EXCLUSIVE

In the contested waters of the South China Sea, a quiet tide of cooperation may be rising

In this special report, James Borton—editor of the South China Sea NewsWire and author of the new book Harvesting the Waves: How Blue Parks Shape Policy, Politics, and Peacebuilding in the South China Sea—argues that science, not sovereignty, could chart a new course for the region. With Chinese marine scientists increasingly recognizing the need for more marine protected areas, Borton suggests they could become unlikely ambassadors in a growing movement for science diplomacy and shared stewardship.

Photo credit: Hawksbill turtle, swimming in a protected coral reef in Anilao, facing the West Philippines Sea by Jorge Ida

Even hawksbill turtles, who have no knowledge of geographic boundaries, are serving as ocean ambassadors in bringing claimant nations together to address ecological challenges. Their migratory paths—cutting across disputed waters—offer a compelling reminder that marine life doesn’t recognize man-made borders, and that collaboration, not confrontation, may be the key to preserving the region’s shared natural heritage.

Diplomacy

Manila’s provocations belie Marcos’ positive words

11 June, 2025

Philippine President Marcos Jr.’s friendly remarks on China-Philippines relations contrast sharply with his government’s pro-U.S. actions, especially in the South China Sea, which have strained bilateral ties. China urges the Philippines to align its words with actions, stop acting as a U.S. proxy, and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Security

Chinese Navy conducts training in Western Pacific

10 June, 2025

China has sent its two carrier strike groups to the Western Pacific Ocean to carry out training operations, a spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Navy said on Tuesday.

Security

South China Sea: Filipino islanders face ‘very dangerous’ life under Beijing’s shadow

10 June, 2025

Filipino forces and villagers in the South China Sea face isolation and territorial tensions as they resist China’s growing dominance.

Diplomacy

China ‘has a lot of trust building to do’ in South China Sea, Philippines says

3 June, 2025

Manila’s defence chief says he wants China to engage in good faith. But observers note that trust is a two-way street.

Diplomacy

EU-Philippines defence dialogue targets foreign interference and cyber threats

02 Jun, 2025

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have agreed to establish a dialogue to deepen cooperation on defence and security, aimed at combating emerging challenges such as cyber threats, foreign interference, and information manipulation, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

Security

Cambodia to file complaint with ICJ over Thai border dispute

02 Jun, 2025

Cambodia will file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over border disputes with Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Monday (Jun 2), after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a recent frontier clash.

Diplomacy

Timor-Leste to be granted full Asean membership in October, says Malaysia PM Anwar

28 May, 2025

Timor-Leste will become Asean’s 11th member state, with full membership to be granted at the next regional meeting in Kuala Lumpur later in 2025.

Security

Indonesia and France set up defense agreement for fighter jets, submarines

28 May, 2025

Indonesia and France have signed a letter of intent to enhance defense cooperation, particularly in the development of strategic weaponry, including the procurement of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.

Diplomacy

ASEAN agrees to lower barriers to boost regional trade

28 May, 2025

Southeast Asian leaders are pushing to deepen economic integration at a regional summit that began Monday, approving an upgraded trade agreement and endorsing a new long-term vision in their first meeting since Washington announced sweeping tariffs in April.

Security

Philippines, US hold joint maritime drills in South China Sea

21 May, 2025

Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines and the United States have taken part for the first time in joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the contested South China Sea.

Environment

The islanders facing China’s menacing presence on their horizon

21 May, 2025

Pagasa Island, controlled by the Philippines, has around 300 residents and holds strategic importance in the South China Sea. It faces ongoing pressure from China’s military and maritime forces, which restrict local fishing activities.

Security

China supervises Philippines’ resupply mission to warship

20 May, 2025

China Coast Guard said on Tuesday that it supervised the Philippines’ resupply mission of daily provisions to the country’s illegally grounded warship in Ren’ai Reef in the South China Sea on Friday.

Diplomacy

Singapore’s HDB corridors compared with South China Sea row? US embassy slammed over video

20 May, 2025

The video compares rule violations over cluttering along HDB corridors with what it refers to as China’s illegal actions in the waterway.

Diplomacy

No more South China Sea ‘flip-flopping’? Philippines plans long-term post-Marcos strategy

12 May, 2025

After swinging between Beijing and Washington, Manila seeks a steadier maritime policy that will endure beyond the current administration.

Diplomacy

PH warns: Any China attempt to construct in Scarborough Shoal a ‘red line’

6 May, 2025

Any attempt by China to undertake construction to turn Scarborough Shoal into an island will cross a “red line” by the Philippines that would spark regional instability, a Philippine official told an online forum.