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Why Has Vietnam Turned Against a Popular Doll from China, Calling It ‘Unpatriotic’?

March 21, 2025, 1:03 am

The Baby Three doll, a popular Chinese-made toy, has lost its charm in Vietnam after allegations that it displays China’s controversial nine-dash line. This territorial claim, which covers most of the South China Sea, is strongly rejected by Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations. The uproar has triggered widespread nationalistic sentiment, resulting in boycotts, government crackdowns, and a sharp decline in sales.

How the Controversy Started

Initially a bestseller in Vietnam, Baby Three dolls generated an estimated $1.6 million in sales between September and December 2024. However, the controversy erupted when social media users pointed out that a heart-shaped marking on the “Town rabbit V2” model resembled the nine-dash line—a symbol often used by China to justify its territorial claims.

What Is the Nine-Dash Line?

The nine-dash line is a demarcation line used by China to assert control over almost the entire South China Sea, a claim that was invalidated by an international tribunal in The Hague in 2016. Despite the ruling, China continues to enforce its claim, leading to ongoing tensions with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.

Government and Public Response

Following the controversy, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade launched an official investigation into toys suspected of displaying the disputed marking. Authorities warned that such products could threaten national security and sovereignty.

The Domestic Markets Department ordered increased inspections of children’s toys, with strict penalties for any products featuring the nine-dash line. Consequently, retailers removed the dolls from shelves, fearing legal repercussions and public backlash.

Impact on Vendors and Brands

The boycott has severely affected vendors, with many reporting financial losses. A toy retailer in Ho Chi Minh City, Ngoc Hang, revealed that her revenues had dropped by half after the government’s announcement. Similarly, a vendor in Hanoi named Le expressed frustration, saying that “almost all children stopped buying the dolls, viewing it as a nationalistic issue.”

Prominent Vietnamese brands have also distanced themselves from Baby Three. Anna Eyewear, a Vietnamese eyewear brand, terminated a branding collaboration with the doll, citing concerns over “controversial character drawings.” Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop reported that the average price of Baby Three dolls dropped by 50% in the first 10 weeks of 2025.

A Pattern of Strict Measures

Vietnam has a history of taking a tough stance against any depiction of the nine-dash line. The country previously banned Hollywood films like Barbie (2023), Uncharted (2022), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018) for displaying maps that included the disputed line. Similarly, in 2023, Vietnam ordered Netflix to remove a Chinese television series featuring maps that displayed the nine-dash line.

Geopolitical Concerns Behind the Outrage

The South China Sea is a strategically important region with vital shipping lanes and rich natural resources. China’s efforts to reinforce its claim over the disputed waters, including deploying large coast guard and maritime militia fleets, have kept tensions high. Former political prisoner Le Anh Hung described the Baby Three doll incident as “another wake-up call” for Vietnam regarding China’s ambitions in the region.

Conclusion

The Baby Three doll, once a beloved toy among Vietnamese children, is now at the center of a geopolitical controversy. With government crackdowns, vendor losses, and rising nationalist sentiment, the fallout underscores Vietnam’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

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

December 24, 2024, 10:10 pm

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 nefariously influence democracies around the world.

In short, China’s investment in its armed forces constitutes the single largest military build-up since the end of World War II. The question is, why?

Consider this, China now has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads. Its approximately 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) can reach the US mainland.

The PLA has the world’s leading arsenal of hypersonic missiles. The PLA has 400 marines stationed in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. China possesses the world’s largest military force, comprising 2.035 million active, 510,000 reserve, and 500,000 paramilitary troops.

Such facts make grim reading. Again, the question needs to be asked why China is prioritising its military growth even while its economy stumbles? All these details, and many more, were revealed in a new report issued by the US Department of Defence (DoD) on 18 December.

The report, entitled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2024,” is submitted annually to the US Congress, and this was the 24th edition. The report covers developments only through to the beginning of 2024, so it does not mention such activities as China’s test flight of an ICBM across the South Pacific, which splashed down near New Caledonia.

The DoD summarised: “In 2023 the PRC continued its efforts to form the PLA into an increasingly capable instrument of national power. Throughout the year, the PLA adopted more coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region while accelerating its development of capabilities and concepts to strengthen the PRC’s ability to ‘fight and win wars’ against a ‘strong enemy,’ counter an intervention by a third party in a conflict along the PRC’s periphery, and project power globally.”

Of course, this is Chinese-speak for enhancing the PLA’s ability to fight and defeat the US, the world’s preeminent military power, and to dissuade or prevent an American intervention in Chinese operations against Taiwan. This is the ultimate reason why Chairman Xi Jinping continues to pour resources into the PLA.

The Pentagon estimates that China’s actual defence budget is USD 330-450 billion, which is considerably more than China admits to officially–USD 231 billion for 2024. Additional funds come from the fact that China is the world’s fourth-largest arms supplier too.

Missiles are one of the PLA’s strengths, and nuclear weapons are managed by the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF). Last year’s report tabulated 500 operational nuclear warheads, but that had increased to 600+ within a year. By 2030, the PLARF will have a predicted 1,000 nuclear warheads, with more to come after that. China is in the vanguard of technological advancements, with strategic hypersonic glide vehicles under development, plus a fractional orbital bombardment system was demonstrated in 2021.

The report confirmed three new missile silo fields deep inside China that contain 320 silos for ICBMs, plus China is likely doubling DF-5 liquid-propellant ICBM numbers to 50 silos. The DoD expects the DF-41 ICBM (containing up to three warheads each) to be deployed in silos and on railways, in addition to known road-mobile launchers. China also test-launched two DF-31AG ICBMs from training silos last year. China is nowadays keeping some nuclear forces on heightened alert for an early-warning counterstrike posture, what Washington calls “launch on warning.”

