South China Sea disputes

Allegations that Chinese vessels have used the toxic chemical in their fishing operations add to the climate of tension in the South China Sea.

The country's awkward geographic position with China militates against it adopting a strong pro-U.S. orientation.

The agreements come at a time of intensifying tension in waters claimed by China and the Philippines.

The new "comprehensive archipelagic defense concept" will seek to secure Manila's access to resources lying within its Exclusive Economic Zone, including in the South China Sea.

Good relations with China have necessitated the downplaying of past conflicts by both countries.

The condemnation came after the Philippine Coast Guard reported another incident in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal on January 12.

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

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippine leader's message of congratulation to Lai Ching-te was "a serious violation of the One China principle."

Desalination machines and communications upgrades are slated for the nine features that Manila occupies in the contested waterway.

President Joko Widodo's state visit came in the middle of a Southeast Asian tour that also involved stops in the Philippines and Brunei.

A look back at the strategic dynamics of the maritime disputes in 2023, and what we might expect in the new year.

The dueling patrols, which were scheduled to take place on January 3-4, encapsulate the intensifying frictions in the waterway.