I am a journalist for more than 26 years and specializes in politics, foreign affairs, defense and national security issues.

Philippines, U.S., Japan Coast Guards' First-Ever Trilateral Exercise

30 May 2023  |  www.realcleardefense.com  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

The Philippine Coast Guard will conduct its first-ever trilateral maritime exercise with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard near the Chinese-occupied Scarborough Shoal. The exercise, starting on June 1, will take place in the waters of Mariveles, Bataan, amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.

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South China Sea Tensions Maritime Exercise

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A multimedia communicator with 25 years in strategic communications and broadcast journalism. Career has provided a wide range of experience: including digital campaigns, interviewing, media relations, news conferences, on-camera work, speech writing, social media, video editing, video production, ...

US, Japan, and Philippine Leaders Meet to Counter China's Maritime Aggressions

12 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

In a historic trilateral summit, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met to address China's aggressive maritime actions in the South China Sea. The leaders discussed China's 'gray zone' tactics, which threaten to trigger mutual defense treaties, and announced new maritime defense measures and infrastructure investments. The summit emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order and multilayered cooperation among allies. China's actions were criticized, while the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines reinforced their commitment to regional security.

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South China Sea Tensions China's Maritime Aggressions US-Japan-Philippines Relations

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Helen Davidson is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. Previously reporting on immigration, Indigenous affairs, and the Asia Pacific for Guardian Australia, she is now a correspondent covering China and the region for the Guardian.

China sounds warning after Philippines and US announce most expansive military drills yet

18 Apr 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

The Philippines and US are set to conduct Balikatan military exercises outside Philippine territorial waters for the first time, involving 16,700 soldiers in areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea. China's foreign ministry warned that this could lead to greater insecurity in the region. The exercises will include the Philippine Coast Guard, which has been involved in clashes with China around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The drills aim to improve US-Philippine military coordination amid recent aggressive actions by Beijing in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a stance rejected by an international tribunal in 2016. The US has pledged to defend the Philippines against any attacks in the region. China's top diplomat Wang Yi is touring south-east Asia, while Indonesia's president-elect visited China earlier in April.

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South China Sea Tensions Military Exercises International Relations

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Devianti Faridz is a Freelance Broadcast Journalist in Jakarta.

She had worked as a News Correspondent at a Singapore based regional broadcaster, Channel NewsAsia.

Prior to that, she served as Producer for several English news programs, as well as a Bahasa Indonesia tourism program on Metro ...

Experts: Indonesia’s $10 billion deal with China could undermine sovereignty, increase political tensions

10 Nov 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  South China Sea Dispute

A $10 billion deal between Indonesia and China has raised concerns among maritime security and international law experts about potential threats to Indonesia's sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea and increased political tensions within ASEAN. The agreement, which includes joint development in fisheries, oil, and gas, is seen as implicitly recognizing China's controversial nine-dash line claim, potentially undermining Indonesia's sovereign rights. Experts warn of economic subjugation and increased illegal fishing, while the Indonesian Foreign Ministry maintains the deal does not affect sovereignty. The agreement could strain ASEAN unity and delay the ratification of Indonesia's EEZ agreement with Vietnam.

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ASEAN Political Tensions South China Sea Dispute Indonesia-China Relations

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Maurizio Geri is a freelance journalist, also Italian Navy lieutenant reservist POLAD and EU Marie Curie Postdoc fellow 2024/2026 (2024 at GMU in Washington DC, 2025 at GMF and VUB in Brussels, 2026 at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice) to research the EU-NATO cooperation in Emerging Disruptive ...

South China Sea tensions conceal a secret war to control the world’s Internet

02 May 2023  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  South China Sea tensions

The article explores the geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, focusing on the strategic importance of subsea internet cables. The US and China are vying for control over these cables, which are crucial for global internet traffic. The US has blocked several Chinese projects due to surveillance concerns, while China is advancing its own cable networks. Malaysia's exclusion from US-backed projects has pushed it closer to China, potentially altering regional dynamics. The article highlights the need for the US to engage more actively in the region to counter China's influence and maintain its strategic interests.

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South China Sea tensions Internet control Geopolitical rivalry

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Adam Hancock is a freelance journalist based in Singapore covering the wider Asia-Pacific region and Australia. 

I work for a variety of clients including; BBC News, Al Jazeera, The Independent, TRT World and Reuters. My interests include foreign affairs and sport.

Chinese FM Wang Holds Talks With Singapore Leaders to Strengthen Ties, Trade

11 Aug 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Singapore to deepen ties with the Southeast Asian nation, meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The visit, which also includes Malaysia and Cambodia, aims to strengthen strategic communication. The meetings resulted in pledges for further cooperation in various sectors and resuming direct flights post-COVID-19. Earlier talks between Singapore's prime minister and Chinese President Xi Jinping had pledged to elevate diplomatic relations. Singapore's close ties with China are influenced by its majority-Chinese population, but concerns about Chinese influence persist. Singapore has enacted laws to counteract foreign interference. Wang's visit to Southeast Asia also coincides with rising tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. After Singapore, Wang Yi will visit Malaysia and Cambodia.

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South China Sea Tensions Diplomacy International Relations Economic Cooperation Cultural Exchanges Tourism Foreign Influence

Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

Why Are There Fears of War in the South China Sea?