Significantly, Russia is supporting China’s rapid nuclear-arsenal expansion by providing highly enriched uranium nuclear fuel assemblies to China’s two CFR-600 fast breeder reactors, one of which has already been commissioned. In fact, China has received from Moscow an amount of highly enriched uranium that exceeds the entire amount removed worldwide under US and International Atomic Energy Agency auspices in the last three decades. And China still accuses the USA of a Cold War mentality?

All this demonstrates how Xi is strengthening military options on the escalatory ladder; indeed, deterring the USA is the ultimate goal. The report noted, “The expanding nuclear force will enable it to target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict.”

This can be the only explanation for Xi’s dramatic buildup of nuclear weapons. The PLARF has now deployed its 5,000-8,000 km-range DF-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile, which presumably has a hypersonic glide vehicle payload option as well as conventional land-attack, anti-ship, and nuclear capabilities. The DF-27’s potential targets include Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii.

The Pentagon believes the PLARF has 1,300 medium-range ballistic missiles. With a range of at least 1,000 km, these missiles only make sense for hitting targets in neighbouring Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and India, for instance.

Turning to the PLA Navy (PLAN), it currently has more than 370 ships and submarines, including 140+ major surface combatants. The report anticipates the PLAN will have 395 major vessels by 2025 (including 65 submarines) and 435 vessels by 2030 (with 80 submarines), as its growth continues without letup. China now has five types of anti-ship ballistic missiles: the DF-21D, DF-26, DF-17, DF-27, and YJ-21, all designed to keep enemy ships and aircraft carriers at arm’s length while it prosecutes operations against Taiwan.

Three of four new Type 093B nuclear-powered attack submarines may be operational by next year, probably armed with land-attack cruise missiles. Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) are conducting near-continuous at-sea deterrence patrols armed with JL-3 missiles that can reach the continental USA from locations such as the South China Sea or Bohai Gulf. The PLAN has six Type 094s, but the DoD thinks more will appear.

As for the introduction of the next-generation Type 096 SSBN, “The Type 096 will likely begin construction soon” and enter service in the late 2020s or early 2030s, reflecting Xi’s desire to accelerate China’s sea-based nuclear capability.

As for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), the service is estimated to now have 51 Y-20A heavy-lift transport aircraft, as well as 16 Y-20U tankers. Such platforms are extending the global reach of the PLA. The H-20 stealth bomber, able to strike regional and global targets, is mentioned, but “it may take more than a decade to develop this type of advanced bomber” after the program was announced in 2016.

Notably, the PLAN transferred many shore-based units (e.g., radar, air defence), 300 fighters (including all JH-7 fighter-bombers), and all H-6J maritime strike bombers to the PLAAF. This was ostensibly to allow the PLAN to focus on carrier-borne aviation and for the PLAAF to improve command and control and air defence.

Xi has been in charge of the PLA for twelve years, yet he has not rooted out corruption in the military. Indeed, corruption merited a special section in this year’s report. It highlighted that no fewer than 15 high-ranking military officers and defence industry executives were removed from July to December 2023 alone.

It pointed out many removals were due to fraud in weapons acquisitions, particularly concerning underground silos. Many of these cases are tied to Li Shangfu, who signed off on all PLA weapon acquisitions when he was head of the Equipment Development Department from 2017-22. The PLARF has presumably repaired these silos, thus increasing overall operational readiness. Because of the report’s cutoff date, reverberations from the fall of Admiral Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission, are not discussed.

It predicted that removals of key personnel “may have disrupted” PLA progress toward their 2027 military modernisation goal. There is some confusion over the 2027 date that Xi refers to as the “centennial military building goal.”

By that time, Xi wants the PLA to possess a complete toolbox of military options available for use against Taiwan. However, this should not be construed as a planned date for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. US officials say an invasion is “neither imminent nor inevitable” in 2027.

These ongoing corruption issues should perhaps be best regarded as a speedbump on the PLA’s pathway to greater capability, rather than being a game-ending disability. Yes, dirty laundry is being aired, but Xi obviously feels confident overall in the direction he is taking the PLA. Xi is pursuing a world-class military, even while, closer to home, the PLA seeks to dominate and control Taiwan and everything within the so-called First Island Chain.

Corruption remains rampant because it is sewn into the very fabric of society and military culture, but the dramatic growth in PLA capability continues unchecked. The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) determination and unparalleled ability to marshal resources mean that the PLA’s modernisation continues unabated. This is the background against which corruption must be viewed. Xi is unremitting in his desire to purify and tone the PLA into a force that can take on not only Taiwan but also the USA if necessary.

The report highlighted that “in the last decade, the PRC has employed a more coercive approach to deal with disputes over maritime features, rights to potentially rich offshore oil and gas deposits, and border areas”.

For example, in the South China Sea, “The PLA has used lasing, aerobatics, acoustic devices, the discharge of objects and other activities that impinged on the ability of nearby aircraft and vessels to manoeuvre safely where high seas freedoms apply.”

China is not playing by international rules, and it is throwing its weight around. Perhaps the vehemence of the Chinese government’s response to the Pentagon report is the greatest testament to its value and accuracy. On 21 December, China’s Ministry of National Defense slammed the document’s release, saying it “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” this content from a “war-addicted” US.

Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said the report “misinterpreted China’s defense policies, speculated about China’s military capacity development, flagrantly interfered in China’s domestic affairs, desperately slandered the Chinese military and exaggerated the so-called military threat posed by China”.

