Recent content
2024-03-26 | BY Lei Xiaolu
Currently, much attention has been attracted by the tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The recurrent provocative activities of the Philippines in the Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao), Second Thomas Shoal (Ren’ai Jiao), and Sandy Cay (Tiexian Jiao) encountered a firm response from the CCG at sea. Some commentators are worried about the possibility of the...
2024-03-21 | BY SCSPI
In 2023, the US military continued to strengthen its military deterrence against China, maintaining high-intensity activities including close-in reconnaissance operations, Taiwan Strait transits, forward presence, strategic cruising, military exercises and drills, and battlefield preparation in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas. Around 1,000 sorties of large reconnaissance aircraft conducted close-in reconnaissance, frequently approaching Chinese mainland airspace. Carrier strike groups (CSGs) and amphibious ready groups (ARGs) entered the South China Sea eight times, with increased duration, and training intensity. At least 11 nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) and two ballistic nuclear missile submarines (SSBNs) appeared in the region, signifying a clear intent for deterrence. Additionally, both joint operations with allies and partners and the use of unmanned systems were prominent among the US military activities in the South China Sea in 2023.
2024-01-26 | BY Zheng Zhihua
The critical examination of the reasoning of arbitral ruling unveils the fragility of its finding regarding the Shoal's nature. The dependence on Philippines' selective and decontextualized claims, alongside antiquated evidentiary material, casts serious doubt on the finding's impartiality and accuracy.
2024-01-14 | BY Lei Xiaolu, Yan Yan
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on 30 Dec. 2023 reveals the position of the regional states on regional maritime rules and the situation in the South China Sea at present as well.[1] The regional maritime rules should respect and protect the common interest of China and ASEAN members, especially the interests of peace, safety, security, stability, and prosperity.
The ASEAN...
2024-01-10 | BY Zheng Zhihua
The grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre was publically acknowledged as accidental and temporary in nature. Since 2010, the Philippines has attempted to reinforce and refurbish the BRP Sierra Madre, and has consistently caused incidents in violation of the DOC's obligations for all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from occupying uninhabited features. It is attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo at Second Thomas Shoal. Manila claim that "Philippines has been in long, continuous, peaceful, uninterrupted, and effective possession of the shoal under international law" is a complete falsehood.[8] At present, there are still over a hundred uninhabited and features in the Spratly Islands. If the Philippines flagrantly violates this commitment, it could trigger a new wave of occupation activities, exacerbate tensions and chaos in the South China Sea, and significantly impede negotiations for a code of conduct in the region.