Vietnam has sharply expanded land reclamation in the disputed Spratly Islands and is on track to match and likely surpass — China’s island-building in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank said Friday. Satellite images reviewed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) show Vietnam has, since early 2025, begun dredging and … Read more
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro condemns China’s actions in the South China Sea as “patently illegal.” Teodoro emphasizes the need to deter armed attacks rather than triggering treaty obligations. The clash overshadowed efforts to rebuild trust and manage disputes in the South China Sea. On Monday, the Philippines’ defense secretary condemned China’s actions in the South … Read more
China warns the US of no right to intervene in its maritime disputes with the Philippines. The US has condemned China’s actions against “lawful Philippine maritime operations” following the latest clash. Analysts suggest Beijing aims to push eastward from the Second Thomas Shoal. On Tuesday, China warned the United States that it has “no right … Read more
The Philippines and Vietnam will launch their first joint Coast Guard exercise in Manila Bay on August 9. The exercise is part of a commitment to enhance maritime cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations. The exercise is part of a larger effort to de-escalate the South China Sea dispute, which China claims. The Philippines … Read more
The funding is part of an agreement to deepen defense cooperation amid ongoing tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. The funding is a once-in-a-generation investment to modernize the Filipino Armed Forces and Coast Guard. It will also boost the Philippines’ humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. On Tuesday, the US announced $500 … Read more
The agreement is a response to the persistent territorial disputes, which have sparked fears of a larger armed conflict. The Philippine military met with US Gen. Charles Brown Jr. to discuss ways to enhance defense ties. The agreement also includes a plan to establish a new communication channel between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards. … Read more
Marcos stated that the Philippines is defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. This is the 20th protest against Beijing’s conduct in the South China Sea this year. Marcos stated that the Philippines will continue to respond to South China Sea incidents through diplomatic means. On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that … Read more
Filipino and US forces have begun their annual joint military drills. The drills are part of a larger effort to counter maritime, air, land, and cyber-attacks in the disputed South China Sea. The exercises focus on the development of interoperability and are not directed at a specific country. On Monday, Filipino and US forces commenced … Read more
President Joe Biden pledges US “ironclad” support for the Philippines against any attack in the South China Sea. The US and the Philippines have maintained a mutual defense treaty since 1951. China has dismissed criticism of its actions in the South China Sea. In a strong declaration, President Joe Biden has vowed that the US … Read more
China’s defense ministry warns the Philippines against “provocative” actions. The warning comes after an incident in the South China Sea. The remarks follow China’s coast guard’s actions against Philippine vessels in disputed waters. On Sunday, China’s defense ministry cautioned the Philippines against “provocative” actions and asserted that China would safeguard its territorial sovereignty. This statement … Read more
The Philippines seeks to resolve resource issues in the South China Sea. President Marcos acknowledges escalating tensions with a “more assertive China.” Manila stresses its right to utilize resources in the West Philippine Sea. To meet its energy demands, the Philippines is seeking to settle “exploration issues” in the South China Sea, according to President … Read more
The Philippines and China traded accusations on Sunday over dangerous collision in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. This marks the latest in a series of maritime confrontations between the two nations, escalating tensions in the region. This occurred during a routine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines and China … Read more
US combat ship enters disputed waters near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. China condemns the US, accusing it of undermining regional peace and sovereignty. Chinese military mobilizes maritime troops to track the US ship. China’s military announced that a US combat ship had unlawfully entered the waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, … Read more
Philippines courties rivals to craft code on South China Sea. Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in reaching a broader. China acknowledged the importance of formulating a code of conduct. The Philippines has engaged in discussions with neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam to explore the possibility of establishing a separate … Read more
Joe Biden & Xi Jinping set to steal APEC thrown with talks to steady ties. Both Biden and Xi will aim to make their case on the world stage. The U.S. will seek to present itself as the most dynamic economic partner in Asia. U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set … Read more
Fumio Kishida working with the Philippines & US to protect the South China Sea. Kishida addressed the Philippine Congress in the capital city of Manila. Japan’s primary maritime dispute with China lies in the East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during his official visit to the Philippines, affirmed on Saturday that his country, … Read more
Biden warns China, reaffirms US defense commitment to Philippines in South China Sea. Recent collisions escalate tensions between Filipino and Chinese vessels. China claims US has no right to interfere in China-Philippines issues. Amidst recent maritime incidents in the South China Sea, US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to China, declaring the United … Read more
Philippines claims the Chinese coast guard struck its boats intentionally. The Philippine boats “bumped dangerously” with the coastguard vessels. The Philippines has sought closer ties with the United States. The Philippines accused Chinese coastguard vessels of intentionally colliding with its vessels during a resupply mission in a disputed part of the South China Sea, leading … Read more