Zhang added, “For over 20 years, the US has been publishing such deceptive and hypocritical reports year after year, only seeking excuses for the development of its own military capacity and misleading public opinion.” He insisted that China “adheres to the path of peaceful development and a national defence policy that is defensive in nature”.

Rather than refute any inaccuracies in the report, China simply trotted out its usual epithets and accusations. Dr. Andrew Erickson, Professor of Strategy at the US Naval War College, noted, “PRC officials fulminate about the China Military Power Report but don’t refute its facts because they can’t. Instead, they repeat the same old polemic condemnations from previous years. They know it’s true overall; they’re just upset that it exists in the first place.” He described Chinese criticisms as the “same old sound and fury”.

Erickson pointed out in a piece published by The War Zone website: “Despite all the drama and ‘palace intrigue,’ we must never lose sight of an important paradox: China has the world’s largest bureaucracy to propagandise its greatest strengths while hiding (or at least dismissing) its greatest weaknesses. America, by contrast, ultimately bares all for all to see. It is an elementary analytical error to confuse the respective great powers’ ‘dirty laundry’ with their ‘designer clothes’.”

Graft has always been endemic in the PLA. Corruption is an enduring mark of communist systems, especially where the CCP is above the law that applies to everyone else. Power struggles, graft, pay-to-play, and influence peddling will always feature in China’s military.

Yet none of this has slowed down Xi’s pursuit of modernisation and his drive to sharpen the PLA. Evidence of Xi’s unrivalled authority was his dissolution of the Strategic Support Force on 19 April 2024, one that he himself formed in 2015!

The Pentagon notes this restructuring was required to give China’s military the best possible network and communication systems management to enable the successful prosecution of high-end warfare against the most capable opponents. Xi is a man on a mission, and he is dragging the PLA along with him.

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

December 14, 2024, 12:05 pm

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 US support and solicitation,” had been inciting unrest in multiple areas of the contested waters. Wu added that international treaties have defined the Philippines’ territorial scope, excluding China’s claimed Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

The South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely, is a flashpoint for disputes among several nations, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These nations argue that China’s extensive territorial claims infringe upon their exclusive economic zones (EEZs), defined as 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from a country’s coastline.

Last week, Philippine officials reported that Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and sideswiped a fisheries bureau boat heading to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen near the Scarborough Shoal. The US condemned China’s actions. However, China’s Coast Guard accused Philippine ships of attempting to enter what Beijing considers its waters around the shoal, also known as Huangyan Island.

China recently submitted nautical charts to the United Nations to support its claims. The Philippines dismissed the move, calling the claims “baseless and illegal,” citing a 2016 international tribunal ruling under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The tribunal found no legal basis for China’s expansive claims and deemed its blockade of the Scarborough Shoal a violation of international law.

Despite the ruling, China has refused to recognize the decision. Meanwhile, the Philippines and other ASEAN nations continue to push for a South China Sea code of conduct, urging it to align with UNCLOS principles.

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

December 10, 2024, 11:37 am

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 of China’s previous military exercises around Taiwan, including those held before the 1996 Taiwanese presidential elections.

Taiwan’s defense ministry spokesperson, Sun Li-fang, stated that although China has not officially confirmed drills, the maneuvers are a strong display of intimidation. “The current scale is the largest compared to the previous four,” Sun said. “Regardless of announcements, the threats are very real.”

This heightened military presence came after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s Pacific tour, which included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Taiwan’s military raised its alert after China reserved airspace and increased the deployment of naval and coast guard vessels in the area.

Senior Taiwanese intelligence officer Hsieh Jih-sheng noted that while there have been no live-fire drills, activity around Taiwan’s northern regions has surged. Chinese forces aim to establish “area denial,” particularly along the First Island Chain, to deter foreign intervention.

The defense ministry highlighted China’s creation of two “naval walls” in the Pacific, with one encroaching on Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone. “They aim to turn the Taiwan Strait into an internal sea,” Hsieh explained.

In the past 24 hours, Taiwan has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 naval vessels operating near the island. Some aircraft simulated attacks on foreign ships and conducted “blockade exercises.”

Taiwanese leaders, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims, assert that only Taiwan’s citizens can determine their future. Meanwhile, Beijing maintains that Taiwan is a “core interest” and warns foreign nations, particularly the US, against crossing its “red lines.”

This marks China’s third major military display around Taiwan this year, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.

Philippines Files Protest Against China Over Escalating South China Sea Incident

December 5, 2024, 4:48 pm

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 in the disputed waters.

Philippine officials reported that Chinese coastguard vessels fired water cannons and sideswiped a Manila fisheries bureau boat delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday. Additionally, Philippine coastguard vessels faced “blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers” from a Chinese navy ship, which a senior Filipino security official described as deeply concerning.

“We view this as a significant escalation by the People’s Republic of China,” said Jonathan Malaya, National Security Council spokesperson, in an interview with ANC News Channel.

While the Philippines conducts its resupply missions as civilian operations, Malaya emphasized the country’s right to deploy naval assets if necessary.

In response, China’s Coast Guard defended its actions, claiming it took “necessary control measures” and labeled them “professional, standardized, legitimate, and lawful.” Beijing placed the blame on the Philippines, asserting that responsibility for the incident “lies entirely with the Philippine side.”

The Scarborough Shoal, a key fishing area, remains a flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute. While China claims almost the entire sea, including the shoal, the Philippines and other neighboring nations contest these claims. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague found Beijing’s expansive claims lacked legal basis. However, China has refused to recognize the ruling.

The tribunal also determined that China’s blockade of Scarborough Shoal violated international law, noting that the area has long been a traditional fishing ground for multiple nationalities.

Tensions in the region persist as both nations assert their claims over the resource-rich waters.

