South China Sea

A decade on, 14 nations reaffirm a South China Sea ruling China rejects

A 14-nation statement reaffirming the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling has drawn a sharp rebuke from Beijing, underscoring how the decade-old award remains a focal point of strategic rivalry even as a new dispute over the Batanes Islands emerges. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu speaks to academics for an analysis.

Liu Liu

13 Jul 2026

Law alone won’t save the South China Sea

A decade after the 2016 arbitration, the South China Sea remains contested. In Malaysian academic Ngeow Chow Bing’s view, lasting stability will depend not only on international law, but also on sustained diplomacy, crisis management and practical cooperation.

Ngeow Chow Bing

07 Jul 2026

Why the Pacific is filling with warships: China, RIMPAC and a new military contest

As the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise kicks off and China’s Liaoning wraps up its drills, the Western Pacific is witnessing a strategic shift from simple carrier standoffs to a complex battle of military systems. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with analysts to find out more.

Miao Zong-Han

25 Jun 2026

Are China-Philippines tensions sinking the South China Sea Code of Conduct?

Recent remarks by the Philippines suggesting that China may be a stumbling block to the conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) drew a harsh response from the latter. Why are these tensions resurfacing now, and what real impact does it have on the negotiations on the COC? Researcher Chau Do gives her take.

Chau Do

23 Jun 2026

Did Japan and the Philippines expand Beijing’s reach in Taiwan’s eastern waters?

Taiwan seems to be the biggest loser, whatever the outcome of Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation talks, since this gives Beijing greater cause to regularise patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters. Commentator Deng Yuwen shares his views.

Deng Yuwen

19 Jun 2026

Beijing’s sanctions only strengthened the Philippine defence chief

After Beijing made strong remarks and sanctioned Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr, the moves backfired — bolstering his standing at home, validating his criticisms of China and further damaging Beijing’s image in Southeast Asia, says Philippine academic Elaine Tolentino.

Elaine C. Tolentino

18 Jun 2026

Japan and Philippines harden stance against China amid US-China detente

As Washington softens its tone on Beijing, Japan and the Philippines are tightening defence ties to counter China, forging a potent middle-power coalition in Asian waters. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.

Han Yong Hong

05 Jun 2026

Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit

China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

06 May 2026

Planes, missiles, submarines: Southeast Asia’s quiet arms race?

A slew of arms procurement deals in Southeast Asia has raised eyebrows on whether the region is engaged in an arms race. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Claudia Liao finds out from academics that these military upgrades may have more to do with prestige than capability.

Claudia Liao

25 Mar 2026

The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship comes at a perilous time

As the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship kicks off, all eyes are on its approach to three major issues: the South China Sea dispute, the situation in Myanmar and the volatile peace along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill gives his assessment.

Don McLain Gill

10 Feb 2026

Can the Philippines deter China without US backing?

Chinese water cannon attacks on Filipino fishermen at Escoda Shoal mark a dangerous escalation. Sustaining deterrence in the South China Sea now depends on US support and the Philippines’ resolve, says Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill.

Don McLain Gill

22 Dec 2025

What the new US national security strategy means for China

From the latest US National Security Strategy document released by the Trump administration, it is clear that the US is intent on excluding China, limiting its global influence, not least in its own backyard of the western hemisphere. Commentator Deng Yuwen gives his take. 

Deng Yuwen

11 Dec 2025