Xi Jinping Spent $231 Billion on China’s Military in 2024: US Defence Reports

24 Dec 2024

There are many reasons to be concerned at the relentless progress of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's party-controlled military. As well as modernising the armed forces with new and potent weapons, China is throwing its weight around in places like the South China Sea, and it is seeking to...

China Blames Philippines For South China Sea Tensions With US Amid Fresh Disputes

14 Dec 2024

China accused Philippines of "provoking trouble" in the South China Sea with support from the United States, escalating tensions a week after both nations exchanged accusations over a maritime confrontation. Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s defense ministry, stated on the ministry’s official WeChat account on Friday that the Philippines, “with...

Largest Threat In Decades By China, Warns Taiwan Amid Heightening Tensions

10 Dec 2024

In the recent advances China has deployed its most extensive naval fleet in nearly 30 years, creating a significant threat to Taiwan and regional stability, announced by the Taiwanese defense ministry on Tuesday. The deployment stretches from the southern Japanese islands to the South China Sea and exceeds the scale...

Philippines Files Protest Against China Over Escalating South China Sea Incident

05 Dec 2024

Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest against China following a December 4 maritime incident near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, the foreign ministry announced on Thursday. This protest is part of nearly 200 filed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has frequently condemned Beijing's assertive actions...

Philippine Expresses Concern Over Russian Submarine Presence In South China Sea

02 Dec 2024

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced concerns on Monday over the presence of a Russian attack submarine in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, calling it "very worrisome." The submarine, identified as a Kilo-class vessel, was spotted 80 nautical miles off Occidental Mindoro on November 28....

Satellite Images Reveal Chinese Vessels Cluster Near Disputed Philippine Island Amid Tensions

28 Nov 2024

The recent satellite images shows a large number of Chinese civilian vessels positioned near Thitu Island, a key Philippine outpost in the contested South China Sea. Despite the build-up of around 60 ships, Philippine officials have dismissed the presence as routine, with no immediate cause for concern. The images, captured...

China Condemns Philippines New Sea Laws, Intensifies South China Sea Standoff

10 Nov 2024

In a strong rebuke, China rejected new maritime legislation passed by the Philippines on Sunday, stating that it "severely infringes on" Beijing's territorial sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea. China’s Foreign Ministry vowed to protect its interests, criticizing Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent signing of laws aimed...

Russia And China Block East Asia Summit Consensus Over South China Sea Dispute

13 Oct 2024

Russia and China blocked a proposed consensus statement for the East Asia Summit (EAS), primarily due to disagreements over language concerning the contested South China Sea, a US official revealed on Saturday. The draft statement, crafted by the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was presented during the 18-nation...

Philippines Stands Firm On Sabina Shoal Amid Tense Talks With China

12 Sep 2024

The Philippines reaffirmed its stance on the contested Sabina Shoal despite ongoing efforts to ease tensions during “frank and candid” discussions with China on managing disputes in the South China Sea. The Southeast Asian nation has maintained a steady presence at the shoal, monitoring suspected small-scale reclamation activities by China,...

Philippines Urges Global Action As China Escalates South China Sea Tensions

27 Aug 2024

Philippine Defense Chief Denounces China's Actions China is the "biggest disruptor" of peace in Southeast Asia, according to Philippine Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro, who made the statement on Tuesday as tensions between Manila and Beijing continue to escalate over disputed reefs and waters in the South China Sea. Teodoro’s remarks...