South China Sea
Japan and Philippines sign new defense pact to strengthen ties
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Japan and the Philippines signed a new defense pact in Manila on Thursday. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) facilitates the provision of supplies like fuel, ammunition, and food between their forces during joint exercises, aimed at deterring China's growing maritime assertiveness. Amid rising regional tensions, both nations emphasized upholding the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.
Following bilateral meetings in Quanzhou on March 27-28, the Philippines and China advanced practical measures in the South China Sea, including initial exchanges on oil and gas exploration, amid efforts to manage disputes and boost confidence-building. The talks, previewed amid global energy concerns, pave the way for higher-level discussions later this year.
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China and the Philippines resumed high-level dialogue on Saturday in Quanzhou, Fujian province, through the 11th meeting of the South China Sea bilateral consultation mechanism and the 24th round of China-Philippines Foreign Ministry Consultations. Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim co-chaired the talks, with Beijing urging Manila to match words with actions.
The South China Morning Post launched a three-part series on February 11, 2026, examining how Beijing and its neighbors use new frameworks and diplomacy amid South China Sea disputes. The series explores evolving diplomatic and strategic tools in the region for 2026.
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The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command's naval and air forces conducted combat readiness patrols around Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas on Saturday, five days after US-Philippine drills in the region. The patrols aim to counter infringements and provocations by certain countries while safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and upholding peace in the South China Sea. The operation involved multiple aircraft and vessels, including H-6K bombers and frigates.
China has opened a 6,000 square metre shopping centre on Woody Island in the disputed Paracel Islands, the latest civilian facility on this South China Sea outpost following a hardware store and hotpot restaurant. Woody Island, the largest of around 30 islands in the Paracels chain, serves as the administrative hub of Sansha city, established in Hainan province in 2012 to assert Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
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In 2026, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship, offering a chance to finalize a legally-binding Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea. This could reduce tensions from China's actions and protect coastal states' rights. However, challenges remain, including the COC's scope and engagement with China.
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