South China Sea
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South China Sea

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.
LATEST China Science NEWS

China’s silk weaving tech, kung fu bot goes open-source: 7 science highlights

America’s F-22 jets are known to suffer coating cracks, but China is now using ancient weaving techniques to create a more advance type of coating to solve the problem. Photo: AFP

Yun Guolin, Cambridge physicist and wearable tech expert, leaves UK for China

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Former Cambridge University physicist Yun Guolin has pioneered research in wearable devices that use liquid metal composites to create pressure sensitive sensors and electronics. Photo: Sciencenet.cn

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2025: everything you need to know

A screen at a shopping centre in Beijing shows Premier Li Qiang speaking during the opening of the annual session of China’s top legislature on Wednesday. Photo: Robert Ng

Have Chinese scientists just dashed humanity’s last hopes to win in air combat?

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New AI created by a team of Chinese scientists can detect even the most unpredictable manoeuvres by human pilots. Photo: Northwest Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Top Chinese materials scientist died from ‘insane’ workload, open letter claims

Materials scientist Liu Yongfeng, a professor at Zhejiang University and recipient of several top national research grants, died suddenly at the age of 48, joining a growing list of Chinese researchers who have died prematurely. Photo: Handout
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Chinese nationals and their alleged Philippine accomplices, arrested for alleged espionage, are presented during a press conference at the National Bureau of Investigation office in Manila on February 25. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

China’s alleged spy network in Philippines raises concerns about outdated laws

Officials have long called for an update to its World War II-era espionage law, which may not be sufficient to address modern threats.

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Global South

Opinion | How the Global South can rise above the fray as the West fractures

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US-China relations

Exclusive | Despite tariff war, Trump may meet Xi in China as soon as April, insiders say

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The Philippines

Philippines sends ‘Angels’ to ease China sea tensions with words not weapons

‘A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique,’ a member of the Angels of the Sea team says.

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Stephane Villalon, a Philippine coastguard radio operator with the Angels of the Sea programme, looks out to sea on a ship in Manila. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Editorial | Wang offers stability to world at time of growing uncertainty

Foreign minister makes it clear China is a responsible power, champion of the global order and willing to cooperate against risks.

United States

Opinion | To Europe’s shock, Trump is bringing back great power geopolitics

As Trump seeks a balance of power with Russia and China, Europe faces the prospect of being a chess piece rather than a player.

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The Philippines

Philippines to sign visiting forces deal with Canada to boost military ties

The deal will be the latest security pact in the face of the Philippines’ increasingly tense confrontations with China.

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Philippine Navy personnel watch Canadian vessel HMCS Montreal during the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity held in the West Philippine Sea in August 2024. Photo: via AP
The Philippines

What are Filipinos most worried about? US-China trade war, survey says

Seven in 10 respondents say they fear the trade conflict would affect livelihoods.

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Two Sessions 2025

China hits out at US Pacific policy ‘failure’, tariffs war – as it happened

Foreign minister answers questions about strained US ties, the Ukraine war and China’s strategy in Middle East.

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Asean

Malaysia renews call for unified Asean defence industry but will it work?

Different levels of defence industrial development across Asean among significant hurdles to success of Malaysia’s proposal, analysts say.

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Ministers at the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat in Penang, Malaysia on February 26. Photo: X/KhaledNordin
The Philippines

Philippines ready to fight if China restricts flights in South China Sea

Philippines defence secretary warns that country will take action against China’s increasing aggression in the disputed waters.

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An aerial view of the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
Singapore

France projects Indo-Pacific ambition in Singapore with carrier strike group

The visit by the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier-led flotilla comes amid China’s heightened military activities in the Indo-Pacific.

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US-China relations

Taiwan a focus at hearing for Trump’s choice to run Pentagon strategic policy

Republican senators question Elbridge Colby, up for Defence Department’s No 3 post, about his ‘softened’ views on protecting Taipei.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Why US allies in Europe and Asia are ‘de-risking’ from Trump

Collective bargaining may be the only defence against his flirtation with rival superpowers, protectionist policies and transactionalist diplomacy.

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An artwork of US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at an exhibition called “Yalta 2.0” at a gallery in Livadia park in Crimea on February 8. The Trump administration has signalled a strategic abandonment of Ukraine and even the broader European community. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines adds 2 new warships in naval upgrade, but strategic doubts remain

The South Korean-built guided missile frigates have anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities.

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The BRP Miguel Malvar at its initial launch ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea, on June 18, 2024. Photo: Department of Defence
The Philippines

‘Not up for debate’: why Filipinos are hitting back at Chinese internet users

A number of Chinese social media users claim Palawan was originally called Zheng He Island and that its name has been ‘restored’.

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The Philippines

Philippine ambassador warns defence treaty with US may not be ironclad

The comments by Jose Manuel Romualdez come after a row between Trump and Zelensky rattles the confidence of Washington’s defence partners.

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China-Asean relations

Zelensky-Trump clash sparks Asean jitters over reliability of US commitments

Each nation in the bloc has different needs and ties with US and China, posing tests for non-alignment, analysts say.

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On February 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and US President Donald Trump failed to reach a deal after a fiery exchange. The clash has given allies and other nations cause to mull their relationships with the US. Photo: Zuma Press Wire/TNS
China’s air force

Why the PLA’s WZ-9 drone is a challenge to US aircraft in the South China Sea

The UAV has reportedly been deployed to Hainan on the northern side of the disputed waters.

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China-Philippines relations

Beijing says Philippines is polluting South China Sea by burning waste

State media released footage of smoke pouring from the Sierra Madre, a warship that has been grounded on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

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Asean

Asian Angle | Asean, Beijing need new strategy for binding code of conduct in South China Sea

A recalibrated approach is needed to narrow differences, strengthen trust, and ensure a legally binding code that promotes regional stability.

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A Chinese coastguard ship sails through the South China Sea. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/AFP
Taiwan

Editorial | Exercise by China’s PLA Navy sends timely reminder

Reaction to warships in Tasman Sea appears excessive, particularly when Australia dispatches forces to the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

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Sailors onboard the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Arunta view People’s Liberation Army-Navy ships in the Tasman Sea. Photo: AFP/Australian Defence Force
China-Australia relations

How Chinese PLA’s latest forays off Australia cap years of maritime tensions

Australia’s growing presence in South China Sea and Taiwan Strait seen to underscore commitment to Western aims to curb China’s influence.

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Asean

Philippines issues ‘wake-up call’ for Asean unity to ‘resist coercion’

Analysts say the Philippine defence secretary was referring to Asean’s unity being challenged by China on the security and economic fronts.

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Asean

Opinion | How Asean centrality and strong China ties can go hand in hand

As Asean chair, Malaysia must woo China, a key partner for the bloc, and also forge cooperation with a wide range of partners.

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The Asean flag is seen alongside the flags of member countries ahead of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia, on January 17. Photo: Reuters
Australia

Were China’s ‘unprecedented’ naval drills a ‘signal’ to Australia, New Zealand?

The drills, conducted near a busy air corridor, have prompted both countries to enhance surveillance and collaborate with allies.

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A People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang sailing at an undisclosed location. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong voiced concern on February 21 over live fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country’s east coast. Photo: Australian Defence Force/AFP
Ukraine war

Opinion | How Trump’s handling of Ukraine war could shake up Indo-Pacific

As the US positions Russia as a potential hedge against China, Europe is already recalibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy.

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The Philippines

With eyes on China, Philippines and Japan agree to enhance defence partnership

Security ties strengthened amid shared concerns over China’s actions in the region.

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