South China Sea

Taiwan or bust

Taiwan or bust

Some experts say China’s problems make it more likely to risk forcefully bringing Taiwan ‘home.’

Indonesia hosts largest military drills with US, allies amid superpower tensions

Indonesia hosts largest military drills with US, allies amid superpower tensions

More than 6,000 troops from seven nations will participate in Super Garuda Shield.

Foxconn founder Gou confirms Taiwan presidential bid

Foxconn founder Gou confirms Taiwan presidential bid

If his bid passes, it could be ‘pop the champagne’ time for the pro-Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party.

Observers question US commitment to Southeast Asia as Biden to skip regional summit

Observers question US commitment to Southeast Asia as Biden to skip regional summit

The American president instead may go to Vietnam, a most useful ally to counter China in Southeast Asia.

Philippines, Australia recommit to joint patrols in disputed waterway

Philippines, Australia recommit to joint patrols in disputed waterway

The defense leaders announced their 'mutual interest' plans during a military exercise in Zambales province.

Close call as Chinese ships again harass Philippine ships in Manila’s EEZ

A BenarNews reporter traveled with a select group during a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.

Philippines, Australia recommit to joint patrols in disputed waterway

Philippines, Australia recommit to joint patrols in disputed waterway

The defense leaders announced their 'mutual interest' plans during a military exercise in Zambales province.

Vietnam's President Nguyen Phu Trong, greets the media after being re-elected as the Communist Party's general secretary for a third term in Hanoi, Vietnam, Feb. 1, 2021.

Vietnam wants it all in balancing its ties with the US and China

2023-09-09

Hanoi has worked to keep Beijing on side as Biden visit elevates U.S.-Vietnam relations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang (center) speaks during the ASEAN-China Summit in Jakarta, Sept. 6, 2023.

Chinese premier stresses solidarity with ASEAN amid map controversy

2023-09-06

Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, pledges US commitment to the South China Sea region.

Philippine officials release footage of sea standoff, as senator pushes for inquiry

Philippine officials release footage of sea standoff, as senator pushes for inquiry

Videos show China Coast Guard ships trying to cordon off boats in a Philippine resupply convoy.

Philippine Marines aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and has became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014.

Philippines says it successfully completes resupply mission to maritime outpost

China Coast Guard again attempted to block and harass Filipino boats, officials said.

President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida [right] and South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl arrive for a joint press conference during the trilateral summit at Camp David in Maryland, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

South Korea, Japan and US vow ‘new era’

China’s newly built Paracels airstrip could host drones, analyst says

Boats sail past a reclamation project in Manila Bay, Philippines, Aug. 10, 2023.

Environmentalists praise suspension of Chinese reclamation projects in Manila Bay

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