South China Sea NewsWire Archive
Monthly Archive of Previous News Articles
Security
As Philippines plans to upgrade South China Sea outposts, Beijing weighs options
29 January, 2024
China appears to be taking ‘wait and see’ approach after Manila says it will improve facilities for troops deployed on disputed reefs and islands. Observers say Beijing could blockade Philippine ships – if the project goes ahead – but US involvement would complicate Chinese response.
Security
Russia warship conducts anti-submarine drill in South China Sea
29 January, 2024
Russia’s Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov has conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, Russian news agency reported on Monday, citing the fleet’s press service.
Diplomacy
Ukraine invites China’s Xi to ‘peace summit’ – Zelenskiy’s top adviser
26 January, 2024
Ukraine has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in a planned “peace summit” of world leaders in Switzerland, a top diplomatic adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, as Russia’s invasion approaches its second anniversary.
Diplomacy
China accuses US of ‘abusing’ international law by sailing in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea
25 January, 2024
China accused the U.S. of abusing international law with its military maneuvers in the western Pacific, one day after an American naval destroyer sailed through the politically sensitive Taiwan Strait.
Security
Philippine Says Armed Forces to Ensure ‘Unimpeded and Peaceful’ Exploration in South China Sea
24 January, 2024
The Philippines armed forces will guarantee the “unimpeded and peaceful” exploration and exploitation of natural resources within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as it shifts its focus to external defence, Manila’s defense secretary said.
Diplomacy
China Rebuts Vietnam’s Claims to Disputed South China Sea Islands
24 January, 2024
The Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday said China’s claims to the Paracel and Spratly Islands in the South China Sea were backed by “history” after Vietnam over the weekend repeated it had sufficient evidence to claim sovereignty over the islands.
Security
Pictures Show US Ally Airdropping Supplies To Avoid China Blockade
22 January, 2024
The Philippines on Sunday airdropped supplies to the disputed South China Sea territory at the center of its bitter geopolitical feud with China
Diplomacy
Dialogue held on South Asia security in Pakistan
21 January, 2024
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee and Pakistan-China Institute, discussed the significance of China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a framework for resolving security issues.
Economics
China builds Silk Road mega port in South America
21 January, 2024
To accelerate trade with South America, China has built a deep-water mega port in Chancat, Peru, worth US$3.5 billion, scheduled to start operations late in 2024
Diplomacy
China, Philippines agree to lower tensions on South China Sea confrontations
19 January, 2024
China and the Philippines said they have agreed to work on lowering tensions after a year of public and tense confrontations in the South China Sea between their ships that have raised concerns of armed engagement in the region.
Security
US senators introduce bill to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals
19 January, 2024
Legislation requires US federal agencies to submit report to Congress on world’s critical minerals and rare earths to address ‘information gaps’
Security
US, Philippines, China Begin Simultaneous South China Sea Patrols
18 January, 2024
The Philippines and the United States yesterday began a two-day joint maritime and air patrol in the South China Sea, after a year marked by a string of dangerous incidents in contested waters.
Security
Philippines defence minister calls out China official for ‘gutter-level talk’, to ramp up military ties
17 January, 2024
The Philippines is planning to hold ‘more robust’ military activities with the US and its allies, the country’s Defence Secretary told Bloomberg News
Security
Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – military chief
15 January, 2024
The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday.
Diplomacy
China slams Germany for meddling in South China Sea row
13 January, 2024
Insisting anew on its claim of owning almost the entire South China Sea (SCS), China has lashed back at other non-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries allegedly meddling in the maritime disputes of the region.
Diplomacy
Indonesia’s Jokowi visits Vietnam to talk South China Sea security, trade
12 January, 2024
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, on Friday will meet Vietnamese top leaders during a state visit to Hanoi aimed at promoting cooperation between the two Southeast Asian partners on security in the South China Sea and trade.
Diplomacy
In Manila, German foreign minister warns of ‘rough winds blowing’ in South China Sea
10 January, 2024
MANILA, Philippines – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday, January 11, warned of “rough winds blowing across the South China Sea,” following a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila.
Diplomacy
US and China ambassadors identify areas of cooperation as well as danger zones
10 January, 2024
Xie Feng says if Washington continues to insist Beijing is a competitor, then improving the bilateral relationship ‘would be out of the question’
Diplomacy
China expresses serious concern over U.S.-Japan-ROK joint statement
8 January, 2024
China on Monday expressed serious concern over a joint statement issued by the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) about the Taiwan question and South China Sea.
Economics
China’s largest shipper reportedly suspends trips to Israel as Red Sea tensions mount
8 January, 2024
Chinese state-owned shipping giant Cosco suspended shipping to Israel through the Red Sea as tensions in the strategic shipping lane continue to rise, Israeli state media reported.
Security
China’s military starts fresh exercise day after US-Philippine patrol ends
6 January, 2024
China began a new military exercise in the South China Sea on Friday following the end of a two-day joint patrol by the United States and Philippines in the disputed waters.
Diplomacy
China-U.S. cooperation ‘no longer an option … but an imperative’ – Wang Yi
6 January, 2024
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday the most urgent task for Sino-U.S. relations is to establish a correct understanding and cooperation between the two sides, stressing it is “no longer an option … but an imperative” for the world.
Security
China conducts patrols in South China Sea amid ongoing run-ins
4 January, 2024
China’s military will conduct routine patrols with its naval and air forces in the South China Sea from Wednesday to Thursday, the military’s Southern Theater Command said, as ongoing tensions simmer in the region over disputed territories.
Security
China surveillance missions spotted in the sky over Taiwan
4 January, 2024
A single spy flight was detected crossing over the island on Monday, followed by three more on Tuesday — just days before a pivotal presidential election that will have ramifications on China-Taiwan relations.
Security
Two key military appointments from China’s naval ranks reflects Xi’s territorial ambitions, analysts say
3 January, 2024
When Xi Jinping named Adm. Dong Jun as China’s defense minister last week, it marked the first time a naval officer has been elevated to that position, and analysts say it gives a clear indication of the Chinese leader’s priorities – Taiwan tops among them.
Environment
Scientists urge strategic infrastructure in disputed sea
1 January, 2024
Any infrastructure program for Philippine-occupied features in the South China Sea should be designed to make the country’s features habitable and conducive for scientific research, a group of scientists and engineers said.