Philippine Expresses Concern Over Russian Submarine Presence In South China Sea

December 2, 2024, 3:56 pm

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. Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed the sighting and reported that the submarine, named UFA 490, was in radio contact with the Philippine frigate Jose Rizal. The Russian crew explained that they were waiting for better weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia, but did not provide further details about the purpose of the submarine’s presence.

The Philippine Navy took precautionary measures by escorting the Russian vessel to ensure compliance with maritime regulations. The Philippine government has expressed concern over any intrusion into its EEZ and the larger West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea.

Russia’s embassy in Manila was unable to comment immediately on the situation.

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing, with both countries having competing claims in the South China Sea. A 2016 international ruling rejected China’s historical claims to much of the disputed waters, a decision Beijing has continued to contest. Relations have been further strained by China and Russia’s growing partnership, which was highlighted by joint naval exercises in the region in July.

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

November 28, 2024, 6:12 pm

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 by Maxar Technologies on Monday, reveal Chinese-registered fishing vessels within two nautical miles of Thitu Island. Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, chief of the Philippines Western Command, stated that such gatherings of maritime militia ships were common in the area. These vessels, which work alongside the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy, are part of China’s ongoing efforts to assert control over disputed waters, according to the Pentagon and diplomats.

Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, the Philippines Navy spokesman for the South China Sea, also emphasized that the presence of these ships did not pose a threat. “It’s not a cause for concern,” Trinidad remarked, adding that Manila was closely monitoring the situation. The Philippine Navy considers these vessels to have an illegal presence but does not feel compelled to react hastily.

Thitu Island, known as Pag-Asa in the Philippines, plays a crucial role in monitoring Chinese activity in the South China Sea. The island is located near a Chinese naval base on Subi Reef, which has occasionally been a staging ground for Chinese maritime militia vessels.

Security experts are watching the situation closely, noting that the Chinese vessels were broadcasting their locations via transponders this week, making them trackable. Collin Koh, a Singapore-based security analyst, suggested that Beijing might be testing the Philippine government’s response, particularly during a period of political turmoil. Vice President Sara Duterte recently accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of attempting to remove her from office, heightening domestic tensions.

If the presence of Chinese vessels persists, analysts like Koh speculate that China could be attempting to delay the Philippines’ planned construction projects on Thitu Island, including a new aircraft hangar expected to be completed soon.

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

November 10, 2024, 4:00 pm

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 at defining the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and establishing specific sea lanes and air routes to bolster its sovereignty.

“China firmly opposes this and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” the Chinese foreign ministry asserted.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, overlapping areas claimed by several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. China has continued to reject a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which determined that Beijing’s expansive claims are unsupported by international law. The US, a Philippine ally, backs this ruling.

In its statement, China reiterated its claims around the Scarborough Shoal referred to as Huangyan Island in China which has been a focal point for disputes over fishing rights and territorial sovereignty. China’s recent laws governing the South China Sea, including a 2021 Coast Guard law permitting detention of foreign vessels accused of trespassing, have escalated tensions. The Chinese Coast Guard has frequently accused vessels of entering areas within exclusive economic zones claimed by its neighbors.

On Sunday, China’s coast guard accused the Philippines of sending military and police vessels near the Scarborough Shoal, alleging that Manila was promoting “illegal fishing” in the region, thus further intensifying a dispute that has seen increased confrontations over the past year.

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

October 13, 2024, 1:01 pm

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 EAS meeting in Laos on Thursday.

ASEAN offered the draft on a “take-it-or-leave-it” basis, according to the US official, speaking anonymously. While the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and India supported the proposal, Russia and China refused to proceed with it.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explained at a news conference in Vientiane that the statement failed due to attempts by the US, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to turn it into a “purely political” document.

The key sticking point was language related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which went beyond what had been agreed upon in the 2023 EAS statement. The US official clarified that the draft did not favor any specific claimant in the South China Sea disputes but acknowledged its broader framework under UNCLOS.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which has heightened tensions with rival claimants, particularly the Philippines. ASEAN has been negotiating a code of conduct with Beijing regarding the region, with some members emphasizing the importance of UNCLOS as the foundation for such agreements. While China supports the idea of a code of conduct, it does not recognize a 2016 ruling that invalidated its claims under UNCLOS.

In the proposed draft seen by Reuters, the contested language included a sub-clause referencing a 2023 UN resolution that stated UNCLOS “sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.” Additionally, another sub-clause mentioned geopolitical challenges in the South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed Beijing’s commitment to UNCLOS and its efforts to finalize a code of conduct, but reaffirmed that China’s territorial claims are based on historical and legal grounds. He urged countries outside the region to respect the efforts of China and ASEAN to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Philippines Stands Firm On Sabina Shoal Amid Tense Talks With China

September 12, 2024, 1:01 pm

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, sparking Beijing’s anger. The shoal has become a flashpoint in the long-standing maritime dispute between the two countries.

In Wednesday’s meeting in Beijing, China reiterated its sovereignty claims and demanded the removal of a Philippine coast guard vessel stationed at the shoal since April. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized her country’s consistent position and explored ways to reduce tensions. She posted on X, formerly Twitter, a picture shaking hands with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

Both nations agreed to continue discussions on cooperative measures, including a hotline mechanism, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific collaboration, according to the Philippines’ foreign ministry.

Sabina Shoal, referred to by China as Xianbin Reef and by Manila as Escoda Shoal, lies 150 kilometers west of Palawan, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recent confrontations between the two nations have included accusations of vessel collisions, even as they reached an agreement on resupply missions to another contested area, the Second Thomas Shoal.

