Chinese vessels have been spotted in the waters around Scarborough Shoal, a hotly contested atoll just 140 miles off the coast of Manila, the Philippine capital on the island of Luzon. Details remain sparse, but the presence of survey craft suggests preparations may be underway for China to occupy Scarborough and build a base there. […]

“Drone war” appears to be building up in the South China Sea as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines jostle for advantage in their “Mexican standoff.” According to an expert, their turning to unmanned aerial vehicle technology reflects new terms of global competition changing the rules of the game for many long-simmering conflicts and rivalries. Drone […]

Malaysia announced on Tuesday that all foreign vessels are banned from fishing in its waters, following reports that some 100 fishing vessels were spotted off the Luconia Shoals. KUALA LUMPUR: All foreign vessels are not allowed to fish in Malaysian waters, National Security Minister Shahidan Kassim told reporters on Tuesday (Mar 29) after last week’s […]

KUALA LUMPUR: Contradictory statements on the encroachment or otherwise of Chinese vessels in Malaysian waters is very puzzling. The Diplomat reports that it could simply be a further illustration of Malaysia’s policy of playing it safe when it comes to the South China Sea dispute. The report said Shahidan Kassim, minister in the prime minister’s […]

While Malaysia’s navy has insisted that no foreign fishing vessels were spotted in its waters in the South China Sea in the past week, its maritime authorities are adamant that up to 100 Chinese boats had entered waters off Sarawak since March 24 before leaving on Sunday. The head of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency […]

A China Coast Guard ship in a stand off with a Philippine supply boat. Photo: Jay Directo/AFP via Getty Images The US is very concerned about China’s attempted restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight amid the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a senior official said Tuesday, urging claimants to push for […]

The Department of National Defense (DND) has signed a P5.36-billion contract with an Anglo-Italian firm for the procurement of two anti-submarine helicopters, which would be the first of its kind in the Philippine military’s armament. “This will definitely enhance the capability of the Philippine Navy,” said Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo. “For the first time, we’ll […]

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s maritime authority said Tuesday Chinese Coast Guard vessels escorted about a hundred Chinese fishing trawlers into Malaysia’s territorial waters near Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea last week. “It is unprecedented. This is the first time,” Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Admiral Ahmad Puzi Abdul Kahar told reporters of […]

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in a speech at a World Affairs Council gala in Washington, said five evolving challenges now driving the Pentagon’s planning and budgeting were Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and international terrorism. AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on Tuesday reaffirmed its call to all countries with conflicting claims to parts […]

China would face more conflicts with its Asian neighbors if it ignores an upcoming ruling of an international tribunal on the South China Sea disputes, a senior US State Department official said Tuesday. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Colin Willett, in a telephone press conference with Southeast Asian journalists, said China should view the arbitration […]