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
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?
The Biden administration should start over rather than build on the strategy the outgoing administration declassified.
Over the last few years illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has become more recognized as a national security concern.
Continued tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, a reemphasized U.S. naval focus on China, and Japanese outreach to European nations.
China is accusing the United States of changing its South China Sea policy and taking a side among the claimants. But that accusation is flawed.
Recent incidents in the South China Sea have called into question whether some U.S. spy flights in international airspace violate international norms.
What’s the international significance of the dispute over the Chagos Archipelago?
China is clearly engaged in military intimidation of Taiwan and is not living up to its commitment to settle the cross-strait issues through peaceful means.
In addition to potential benefits, Vietnam should also consider what it can lose.