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 team builds optical chip AI that is 100 times faster than Nvidia’s A100

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Researchers said the chips could make AI “more sustainable”. Photo: Shutterstock

Why US lawmakers killed a proposal targeting science efforts with China

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A US defence bill, now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature, includes new restrictions aimed at the medical industry and supply chains, blocking federal funds from going to biotechnology companies linked to so-called adversaries. Photo: Reuters

China’s mind-control robot tech breakthrough brings ‘telepathy’ to life

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Chinese scientists have had a huge breakthrough in brain-computer interfacing technology, allowing a paralysed man to control smart wheelchairs and robotic dogs with his mind. Photo: Handout

China offers ‘wonderful opportunity’ for scientists: top European neurologist

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Steven Laureys is working with researchers at Hangzhou Normal University. Photo: Handout

Physicists prove Einstein wrong, US-China jet race: 7 science highlights

China has figured out a way to produce fresh water from seawater for just two yuan (US$0.28) per cubic metre. Photo: AFP
MORE China Science NEWS
US and Filipino soldiers fire a howitzer during the annual joint “Balikatan” military exercises in Aparri, Cagayan province, Philippines in May. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines to get up to US$3.5 billion defence aid to counter ‘serious threats’

A US senator says the support for Manila and other allies reflects the threats posed by China and its partners in the ‘axis of aggressors’.

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China's military weapons

PLA’s Fujian aircraft carrier transits Taiwan Strait as Taipei watches closely

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US-China relations

US denies Indo-Pacific retreat, says aid is being recalibrated to counter China

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China-Philippines relations

China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal

Meanwhile, Manila says Philippine fishing boats were targeted by Chinese coastguard water cannons near disputed South China Sea reef.

A Chinese coastguard ship is seen deploying a water cannon towards a smaller vessel in a video shared on Saturday by the Philippine coastguard. Photo: Handout
US-Asean relations

Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy

The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.

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The Philippines

Asian Angle | Is the new Philippines-Germany defence pact built to last?

Rising anxieties over Beijing and Moscow have united Berlin and Manila in an axis that must now be institutionalised to ensure it endures.

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The Philippines

Will Philippines favour Eurofighter Typhoon for its military upgrade?

The Eurofighter, which is estimated to cost US$117 million each, has drawn buying interest from Bangladesh and other countries.

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A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet performs at an airshow in Qawra, Malta, in September. Photo: Reuters
China-Philippines relations

New South China Sea clashes erupt as Beijing pushes for better Philippine ties

Incidents near the disputed Scarborough and Sabina shoals threaten to undermine recent efforts to put relations on a ‘healthier’ footing.

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Mainland China

Why are South China Sea disputes hard to settle? Expert cites power asymmetry

Chinese analysts say Beijing supports Asean’s ‘quiet diplomacy’ too, so long as sovereignty claims are resolved bilaterally.

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China-Japan relations

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

White House navigates backing long-time ally Japan while preserving trade truce with China amid fraying ties between the Asian neighbours.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gestures as US President Donald Trump delivers a speech during their visit to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, on October 28. Photo: AP
China-Japan relations

US joins Japan for military exercise amid Takaichi China row

The Japanese and US air forces flew a training mission over the Sea of Japan in wake of complaints from Tokyo about Chinese military activities in the region.

Japanese F-15 fighters and US B-52 bombers over the Sea of Japan. Photo: Defense Ministry of Japan via Reuters
Taiwan

Beijing seeks ‘fair and just maritime order’ in South China Sea

Vice-minister Sun Weidong says China rejects 2016 arbitration ruling on disputed waters because it breaches fundamentals in international law.

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United States

Rubio and Hegseth discuss Indo-Pacific security with Australian counterparts

At the talks, Rubio hailed cooperation between the US and Canberra on critical minerals, defence production and troop deployments.

China-Philippines relations

China sends seasoned ‘America hand’ to serve as top envoy to Philippines

New ambassador arrives in Manila as South China Sea tensions flare and the Philippines draws closer to Washington on defence.

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Jing Quan (centre), China’s new ambassador to the Philippines, has vowed to safeguard Beijing’s national interests while serving as a bridge to stabilise China-Philippines relations. Photo: QQ.com
US-China relations

Deterring Taiwan conflict a ‘priority’: US national security report

While Indo-Pacific features prominently in the document, the western hemisphere and domestic security are top White House concerns.

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In a new national security document, the White House says the US will “build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the first island chain”. Photo: US Navy via Getty Images
Vietnam

China ramps up surveillance equipment at Spratly Islands bases: US think tank

Satellites detect new radars and electronic warfare gear at South China Sea outposts, CSIS says.

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Vietnam

‘Strategic’: why are drones taking off among South China Sea claimant states?

Experts weigh the merits and limits of growing pivot in the region to uncrewed aircraft and the potential for 24/7 patrols.

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The Philippines

Chinese involvement stalls Manila Bay bridge project due to security fears

Philippines delays US$124 million infrastructure project after a maritime group raised concerns against China Harbour Engineering Company.

Illustration of Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge Project. Photo: Handout
India

As India prepares for missile test, presence of Chinese ships marks power jostle

At least four such Chinese vessels have been spotted in the strategic Indian Ocean recently, according to media reports.

China-Japan relations

China bristles as Japan weighs missile export to Philippines

Japan’s possible sale of Type 03 missiles to Manila comes as Tokyo moves to loosen arms-export rules, raising fresh concerns in China.

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Mainland China

Senior Chinese diplomat takes swipe at US over deep-sea mining strategy

‘The oceans are not calm,’ vice-minister warns in comments aimed at Trump executive order pushing American exploitation of seabed minerals.

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An executive order signed by US President Donald Trump allows American private companies to pursue deep-sea mining in areas beyond US jurisdiction without prior approval from the United Nations. Photo: Xinhua
Japan

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Environment

China gives disputed Scarborough Shoal a clean bill of health

The Philippines also claims the atoll and has accused Chinese crews of using cyanide to catch fish in the area.

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China technology

China’s mega dredger joins ranks of the world’s largest after passing sea trials

The Tongjun is the first Chinese-designed super dredging vessel to successfully complete its five-day testing.

The Philippines

How Philippines might navigate Asean’s divisions as it prepares to lead bloc

Analysts say the two challenges will weigh heavily on the Philippines’ agenda as chair of the bloc next year.

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Soldiers patrol a road in Kyaukme, northern Shan State, Myanmar, in October. The Philippines will take up the Myanmar issue in January when Asean’s foreign ministers convene to shape the bloc’s next steps. Photo: AP
US-China relations

China, US hold ‘candid’ security talks amid Japan, South China Sea tensions

Second meeting under Trump 2.0 marks latest effort from both sides to maintain military communication despite tensions over multiple issues.

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Super Hornet fighter jets take off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, in the South China Sea on June 5. Beijing has previously blamed frequent US military deployments as the “root cause” of maritime security problems. Photo: Handout
SCMP Highlights

US ‘biggest recipient’ of China debt; Beijing’s warning: SCMP daily highlights

From a study of China’s lending since 2000 to analysts’ views on Beijing’s spat with Tokyo, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Paracel Islands

Beijing launches historic preservation campaign to cement South China Sea claims

Conservation specialists repair monument on Woody Island in the disputed Paracel Islands, with more preservation work planned.

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