News
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New satellite image shows China beefing up military presence in South China Sea
At least four J-10 fighter jets have been deployed on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea, a satellite image shows, which a Chinese expert said is a necessary move for the country’s national defense. The image, released by CNN, was taken on Wednesday and represents the first time for J-10s to be seen on […]
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Behind Filipino boat captain’s ‘change of tune’ on South China Sea collision
The boat captain’s recent change of tune over the collision incident which left him and 21 other crew members in the middle of the South China Sea with a sunken ship is being perceived to be a result of pressure from government. Secretary Emmanuel Piñol of the agriculture department leads the government response team to […]
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South China Sea: Beijing deploys jets in challenge to Trump as fears of conflict surge
FEARS of open conflict in the South China Sea surged after satellite images revealed Chinese warplanes have been deployed to a contested island. The images, acquired by CNN, show four J-10 fighter jets on the disputed Woody Island. This is believed to be the first deployment of Chinese warplanes to the island since 2017. Beijing’s […]
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PH boat sinking ‘wake-up call’ to finish South China Sea code – analysts
MANILA, Philippines – The sinking of a Philippine fishing boat by a Chinese ship in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a “wake-up call” to complete the crafting of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, according to analysts. In a roundtable forum in Quezon City on Wednesday, June 18, Chinese […]
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Collision highlights need for South China Sea code
Rival territorial claims to natural resources under the South China Sea make disputes and incidents on the surface inevitable. The potential for mishaps and misunderstandings that can lead to serious conflict means a framework for avoiding and containing them is paramount to regional peace and stability. A case in point is the fallout from a […]
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South China Sea: Beijing ‘attack’ on Philippines boat could trigger US war treaty
Sung Kim reiterated the US commitment to the treaty following reports Beijing sunk a Philippine fishing boat. The Chinese vessel reportedly rammed a fishing boat in Reed Bank. A total of 22 crew members on the boat were rescued by a nearby Vietnamese vessel. Mr Kim said on Cignal TV’s One News: “(US Secretary of […]
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Things Filipinos must know about China’s fishing militia in the South China Sea
They appear as ordinary Chinese fishermen manning trawlers in the South China Sea, but they are military-trained militia deployed as another “gray zone tactic,” that is, an action to gain advantage without provoking a convention military response. The relatively new sea force in the strategic waterway has recently been believed to be behind laser attacks […]
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Restraint in South China Sea Asean’s mantra once again
SOUTHEAST Asian leaders, including President Duterte, have vowed to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea as they agreed to “avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.” All the 10 leaders attended the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit (Asean) in Thailand. In the Asean Leaders’ Vision Statement […]
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Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea
BEIJING — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in […]
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Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea
BEIJING — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in […]
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DND reaffirms commitment in securing PH waters
The Department of National Defense (DND) remains committed in ensuring the Philippines’ maritime security amid multifaceted challenges and competing interests in the regional waters. This was emphasized by Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna in his speech at the 146th Maritime Forum at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. However, the official said the Philippines […]
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China’s Paramilitary Navy Just Sank a Philippine Fishing Boat (and the U.S. Said Nothing)
As the media fixates on the U.S. response to the June 13 attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, simmering tensions more than 3,700 miles away in the South China Sea may soon come to a boil. On June 12, the Philippine government released a statement on the sinking of an anchored […]