Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles

Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

Australia criticized China on Saturday for not providing adequate justification for what it deemed insufficient notice regarding a live-fire drill conducted in waters between Australia and New Zealand, which led to flight diversions by airlines. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the government has yet to receive a “satisfactory answer from China regarding the notice” of the drills, which he described as “disconcerting” for commercial … Continue reading Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

China blasts high-decibel acoustic device to harass PH vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

Philippines has charged that the Chinese navy engaged in ‘reckless’ aerial maneuvers

The Philippine Coast Guard has accused the Chinese Navy of engaging in perilous flight maneuvers on Tuesday, as it approached a government aircraft that was monitoring a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, a claim that Beijing has contested. “This reckless action posed a serious risk to the safety of the pilots and passengers,” stated the coast guard in an official release. According to … Continue reading Philippines has charged that the Chinese navy engaged in ‘reckless’ aerial maneuvers

China has charged Australia with intentional provocation in the South China Sea

China accused Australia on Friday of intentionally provoking tensions with a maritime patrol in the contested South China Sea earlier this week, claiming that Australia was disseminating “false narratives.” In contrast, Australia asserted that its actions were in compliance with international law. The incident involved a statement from Australia’s defense minister, who reported that a Chinese PLA J-16 jet released flares within 30 meters (100 … Continue reading China has charged Australia with intentional provocation in the South China Sea

Chinese Nuclear Carrier

China might have commenced the construction of the Type 004 supercarrier

Recent satellite imagery indicates that China might have initiated the construction of its latest nuclear-powered Type 004 super aircraft carrier. Observers have noted this possibility, although there are several inconsistencies between the images and the typical construction procedures for such vessels. The primary concern is that the images appear to depict a flight deck module, leading to speculation that this could merely be a test … Continue reading China might have commenced the construction of the Type 004 supercarrier

China deploys an aircraft carrier along with 59 warships to a strategic region near Taiwan

Satellite imagery from January 31 indicates that the People’s Liberation Army Navy has stationed one aircraft carrier, one coast guard vessel, and 58 maritime militia ships in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island. This military presence is particularly significant due to the island’s strategic importance. Pag-asa Island, also referred to as Thitu Island, is a crucial component of the contested Spratly Archipelago and serves as a … Continue reading China deploys an aircraft carrier along with 59 warships to a strategic region near Taiwan

An aerial view shows the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands, South China Sea.

Philippines halts South China Sea exploration following China’s ‘intimidation’ actions

The Philippines announced on Saturday the suspension of a scientific survey in the South China Sea due to “harassment” and aggressive actions from China’s coast guard and navy towards its fisheries vessels. Manila and Beijing have experienced a series of escalating tensions in the contested waters of the South China Sea. China asserts its claim over nearly the entire strategic waterway, which facilitates $3 trillion … Continue reading Philippines halts South China Sea exploration following China’s ‘intimidation’ actions

Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions on Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart regarding China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to defense support for Manila. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio emphasized that China’s conduct threatens regional peace and stability and contravenes international law during his conversation with … Continue reading Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

A crew member works on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier during an earlier maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea.

Philippines and the United States conduct collaborative maritime drills in the South China Sea

The Philippines and the United States conducted their fifth round of joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, as reported by Manila’s armed forces on Sunday, a development likely to provoke China. According to a statement from the Philippine military, the “maritime cooperative activity” took place on Friday and Saturday, marking the first such exercise of the year and the fifth since the initiation … Continue reading Philippines and the United States conduct collaborative maritime drills in the South China Sea

The ASEAN flag is placed alongside the flags of its member countries ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Malaysia takes the lead in ASEAN while balancing expectations regarding Myanmar and the South China Sea

Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened for a private retreat in Malaysia on Sunday, marking the country’s inaugural meeting as the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc. This gathering occurs against the backdrop of a worsening civil conflict in Myanmar and ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. As Malaysia assumes the rotating chairmanship of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the bloc faces challenges … Continue reading Malaysia takes the lead in ASEAN while balancing expectations regarding Myanmar and the South China Sea

Philippines urges ASEAN and China to address complex issues regarding the South China Sea code

The ASEAN regional bloc and China need to make progress on the long-standing code of conduct for the South China Sea by addressing critical “milestone issues,” such as its scope and the potential for it to be legally binding, according to the Philippines‘ foreign minister on Saturday. The South China Sea continues to be a point of contention between China and its neighboring countries, including … Continue reading Philippines urges ASEAN and China to address complex issues regarding the South China Sea code