guard ships and a Chinese navy helicopter of harassing a group of Philippine fisheries vessels, which were conducting a scientific survey in a disputed area of the …

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has severely condemned the United States and other Western nations in supporting the Philippines in the current South China Sea conflict, which occurred on August 19, 2024. After their criticism of China’s policies against Philippine maritime activities, the embassy charged these countries of encouraging conflict and raising tensions in the region. South China Sea Incident …

The South China Sea, a crucial maritime corridor dotted with disputed territories, has long been a source of tension among bordering nations. For Indonesia, the presence of China in these waters has been perceived as a looming threat to regional stability and sovereignty. Indonesia’s Maritime Concerns Indonesia’s apprehension stems from a series of incidents that have highlighted the precarious nature …

The South China Sea is a strategic and resource-rich waterway that is claimed by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China claims almost the entire sea, based on its historical rights and its nine-dash line, which was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016. The other claimants base their claims on the United Nations Convention …