China South China Sea Approach

Heightened China-Philippines tension around Second Thomas Shoal could escalate to military skirmishes – and that’s a chance Beijing appears willing to take.

China’s quest for control of the disputed waters goes beyond security to include economic and cultural dimensions as well.

In this exclusive interview, Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea at the Philippine Coast Guard, discusses the current situation near Second Thomas Shoal.

Nothing in the map suggests that China is making a novel territorial claim. In fact, Beijing may be quietly walking one particularly questionable claim back.

Malaysia and Indonesia have tacitly consented to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

Recent comments from Chinese officials highlight how Beijing purposefully conflates existing legal terminology with its own extralegal claims.

Beijing appears to have given up its incremental strategy in favor of more sizable power grabs.

For China, the pandemic was more burden than opportunity. 

Vietnam is compensating international oil companies after cancelling their contracts in the dispute region over pressure from China.

Increased aggression from Beijing has sparked more robust responses from Washington and the regional claimant states.

Is China quietly securitizing marine environmental protection in the South China Sea?

Beijing’s continued inroads are unlikely to be reversed unless the most interested parties in the South China Sea work to get past familiar obstacles.