While China continues to assert its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, the 2016 Hague arbitration ruling voided Beijing’s expansive claims, a decision it refuses to accept. Meanwhile, the Philippine navy has reported the presence of over 200 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia boats, within its EEZ, with several observed near Sabina Shoal.

Philippines Urges Global Action As China Escalates South China Sea Tensions

August 27, 2024, 4:02 pm

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 were made during a conference of the US Indo-Pacific Command, following a series of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the contentious waterway over the past year.

Disputed Claims in the South China Sea

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, dismissing competing claims from other nations, including the Philippines. This stance persists despite an international ruling that China’s claims have no legal basis. China’s assertions include areas within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends approximately 370 kilometers (200 nautical miles) from its coastline.

Calls for Collective Action Against China’s “Illegal Acts”

Teodoro emphasized the need for a unified response from the international community, urging other nations to condemn China’s “illegal acts” until Beijing succumbs to international pressure. “We are struggling against a more powerful adversary,” he stated, highlighting the challenges the Philippines faces in the ongoing territorial dispute.

Recent Confrontations in the South China Sea

Teodoro’s comments followed China’s announcement that it had taken “control measures” against two Philippine Coast Guard ships near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The Philippine vessels were on a mission to deliver supplies to one of their ships stationed at the reef but were forced to abandon their mission due to China’s “excessive” deployment of ships and adverse sea conditions, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Growing Concerns Over China’s Activities

The area around Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan and approximately 1,200 kilometers from China’s Hainan Island, has seen multiple confrontations in recent days. Both the Philippines and China have stationed coast guard vessels at the shoal, with Manila expressing concern that Beijing may be planning to construct an artificial island.

Strained Relations Under President Marcos’s Administration

The relationship between the Philippines and China has deteriorated under President Ferdinand Marcos’s administration, which has taken a firmer stance against Beijing’s actions in the contested waters. In June, a Philippine sailor lost a thumb in a confrontation where the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment, including firearms, near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

Thitu Island Residents Face Growing Tensions Amid China’s Increasing Presence

August 26, 2024, 7:43 am

The situation on Thitu Island, also known as Pag-asa Island, is a vivid example of the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Occupied by the Philippines since 1974, Thitu is home to a small civilian population and serves as a frontline in the territorial disputes with China, which claims much of the surrounding waters.

The residents of Thitu, such as Larry Hugo and his daughter Abegail, have faced increasing challenges due to the growing Chinese military presence. Over the years, they have seen an increase in Chinese vessels and surveillance activities, making their lives on the island more complicated and tense. Despite this, the community remains resilient, with locals like Hugo expressing their determination to stay and defend their home.

The island has seen development over the years, with new infrastructure like a health clinic, school, port, and even a small naval station. These improvements have made life on Thitu more sustainable, although the residents still face hardships, such as limited food supplies during bad weather and a lack of certain amenities and foods they miss from the mainland.

The Philippines considers the presence of civilians on Thitu as crucial to their claim over the island, as international laws protect civilian areas from military attacks. The government has also provided incentives, such as free water and rice subsidies, to encourage people to live on the island and support its claim.

As the geopolitical situation in the South China Sea remains tense, the residents of Thitu continue to live with uncertainty. However, they are committed to their island, seeing themselves as protectors of their nation’s sovereignty in this disputed region.

Philippines Demands China To Stop Provocative Actions

August 25, 2024, 4:25 pm

In response to escalating maritime confrontations, Philippines has called on China to “cease all provocative and dangerous actions.” This demand follows recent accusations that China fired at a Philippine aircraft conducting patrols over the South China Sea, according to Al Jazeera.

The Philippine South China Sea Task Force reported that the aircraft, which belongs to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and works in coordination with the coastguard to monitor and intercept poachers, also encountered harassment from a Chinese jet fighter on August 19. The Chinese jet reportedly deployed flares at dangerously close distances, raising safety concerns for the BFAR personnel.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating it conducted “countermeasures” against two Philippine military aircraft that entered its airspace over Subi Reef on August 22, but did not address the incident involving the BFAR aircraft.

The recent incidents are part of a broader pattern of rising tensions between the two nations. Both China and the Philippines have accused each other of dangerous manouevers, including ramming vessels in the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

Despite reaching an agreement in July to better manage some maritime disputes and “restore trust,” the relationship between the two countries remains strained. China asserts sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea and has established a significant presence in the region with coastguard vessels and artificial islands equipped with radar, runways, and surface-to-air missiles.

The Philippines, along with Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei, contests China’s claims. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s claims have “no basis” under international law, awarding a significant legal victory to the Philippines. Meanwhile, China has expressed concerns about the presence of US and allied military forces in the disputed area, viewing it as a “danger to regional security.”

Vietnam President Lam On 3 Day China Visit Amid South China Sea Tensions

August 18, 2024, 11:43 am

On Sunday, Vietnam President To Lam, arrived in China for a three-day visit, as reported by Chinese state media. During his stay, Lam is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.

Lam, who was recently elevated to Vietnam’s top position as the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party, touched down in Guangzhou, where state broadcaster CCTV noted that he will visit significant sites related to former President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities in the area.

China and Vietnam have maintained diplomatic relations since 1950, and in 2008, the two nations established a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. This partnership was further strengthened in 2013 to address shared international and regional concerns.

Lam’s visit underscores the close ties between the two communist neighbors, who maintain robust economic and trade relations despite occasional disputes over territorial boundaries in the resource-rich South China Sea. China has portrayed Lam’s visit as a continuation of Xi’s December trip to Vietnam, highlighting it as “a good start” to building a “China-Vietnam community of shared future with strategic significance.”

