The South China Sea, home to a wealth of oil and natural gas deposits, is the subject of numerous territorial disputes between the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Beyond the natural resources in the region, there are also vital international trade routes-- about half of all oil tanker shipments cross the South China Sea-- military bases, and fisheries. China, in particular, continues to increase its military presence in the area and island-building, putting both the region and the United States on alert.
Latest in South China Sea
Biden announces “AUKUS is born,” marking the United States’ continued shift toward the Indo-Pacific, while China implements a new maritime identification law to regulate foreign vessels within its territorial waters.
The United States attempts to focus on its military and diplomatic interests in Asia despite the ongoing debacle in Afghanistan; Japan and Taiwan continue to grow closer; India seeks to cement its position; and European nations send mixed signals.
Once again, China is showing its disdain for the rules-based international legal order that regulates activities at sea.
The tribunal in Philippines v. China made four sweeping observations that are worth examining five years after the award.
ASEAN member states met in June as tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise.
Relations between China and the Philippines continue to smolder; U.S. freedom of navigation operations continue; Japan and Europe move to address broader Indo-Pacific stability.
China’s “gray-zone” tactics around the South China Sea, diplomatic developments with Taiwan and applying the Law of the Sea in the Spratly Islands.
How should observers make sense of the various accounts of an incident in the South China Sea?
China increases incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone and masses its maritime militia in the Spratly Islands, reminiscent of its 2018 actions around Thitu Island.
Can the world’s most powerful militaries make progress on improving operational safety and preventing miscalculation?