31 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Geopolitical Tensions

Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll near the Philippines, is a focal point of tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels, raising fears of a potential conflict that could involve the United States due to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. The South China Sea is highly valuable, containing productive fisheries, significant shipping channels, and potential oil and natural gas deposits.

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South China Sea Dispute Geopolitical Tensions

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Jeoffrey Maitem is a journalist based in Davao City, Philippines.

Australia’s drone donation boosts Philippines’ maritime needs amid South China Sea tensions

09 Apr 2025  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  South China Sea tensions

Australia has donated state-of-the-art drones to the Philippines, enhancing its maritime capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. This initiative is part of broader bilateral cooperation, including training and marine protection. The drones will provide real-time surveillance in areas where Philippine and Chinese territorial claims overlap, supporting the modernization of the Philippine coastguard.

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South China Sea tensions Maritime cooperation Drone technology

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Guill Ramos is stringer/local producer based in Manila,Philippines.

As long as we’re here, it’s ours: the island fishing community on the frontline of South China Sea tensions

26 Aug 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  South China Sea tensions

Thitu Island, occupied by the Philippines since 1974, is at the center of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, with China also claiming the island. The local fishing community, led by figures like Larry Hugo, faces increasing pressure from Chinese vessels and surveillance. Despite the challenges, the island's population has grown, supported by government incentives and infrastructure development. The presence of civilians is crucial for the Philippines' claim, amidst China's military expansions in nearby areas. Residents express determination to remain on the island, highlighting the geopolitical struggle between the Philippines and China.

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South China Sea tensions Territorial disputes Philippines-China relations

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An award-winning multimedia correspondent who has reported from North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and his native Britain for more than a decade. Strong editorial judgment and leadership skills with the ability to grasp and distill complex issues with ease and lead digital and broadcast ...

Is a US-China war in Asia inevitable?

30 Oct 2018  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Military Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent comments about preparing for war have heightened fears of a potential military conflict with the United States, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Retired US Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges predicts a possible war within 15 years due to increasing competition between the two nations. Experts suggest that while conflict is possible, there are opportunities for negotiation and managing the relationship. The US has taken a tougher stance under President Trump, including tariffs and military actions, while China has responded with military drills and economic measures. The South China Sea remains a significant flashpoint, with multiple countries involved in territorial disputes. Despite the tensions, there are signs of progress, such as ASEAN's talks with China on a code of conduct for the region.

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South China Sea Dispute Military Tensions US-China Relations Taiwan

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Saman Rizwan is an independent analyst and a graduate of International Relations from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, Singapore.

European Colonialism is Haunting Tensions in the South China Sea

01 Oct 2023  |  intpolicydigest.org  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

Tensions in the South China Sea are exacerbated by historical colonial disputes, particularly a $15 billion legal award against Malaysia linked to a colonial-era land deal. The case, involving heirs to the Sulu Sultanate, is seen as flawed due to misinterpretations of historical treaties. The involvement of Western investors and U.S. tech giants in the case raises concerns about national security and foreign investment in Malaysia. The article argues that such legal precedents could destabilize modern sovereign states and reignite territorial claims, potentially driving a wedge between Malaysia and the Philippines amid rising regional instability.

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South China Sea Tensions Geopolitics Colonial History

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Chansamnang Sim is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I am covered human rights, politics, education, technology and social issues. Find me on my twitter: @chansamnang_sim

Cambodia's Stance on ASEAN Military Drills Reflects Balancing Act with China

13 Jun 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  South China Sea Tensions

Cambodia has hesitated to participate in ASEAN's proposed joint military drills in the South China Sea, a move that complicates the regional bloc's plans and reflects Cambodia's delicate relationship with China. Indonesia, as the current chair of ASEAN, announced the plan for non-combat military exercises aimed at promoting 'ASEAN centrality' and addressing disaster risks. However, Cambodia's military chief stated that Cambodia and other unnamed countries had not agreed to the proposal. The Cambodian military is forming a working group to study the proposal before making a decision. Experts believe that these exercises could strain China-ASEAN relations, as Beijing has territorial claims in the South China Sea contested by several ASEAN members. Cambodia's stance is seen as indicative of its alignment with China, with whom it has increasingly close ties. The decision on whether to participate in the drills is seen as significant for Cambodia's international positioning and ASEAN's unity.

Tags:

South China Sea Tensions Diplomacy Military Exercises

Michael Tatarski is a journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He has covered politics, current events, the environment and more for The Atlantic, Politico, the South China Morning Post, Al-Jazeera, Mongabay and the Guardian. He is available for freelance written assignments, as well as radio ...

What's Going on in the East Sea?

29 Sept 2024  |  vietnamweekly.substack.com  |  English  |  South China Sea Dispute

The discussion with Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program, centers on the escalating tensions in the East Sea, particularly between China and the Philippines. Vietnam's strategic expansion of its controlled islands and China's muted response are highlighted, alongside the U.S.'s current stance in this crucial maritime region. The dynamics between smaller regional claimants and the dominant presence of China are also explored.

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China-Philippines Tensions South China Sea Dispute Vietnam's Island Expansion

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Laura Walters is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Laura spent a decade reporting in New Zealand, on politics, geopolitical issues, and social issues including education, health, mental health, immigration, justice policy, and sexual and family violence. She was based in New Zealand'...