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

China’s Yellow River will be choked by ice jams due to global warming: study

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An ice jam is seen on the Yellow River in Jinan, in the eastern province of Shandong, in 2023. Photo: Xinhua

China unlocks lifespan potential of next-gen light bulb: brighter, longer

A glass tube with quantum dots of glowing perovskite nanocrystals. Chinese researchers say they have found a way to enhance the stability of PeLEDs, a breakthrough that could significantly extend their lifespan. Photo: Shutterstock

China’s extreme heat shield breaks thermal limit on hypersonic flight

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Chinese scientists have created a carbide ceramic that exceeds 3600 degrees Celsius in a world-first breakthrough. Photo: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Study shows China’s temples act as rare sanctuaries for ancient trees

Guanyin Chan Temple in the city of Xian in northwest China is home to a ginkgo tree with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Photo: Xinhua

What next for He Jiankui, the human gene editor locked in limbo?

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
MORE China Science NEWS
The Chinese military conducted patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday while a Philippine-Japan joint drill was under way. Photo: PLA Southern Theatre Command
SCMP Highlights

China’s economic data, PLA’s patrols in disputed waters: SCMP daily highlights

From supply chain competition between Beijing and Washington to domestic consumption picking up in China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

The Philippines

Does Philippines have ‘credible’ undersea might against China?

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Mainland China

PLA patrols in the South China Sea as Philippines, Japan hold joint drills

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The Philippines

How the next Philippine president could reshape its South China Sea policy

A coastguard official’s jab at former president Duterte’s ‘jet ski’ pledge has revived debate on Manila’s long-term maritime strategy.

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Vice-President Sara Duterte speaks at a press conference in Manila on February 7. Photo: AP
Australia

Can Squad fortify Asia-Pacific security amid China’s rise, Trump’s flip-flops?

The coalition of Australia, US, Philippines, and Japan was recognised by the Pentagon chief as the most ‘strategically positioned to manifest deterrence’.

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China-Philippines relations

Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks warnings for Philippines

However, a ‘delicate balance’ should still be maintained to avoid any escalation, analysts warn.

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SCMP Highlights

EU sidelined by US-China showdown, Moutai’s new reality: SCMP daily highlights

From EU eyeing impact of Washington-Beijing trade talks to austerity trimming profits at China’s top baijiu maker, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Moutai, one of China’s most popular liquor brands, is being put in a difficult position by rules limiting extravagant spending by officials. Photo: Getty
The Philippines

‘Any time, any place’: Philippine army to be deployed to South China Sea islands

Manila aims to boost the Philippine military’s capacity to coordinate across its services and counter China’s maritime assertiveness.

US-China relations

Why a US-China ‘security dialogue mechanism’ may help calm South China Sea row

Big power rivalry in strategic waters still ‘manageable’ but likely to be prolonged structurally, Beijing-based Grandview Institution says.

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China-Philippines relations

Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

The Philippine president’s close ties with the US could prove a stumbling block to better relations with Beijing, observers say.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr addresses a press conference at the Malacanang presidential palace on June 4. Photo: AFP
China's military weapons

Massed drone deployments part of military modernisation: China’s PLA Daily

Article urges innovative use of unmanned systems and highlights their ‘decisive and dominant’ role in future conflicts.

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A drone on display at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, southern China. Photo: Xinhua
The Philippines

Chinese vessel grounding: concern in Philippines over new grey-zone tactic

Experts say China could be ‘testing’ the Philippines’ operational response amid mounting pressure over Manila’s recent defence partnerships.

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China-Japan relations

China and Japan must beat mutual hostility while also handling tariffs: envoy

‘Japanese companies hold a firm belief that they cannot compete globally without succeeding in the Chinese market’: Kenji Kanasugi.

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United States

Opinion | Asia is becoming more multipolar but not because of US decline

The Trump administration’s unclear foreign policy aims are prompting US partners to look beyond security alignment with Washington alone.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
The Philippines

Living in China’s shadow has become ‘very dangerous’ for Filipino islanders

Filipino forces and villagers in the South China Sea face isolation and territorial tensions as they resist China’s growing dominance.

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A Philippine Naval Special Operations Group approaches Philippine occupied West York Island. Photo: AP
SCMP Highlights

Megaquake scare in Japan, Philippines boosts air power: 7 Asia highlights

From fears of a megaquake in Japan to South Korea’s new president, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Japan

Japan spots Chinese navy’s show of force in west Pacific amid maritime row

The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers are seen near two Japanese islands, with their presence signalling a message to Tokyo.

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Hong Kong weather

Hong Kong Observatory issues No 1 typhoon signal at 12.40am on Wednesday

Mercury hits 35 degrees Celsius in Tsim Sha Tsui, marking hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures a couple of degrees higher in other areas.

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Tuesday’s sweltering heat is expected to continue the following day. Photo: Jelly Tse
Diplomacy

Opinion | Why democracy vs autocracy isn’t the definitive contest shaping the world

With unilateralism on the rise, the world is moving towards a situation where no power is willing to take on the mantle of global leadership.

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SCMP Highlights

John Lee exclusive interview, Chinese rethink UK degrees: 5 weekend reads

From where Hong Kong stands amid the US-China trade war to a rising piano star, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

China-Asean relations

China’s 4 core principles show way to peace in South China Sea, think tank says

China and Southeast Asia must keep resolution of maritime issues ‘within their own hands’, Xinhua Institute research report says.

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A Chinese coastguard ship seen through Philippine binoculars in the disputed South China Sea. Photo: AP
Australia

‘Cannibalised by Aukus’: is Australia risking its defence for future submarines?

From dwindling munitions to personnel shortages, observers warn Australia’s military is becoming ‘brittle and hollowed out’.

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US Navy officers stand guard aboard an American submarine docked in Western Australia on February 26. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

Vietnam ramping up expansion of South China Sea outposts: Chinese think tank

Satellite images show Hanoi reclaiming land and building military facilities such as airstrips on contested Spratly Island reefs, SCSPI says.

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Hong Kong weather

Hong Kong ‘should brace for effects of possible low-pressure area off Philippines’

Southern China can expect hot weather early next week, but conditions are likely to become unstable later, Observatory says.

China-Philippines relations

Loitering with intent: Beijing’s new silent South China Sea strategy?

Analysts say quiet incursions are part of a deliberate effort by China to normalise its presence in previously unpatrolled areas.

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A Chinese vessel is seen through binoculars from a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea on Wednesday. Photo: AP
US-Asean relations

Asian Angle | Trump, Hegseth, Rubio: a triple threat to global stability – and Asia

The Trump administration has abandoned diplomacy for tariffs and threats, fracturing alliances and leaving Asean caught in the crossfire.

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US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 14. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan-Philippines military drills to become reality after Tokyo ratifies pact

Their newly ratified reciprocal access agreement paves the way for Japanese forces to train on Philippine soil for the first time since WWII.

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The Philippines

Philippines aims to counter China’s drone swarm capacity, learn from Ukraine war

Its military says drones armed with explosives or used for surveillance have become a focus of joint exercises with allies such as the US.

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