A look at the broader implications of a recent episode for deterrence and the strategies of countries confronting China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. The recent round of tensions between China and Indonesia in the Natunas, which comes as Beijing and Jakarta commemorate the 70th anniversary of their ties in 2020, has […]

  China has been seizing control of the South China Sea for years – but its latest aggressive move has backfired, in a potentially deadly way. South China Sea conflict: Will Australia be forced into war? Pressure is mounting for Australia to get involved in the South China Sea conflict.Indonesia has reacted with anger after […]

  A statement issued on New Year’s Day by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs against alleged Chinese encroachments over the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Natunas may prove to be a diplomatic and legal game changer in the increasingly volatile South China Sea. For the very first time, a third party Association […]

  MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte has chosen the commander of the military in Davao, Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr, to become the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed the President’s choice to Rappler on Thursday, January 2. Santos, a veteran intelligence officer, is currently the […]

  As U.S.-China frictions grow, the likelihood of a maritime clash increases. Here’s how to avoid a worst-case scenario. China and the United States have reached an agreement on a Phase One trade deal. Though Sino-U.S. trade frictions are far from over, both sides have acknowledged that this kind of serious negotiation is a good […]

  Google Maps is a useful tool for gaining insight into far-flung locations across the globe. Occasionally users come across unexpected sightings, such as these mysterious glowing orbs in the South China sea. What could they be? Google Maps has been helping users gain a new perspective of the world since 2005. Using satellite images […]

  The battle for the South China Sea is heating up. Vietnam. Malaysia. The Philippines. All have drawn lines in the sandbars against China. But it may already be too late. This past year, Vietnam stood its ground over the right to deploy an oil rig within its UN-mandated waters. Malaysia complained publicly of interference […]

  JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia said on Wednesday it rejected China’s claims over a disputed part of the South China Sea as “having no legal basis”, after two days earlier protesting to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters. The boat trespassed into Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone off the […]

  SOUTH CHINA SEA tensions have seen China brush aside the claims of smaller nations surrounding the contested region in pursuit of political, economic and military dominance. However, this may backfire, as Malaysia join Vietnam in stepping up its resistance. Malaysia defied China with a damning statement calling Beijing’s Nine-Dash Line waters claim “ridiculous.” Foreign […]

  JAKARTA (REUTERS) – Indonesia said on Monday (Dec 30) it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a “violation of sovereignty”. The boat trespassed into Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands […]