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South China Sea
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South China Sea

South China Sea
South China Sea
The latest news on South China Sea territorial disputes. The contrasting claims have been an ongoing point of contention among several countries including China, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines.
LATEST China Science NEWS

Chinese scientist faces probe after girl dies ‘after experimental gene therapy’

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Shanghai’s XInhua Hospital approved the treatment. Photo: Handout

How Chinese scientists created an alloy that can survive 2,400 degrees Celsius

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The tantalum alloy’s unique heat resistance and flexibility open up new engineering possibilities in extreme environments. Photo: Getty Images

Long before the Silk Road, silkworm cocoons already existed in Uzbekistan

The Silk Road opened in 130BC under Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Photo: EPA-EFE

Fields Medallists lead new wave of young Chinese scientists in global research

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Deng Yu (far left) and Wang Hong (far right) were awarded the Fields Medals on Thursday, marking the first time Chinese mathematicians have won the honour. The other recipients for 2026 are American John Pardon (second left) and Canada’s Jacob Tsimerman. Photo: Xinhua

Super El Nino: is 2026 an ‘extremely destructive’ prelude?

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The extreme weather driven by the El Nino has already triggered severe flooding and economic losses across China. Photo: EPA
MORE China Science NEWS
Some of the survivors were picked up from life rafts. Photo: CCTV
Vietnam

Search for survivors continues after cargo ship sinks in South China Sea

State media reported 17 Vietnamese crew members were missing after Saturday night’s accident near Fiery Cross Reef.

Hong Kong weather

Typhoon Noul: Hong Kong downgrades T9 signal to T8

China-Asean relations

China and Asean eye closer energy cooperation after latest Middle East fighting

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China-Philippines relations

Beijing and Manila trade blame on second day of Scarborough Shoal clashes

Chinese coastguard use water cannon during maritime stand-off, the third with the Philippines in the South China Sea since Monday.

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The Philippines has accused China of “a series of water cannon attacks and dangerous manoeuvres” while the Chinese coastguard says its actions were "lawful". Photo: X/@jaytaryela
Hong Kong weather

Hong Kong may consider issuing T3 signal on Saturday as Noul edges closer

Forecaster issues T1 signal at 8.40pm on Friday, says winds and showers are set to strengthen the following day.

Taiwan

Why PLA jet sorties near Taiwan dropped to a 3-year low in first half of 2026

Beijing is shifting cross-strait military strategy, halving aerial missions and increasing coastguard patrols in the waters near the island.

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Hong Kong national security law

US sanctions on 39 Hong Kong, mainland officials to remain in place: Marco Rubio

President Donald Trump allowed emergency declaration to expire because ‘circumstances had changed’, US secretary of state says.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending an Asean summit in Manila. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

China, US emphasise stability amid lingering tensions

The US and China seem to be focused on maintaining a fragile truce ahead of a September presidential summit.

SCMP Highlights

US$1,100 Yunnan mushrooms, Hong Kong legend Bowie Woo: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a look at Christopher Nolan’s new film to Yunnan’s US$1,100 mushrooms, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Taiwan

Beijing conducts live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait after criticising Lai speech

Beginning of exercise coincides with completion of Beijing’s fisheries resources survey conducted in waters east of Taiwan.

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The People’s Liberation Army will conduct live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait from 6am to 6pm on Thursday and Friday, according to a mainland navigation warning. Photo: File picture/CCTV
Belt and Road Initiative

China Unicom connects Hong Kong-Cambodia cable, widening undersea data network

The submarine cable project ties city with a high-speed data and information corridor running through Southeast Asia.

A new state-of-the-art submarine cable enabling faster internet for Cambodia has made a successful landing in Hong Kong earlier this week. Photo: Sina
China-Philippines relations

China, Philippines clash again at Scarborough Shoal, a day after Wang Yi warning

Coastguard encounter follows warning to Manila counterpart of ‘bitter consequences’ if it enlists outside backing in dispute.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | How China and Indonesia can build a truly sturdy partnership

From handling business friction to aligning long-term goals, three practical steps can elevate ties beyond economic convenience.

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China-Philippines relations

Beijing, Manila should avoid South China Sea ‘miscalculation’: top diplomats

Foreign ministers meet on margins of Asean event in Manila, days after fresh sea clash and outrage over video mocking 2016 arbitral ruling.

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Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Wang and Rubio at Asean discuss Xi’s planned US visit, South China Sea clash

America’s top diplomat describes dispute between Beijing and Manila over Second Thomas Shoal as very negative and benefiting no one.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) takes part in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Pasay, Metro Manila on Wednesday. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Indonesia

Indonesia restarts South China Sea gas project Beijing opposed

A low profile restart of the US$3 billion Tuna field with a Russian partner looks set to test Jakarta’s sovereign resolve.

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Japan

Japan seeks Southeast Asia sea lanes to avoid troubled waters in region

A proposal to map charts through five straits comes as Japan fears trade disruption from choke points in the South China Sea and off Malacca.

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US-China relations

The US mounts pressure across 3 maritime flashpoints. How should China respond?

Washington’s strategy for Taiwan Strait and East and South China seas aims to force Beijing to overextend, analysts warn.

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A fighter jet takes off from China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier during a mission in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean that concluded on June 22. Photo: CCTV
The Philippines

Chinese loans to Philippines stay resilient despite maritime row

The data shows ‘shifts in political tone may matter less’ than commercial considerations, according to AidData, a research group.

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Mainland China

China lodges protest with Philippines after latest Second Thomas Shoal clash

Beijing summons the Philippine ambassador to complain about what it describes as a ‘malicious’ attack on its coastguards.

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Video | China and the Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea clash

The conflict came hours before the two countries’ top diplomats are set to discuss the disputed area at the Asean regional summit on Wednesday.

Philippine sailors and China’s Coast Guard clash
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Mainland China

Video | Philippine sailor injured in clash with China Coast Guard

China Coast Guard claims that the Philippines was “first to maliciously attack”.

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China-Philippines relations

Chinese and Philippine maritime forces clash at Second Thomas Shoal

Personnel on Chinese speedboat and Philippine dinghy come to blows in countdown to Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.

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Malaysia

Malaysia adds South China Sea eyes in the sky amid Sabah row with Philippines

Long-range radar at Swallow Reef and new drones in Labuan aim to give Malaysia better oversight of its eastern waters.

Chinese culture

How Chinese pirate queen Ching Shih ruled the South China Sea in the 1800s

Ching, aka Zheng Yi Sao, became China’s most successful pirate during the Qing period, building a fearful empire that terrorised the region.

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An illustration depicts Ching Shih (right) during a swordfight. Chinese pirate factions were paralysed by infighting in the early 19th century, but Ching and her husband Zheng Yi unified them under a confederation.
The Philippines

Philippine military assures ‘no vacuum’ over top officer’s retirement

The transition comes at a sensitive time due to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and Manila’s row with some retired officers over Marcos.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr speaks during a forum with foreign reporters at the military headquarters in Manila on October 3. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

US coastguard cutters have a South China Sea mission. Will it make a difference?

The vessels will take part in maritime security operations with regional partners in the western Pacific.

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South China Sea: Analysis

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

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