South China Sea

China and Vietnam are set to hold their first high-level ministerial talks under a new '3+3' strategic dialogue platform next week. The meetings will involve foreign, defence, and public security ministers, following images suggesting China has started land reclamation at Antelope Reef. Both nations seek stronger strategic ties despite the Paracels dispute.

March 13, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Reports indicate extensive reclamation work by China at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea's Paracel Islands, a once-submerged feature, prompting questions about its strategic value to Beijing. Newsweek, citing European satellite imagery, reported dredging began after October 15. Beijing has not confirmed the reports or commented on the matter.

The United States has demanded that Indonesia purchase American-made maritime surveillance drones for waters near the South China Sea as a condition for reducing tariffs to 19 percent. This requirement, detailed in a government document reviewed by The Straits Times, extends trade talks into geopolitical matters. The deal is expected to be finalized in January 2026 during President Prabowo Subianto's visit to meet President Trump.

January 14, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Rep. Leila de Lima rejected the Chinese Embassy in Manila's repeated claims that the Philippines instigated the West Philippine Sea dispute, calling it a case of 'selective amnesia'. In her statement, she noted that China's claims rely entirely on its nine-dash line assertion, which a 2016 Hague tribunal ruled has no legal basis.

A newly established U.S.-Philippine military task force aims to deter coercion in the disputed South China Sea and could expand to include allies such as Japan and Australia. Task Force Philippines represents a key step in strengthening bilateral ties. Experts indicate it may serve as the foundation for future multinational operations.

November 18, 2025 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

The Armed Forces of the Philippines denied China's claim that its bombers patrolled the West Philippine Sea during last week's joint maritime drills with the United States and Japan. No such aircraft were detected by the military. This underscores ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.