South China Sea NewsWire Archive
Monthly Archive of Previous News Articles
Diplomacy
‘Quad’ top diplomats decry situation in South China Sea
31 July, 2024
Top diplomats from “the Quad” group of nations on Monday pledged to boost maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region as they criticized what they called the “militarization” of the disputed South China Sea, in a move seen as targeting China’s growing assertiveness in the strategic waterway.
Security
Philippines conducts resupply mission to disputed shoal
31 July, 2024
The Philippines said it had successfully resupplied troops stationed at a disputed atoll in the South China Sea, a week after reaching a deal with China over the shoal at the center of sharply rising tensions between the neighbors.
Diplomacy
Blinken to celebrate Biden legacy, reassure allies in Asia after president drops out of 2024 race
26 July, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to celebrate the Biden administration’s expanded commitment to Asia and the Indo-Pacific region as he visits Laos, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia. Blinken has modified his travel schedule twice since the announcement of the trip, and is expected to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi but has no plans to see Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Despite assertions that the decision by President Joe Biden will not impact the administration’s foreign policies, questions remain about his successor’s priorities and future.
Diplomacy
Manila will still assert South China Sea rights after China resupply deal
22 July, 2024
The Philippines has reached a “provisional arrangement” with China regarding its resupply missions to the contested Second Thomas Shoal. The agreement was not disclosed, but Manila insists it will continue to assert its rights in the South China Sea. The deal was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated.
Security
China’s electronic warfare surge shocks US in South China Sea
18 July, 2024
China’s cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) capabilities are transforming the balance of power in the South China Sea, as shown by a recent encounter between US and Chinese forces.
Security
China, Russia hold simultaneous joint naval drill, patrol
14 July, 2024
The navies of China and Russia are holding a joint exercise in the South China Sea and a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean in moves experts said on Sunday aim to enhance military cooperation and safeguard peace and stability.
Security
Confrontations in South China Sea surge, raising fears a miscalculation could lead to conflict
13 July, 2024
Reports of aggressive and dangerous conduct by Chinese vessels in the fiercely contested South China Sea have surged over the past 17 months, as tensions mount in one of Asia’s biggest flashpoints.
Security
US renews call on China to stop aggressive actions in disputed sea, where hostilities have flared
13 July, 2024
The United States on Friday renewed its call on China to stop its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, saying a broader web of security alliances has emerged to preserve the rule of law in the disputed waters.
Diplomacy
China’s coast guard says ‘allowed’ Philippines to evacuate sick person in S.China Sea
10 July, 2024
China’s coast guard said it had on humanitarian grounds “allowed” the Philippines to evacuate a person who had fallen ill on a rusting warship beached on the Second Thomas Shoal, a claim Manila’s coast guard said was “ridiculous”.
Enviroment
China claims Philippine warships damaged reef at atoll in South China Sea
8 July, 2024
China said on Monday “illegal” beaching of Philippine warships at the Nansha islands in the South China Sea had “gravely damaged” the coral reef ecosystem in the area, as both countries tussle over disputed territory at atolls in the vast waterway.
Security
China anchors ‘monster ship’ in South China Sea, Philippine coast guard says
6 July, 2024
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday that China’s largest coastguard vessel has anchored in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, and is meant to intimidate its smaller Asian neighbour.
Diplomacy
Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions – military chief
5 July, 2024
The Philippines has turned down offers from the United States to assist operations in the South China Sea, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal, its military chief said.
Diplomacy
Philippines president orders de-escalation in South China Sea, military chief says
4 July, 2024
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered his armed forces to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, his military chief said on Thursday, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal.
Security
China’s ‘monster ship’ returns to West Philippine Sea amid talks
3 July, 2024
Amid ongoing talks between Manila and Beijing, the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) biggest vessel, dubbed the “monster ship,” returned to the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning.
Diplomacy
Chinese and Philippine officials meet for South China Sea talks after series of recent clashes
2 July, 2024
Chinese and Philippine officials met to discuss the South China Sea on Tuesday, even as Beijing accused Manila of “undermining peace and stability” in the disputed waters.