This state visit marks Lam’s first since taking office, reflecting the importance he places on developing ties between the two nations. Last December, China and Vietnam signed more than a dozen agreements, including those aimed at enhancing railway cooperation and establishing communication channels to manage unexpected incidents in the South China Sea. However, the specifics of these agreements were not disclosed to the public.

Philippines Slams China’s “Illegal, Reckless” Actions In South China Sea

August 11, 2024, 6:53 pm

On Sunday, the Philippines strongly condemned China’s “unjustified, illegal, and reckless” actions against one of its aircraft conducting patrols in the contested South China Sea earlier in the week. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued a statement expressing his “strong condemnation” of the air incident and voiced support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

According to the country’s state news agency, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported on August 10 that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) engaged in “dangerous and provocative actions” against a PAF plane during a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, located about 120 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The incident occurred on August 8 at around 9 a.m. near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) when two Chinese fighter jets performed a hazardous maneuver and dropped flares in the path of the PAF’s NC-212i aircraft.

Scarborough Shoal, which is controlled by China, has been a point of contention since China seized it in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines. While the Philippines refers to the area as the West Philippine Sea, the sovereignty of the islands remains unresolved by an international court.

In a statement posted on social media, the Presidential Palace, Malacanang, criticized the PLAAF’s actions as “unjustified, illegal, and reckless,” emphasizing that the PAF aircraft was conducting a routine maritime security operation within Philippine sovereign airspace. The statement also expressed concern about the potential for instability in the region, stating, “We have hardly started to calm the waters, and it is already worrying that there could be instability in our airspace.”

China, however, has claimed that the Philippine aircraft “illegally entered the airspace” over its Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), as reported by China’s state-run Global Times.

Recently, the Philippines and China reached an agreement to allow seamless resupply of Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, according to state media PNA. President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to “proper diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes” and urged China to “demonstrate that it is fully capable of responsible action, both in the seas and in the skies.”

China claims the entirety of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines holds sovereignty, but refuses to recognize a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its claims and affirmed the Philippines’ EEZ. In response, the Philippines has sought support from its international allies, including the United States, and has been bolstering its military capabilities.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media Xinhua criticized the current Philippine government under Marcos for “actively engaging in reckless provocations” in the South China Sea. It accused the Philippines of misleading the international community by exaggerating the significance of an “arbitration award” from eight years ago to conceal its alleged infringements on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. The editorial also described the South China Sea arbitration case as “a pure political drama” orchestrated in the name of the law, with the United States “pulling strings behind the scenes.”

Philippines Accuses China Of Mischaracterizing South China Sea Resupply Agreement

July 28, 2024, 4:14 pm

Philippines’ foreign ministry accused China on Sunday of mischaracterizing an arrangement that allowed the unimpeded resupply of Filipino troops stationed on a beached naval vessel in the South China Sea.

Following repeated clashes at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, the two countries reached a “provisional arrangement” earlier this month concerning resupply missions to soldiers stationed at the Sierra Madre, a naval vessel Manila deliberately grounded in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims.

Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza reported that Saturday’s resupply mission was completed without incident, with Chinese coast guard vessels maintaining a “reasonable distance.” However, her Chinese counterpart claimed that China’s coast guard had been notified in advance and “let the vessel through” after an “on-the-scene confirmation.”

In response, Daza stated it was “unfortunate” that China “mischaracterized” the resupply mission. “Instead of acknowledging how the two countries managed differences to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding, the spokesperson chose to misrepresent what had been agreed upon between the Philippines and China,” she said in a statement.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside office hours. Details of the arrangement between China and the Philippines have not been publicly disclosed, but both nations have said the deal was aimed at easing tensions in the waterway.

“The understanding between the Philippines and China was concluded in good faith, with the explicit agreement that it will not prejudice national positions,” Daza emphasized. “It is not helpful to keep giving false notions about what has been agreed on and how they were implemented,” she added.

The Philippines’ South China Sea task force issued a separate statement on Sunday, clarifying that Manila did not seek Chinese permission to resupply its soldiers. “There was also no boarding and inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard,” the task force stated.

Located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, China claims sovereignty over the Second Thomas Shoal. Last month, a Filipino navy sailor lost a finger after a confrontation between the Chinese coast guard and the Philippine navy. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory based on historic maps, a claim an arbitral tribunal in 2016 ruled had no basis under international law.

Philippines China Reach Understanding On Resupply Missions To Beached Ship In South China Sea

July 22, 2024, 3:49 pm

The Philippines and China have announced a “temporary arrangement” regarding resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in the South China Sea, a crucial point of contention between the two nations. The agreement aims to manage maritime differences and de-escalate ongoing tensions.

Details of the Arrangement

The agreement pertains to the Sierra Madre, a naval vessel intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Philippine claims over the disputed waters. The ship has since been manned by a small contingent of Filipino sailors requiring regular resupply missions, which China has reportedly attempted to block.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not disclose specific details of the provisional arrangement but indicated that it resulted from “frank and constructive discussions” earlier in the month. The DFA emphasized that the agreement would not impact either country’s stance on the South China Sea.

Chinese Conditions and Reactions

China’s foreign ministry confirmed the temporary arrangement but reiterated its demand for the Philippines to remove the beached vessel and restore Second Thomas Shoal to its original state. The ministry stated that while humanitarian grounds would permit supply deliveries to the ship, China would not accept any attempts to build permanent facilities on the shoal.

In response, Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to asserting its rights and jurisdiction over Second Thomas Shoal and rejected claims that the arrangement required prior notification or verification of deliveries to the Sierra Madre.

US Involvement and Diplomatic Context

Despite offers of assistance from the United States, Philippine security officials have stated that resupply operations will proceed independently. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had affirmed America’s commitment to supporting its treaty ally, but the Philippines’ Eduardo Año confirmed that the operation would remain a purely Philippine affair.

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, with incidents including a Filipino soldier being injured in a clash with the China Coast Guard. The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines could be invoked in case of armed conflict involving Philippine forces.

China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, which overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, were invalidated by a Hague-based tribunal in 2016—a ruling China has dismissed.

The arrangement between the Philippines and China marks a significant development in managing maritime disputes and reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address tensions in the region.

US, Philippine Coast Guards Hold Joint Search, Rescue Drills In South China Sea

July 18, 2024, 11:01 pm

The US Coast Guard on Tuesday, and the Philippine Coast Guard carried out a joint search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, according to a statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command.

In a post on ‘X’ the US Indo-Pacific Command “@USCGPACAREA conducts a search and rescue exercise alongside @coastguardph, strengthening relationships and exchanging tactics that maintain peace in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. @USCG | @USCGHawaiiPac | @uscgfmsg.”

??–??@USCGPACAREA conducts a search and rescue exercise alongside @coastguardph, strengthening relationships and exchanging tactics that maintain peace in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.@USCG | @USCGHawaiiPac | @uscgfmsg

? #SouthChinaSea

?: Ensign Julia VanLuven pic.twitter.com/8jTz094kjx

— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) July 18, 2024

The exercise featured defense personnel from the US and the Philippines, utilizing the US Coast Guard Legend-class vessel USCGC Waesche and the Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino.

The commanding officer of Waesche Captin Tyson Scofield, “It was an honour to train with our partners in the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure that we are always ready to respond to save lives on the high seas. We look forward to fostering our relationship as we strive to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sharing lessons learned and best practices through person-to-person exercises is the best way to improve our ability to operate together on the unforgiving ocean”, the US Indo-Pacific Command.

The commanding officers of the US Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USCGC Waesche and the Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino took part in joint training exercises. These scenarios included joint sailing, search and rescue (SAR) operations, personnel transfer evolutions, and bilateral sailing. As noted in the statement by the Indo-Pacific Command, the Waesche is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, which is the Navy’s largest DESRON and serves as the principal surface force of the US 7th Fleet.

China Anchors Largest Coast Guard Vessel In South China Sea, Escalating Tensions With Philippines

July 8, 2024, 6:15 pm

China has anchored its largest coast guard vessel, the 165-meter “monster ship” CCG-5901, in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. This development comes just days before Japan and the Philippines signed a deal to boost defense ties, raising concerns over regional stability.

The Vessel: CCG-5901

According to CNN, the China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901 is anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The ship measures 541 feet in length and has a displacement of 12,000 tonnes, making it three times the size of US coast guard vessels. It is considered the largest regular coast guard ship in the world, except for a specialty US Coast Guard icebreaker, and is even larger than some US Navy destroyers. The CCG-5901 boasts more firepower than its US counterparts, equipped with two main 76.2-millimeter guns compared to one 57-millimeter gun on US vessels.

Philippines’ Concerns

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the vessel, which entered the 200-nautical mile area on July 2, is intended to intimidate its smaller neighbor. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that the Chinese vessel was warned about being in the Philippine EEZ and asked about its intentions. The Chinese ship, which deployed a small boat, was anchored 800 yards from the PCG’s vessel and is five times its size.

“It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard,” Tarriela said. “We’re not going to pull out and we’re not going to be intimidated.”

Strategic Implications

Ray Powell, a South China Sea expert, described the CCG-5901 as a central element in China’s paramilitary maritime force, designed more for intimidation than traditional coast guard missions. He noted that the vessel’s massive size allows it to project power without escalating to the level of deploying military ships.

The Philippines is particularly worried because China claims most of the South China Sea, including areas hundreds of kilometers from mainland China, leading to frequent tensions with Manila and other neighboring countries. Despite a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims, Beijing continues to assert its dominance in the region.

Recent Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts

The recent arrival of CCG-5901 follows a series of aggressive actions by China in the South China Sea. In June, Chinese Coast Guard personnel rammed Philippine rubber boats and injured several sailors, prompting Manila to demand damages. Bilateral talks in Manila aimed at de-escalating tensions yielded some progress, but significant differences remain.

Philippines and Japan Strengthen Defense Ties

Amid rising tensions with China, the Philippines and Japan have signed a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) to boost defense cooperation. The pact, described as a “landmark achievement,” allows easier entry of equipment and troops for combat training and disaster response. This agreement, the first of its kind for Japan in Asia, reflects a shared commitment to ensuring a rules-based international order.

China’s Response

China has called on the Philippines to stop “maritime infringement” and stabilize bilateral relations. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region does not need military blocs or confrontation, urging Japan to reflect on its history of aggression during World War II.

China’s Defence Minister Warns of ‘Limits’ to Restraint In South China Sea

June 2, 2024, 1:01 pm

In a significant address at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, China’s Defence Minister, Wei Fenghe, issued a stern warning regarding Beijing’s restraint on the South China Sea situation and the deployment of ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

China’s Defence Minister Fenghe remarks were widely interpreted as a direct message to the Philippines and the United States, amid escalating tensions in the region. Both countries have been bolstering their defense cooperation in response to China’s expanding military presence and influence.

While acknowledging China’s past restraint in the face of perceived provocations and rights infringements, Fenghe emphasized that there were “limits” to such restraint.

The Philippines has emerged as a crucial focus of US efforts to strengthen alliances in the region, particularly due to its strategic position in the South China Sea and its proximity to Taiwan. The recent deployment of a Mid-Range Capability missile system by the US Army in the northern Philippines for joint exercises has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing.

Fenghe condemned the missile deployment, asserting that it posed a severe threat to regional security and stability. He cautioned against such actions, warning that they would ultimately backfire.

Moreover, Fenghe highlighted the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, particularly concerning confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels near disputed reefs. The use of water cannons by China Coast Guard vessels against Philippine boats and collisions resulting in injuries to Filipino troops have exacerbated the maritime territorial disputes between the two nations.

Despite the mounting pressure from China, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos reiterated his country’s resolve not to yield to Chinese coercion. Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that Filipinos would not back down in the face of illegal and aggressive actions.

The ongoing tensions underscore the complex dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, with competing territorial claims and strategic interests at play. As China continues to assert its dominance, regional stability remains a pressing concern for all stakeholders involved.

Indian Naval Ship Shivalik Deployed To South China Sea And Pacific Ocean For Maritime Exercises

June 1, 2024, 7:18 pm

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik has embarked on a mission deployment to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, heading towards Japan to participate in two major maritime exercises: the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) 24 and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC-24). The Ministry of Defence announced that the ship departed from Singapore on May 30 for its onward passage to Yokosuka, Japan.

This deployment is aimed at enhancing interoperability with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the US Navy, and other partner navies participating in RIMPAC 24. While in Singapore, INS Shivalik engaged in various activities, including a meeting with the Base Commander of Changi Naval Base, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kranji War Memorial, and a visit by the High Commissioner of India to Singapore. The ship also hosted around 80 school children, Indian and Australian High Commissioners, and conducted cross-deck visits to the USS Mobile (LCS), reflecting strong maritime relations and shared values under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.

Previously, on May 23, Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan completed their visit to Manila, Philippines, as part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment to the South China Sea. This region has seen escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal. The shoal, located about 220 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is a traditional fishing ground close to significant shipping channels. China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea, rejecting the claims of other nations, including the Philippines, despite an international ruling that invalidates these claims. Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam also have claims in the area.

India and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in November 1949. The bilateral relationship has been cordial, with regular visits by Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships to the Philippines. There is also active participation by officers of the armed forces from both countries in specialized training courses and visits by National Defence College delegations, further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Philippines Accuses China Coast Guard Of Ship Damage

April 30, 2024, 11:50 pm

Philippines on Tuesday alleged that the China Coast Guard deployed water cannons towards two of its vessels, resulting in damage to one of them, while conducting a patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

It accused China of engaging in “dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” and reinstating a barrier at the contested Scarborough Shoal. The shoal was blockaded and seized from Manila by Beijing in 2012, Al Jazeera said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela said, “Two Philippine vessels on maritime patrol encountered four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and six vessels from its maritime militia in the area on Monday morning”.

One of the vessels was targeted by water cannon from a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) from the shoal. Meanwhile, another Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel was hit by water cannon discharged from two CCG ships when it was approximately 1,000 yards (914 meters) away from the shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc by the Philippines.

In a post on X, PCG spokesperson said “Yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP BAGACAY (MRRV-4410), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, BRP BANKAW (MMOV-3004), were assigned to carry out a legitimate maritime patrol in the waters near Bajo De Masinloc. The primary objective of this mission was to distribute fuel and food supplies, highlighting our commitment to supporting the fishermen in accordance with the President’s food security policy. During the patrol, the Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction from four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels”.

Despite China’s claim that it “expelled” Philippine vessels from the area, which serves as a traditional fishing ground and offers shelter during stormy weather, the Philippines asserted that China had reinstalled a barrier approximately 415 yards (380 meters) long across the entrance to the shoal. This information was reported by Al Jazeera, citing a statement from Tarriela. The shoal is situated about 220 kilometers (137 miles) off the coast of the Philippines and falls within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

As per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends approximately 200 nautical miles (about 370 kilometers) from a country’s coastline. Previously, when China had erected the same barrier last year, the Philippines removed it, asserting that it encroached upon the island nation’s maritime boundaries according to international maritime law.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated sharply due to China’s expansionist claims over the South China Sea. Beijing asserts nearly full ownership of the region under a nine-dash line, a claim that an international tribunal ruled to be invalid in 2016.

Manila pursued its case before the tribunal after China seized Scarborough Shoal over a decade ago. Despite the tribunal’s ruling, China has disregarded it and persisted in asserting its claim. Additionally, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam also assert claims over parts of the sea surrounding their coastlines, as mentioned in the report.

Singapore calls on China and ASEAN for diplomatic resolution of SCS Conflicts

October 4, 2022, 4:34 pm

Singapore called on the Association of Southeast Asian nations to use diplomacy and dialogue to settle disputes. The move comes amid growing territorial disputes between China and other littoral states in the South China Sea (SCS).

Speaking to ANI, Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador-at-Large at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday said, “There must be a conclusion, otherwise we cannot reassure our shipping community, international companies dealing with business in this part of the world. I think the important thing now is that both sides have to sit down and go through all the possible scenarios and options and then come to a commonsensical conclusion. If they maintain their respective position, we cannot get any conclusion. “

Back in 2002, China and ASEAN agreed on a Declaration of Conduct of Parties (DOC), but the progress on a Code of Conduct (COC) has been slow amid an increasing risk of conflict.

The COC would safeguard the rights and interests of all parties to SCS. China and ASEAN are currently working to speed up the conclusion of negotiations for the issuance of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the SCS.

For the last two years, most of the negotiations over the South China Sea, the thorniest issue between China and ASEAN, have been conducted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2022, the two parties resumed the physical textual negotiation of the single draft COC negotiating text during the 36^th Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (JWG-DOC) in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

China and five other parties including four ASEAN members—Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam – hold competing claims in the South China Sea. China has made the most expansive claims about SCS, and an international arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that they lacked legal foundation.

ASEAN comprises ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.