Home » South China Sea » Page 5
Tag:

South China Sea

World

Indonesia Calls for ASEAN Security Forum Renewal – Regional Geopolitics

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Indonesia is advocating for the revitalization of the ASEAN Regional forum (ARF), emphasizing the need for practical cooperation beyond mere dialog as the region navigates complex geopolitical challenges. The call comes as the ARF, the sole security forum hosted by a bloc in a tense region, faces pressure to demonstrate its relevance and capacity to address contemporary issues.

Foreign Minister Sugiono, speaking at the ARF meeting in Kuala Lumpur, stressed that the forum, which includes 27 key nations such as the United states, China, and Russia, must be equipped to respond effectively to current global dynamics.The meeting, hosted by Malaysia as the bloc’s chair, convened high-level representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states and their international partners, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.

this significant gathering took place against a backdrop of escalating global tensions, including Washington’s trade tariff policies, Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine, and China’s expanding presence in the South China Sea. minister Sugiono, representing Indonesia, also pointed to a range of non-military security concerns impacting Southeast Asia, such as economic instability, the escalating effects of climate change, and the growing threat of cyberattacks.

“Mere dialogue will prove insufficient,” Sugiono stated, advocating for a shift towards tangible collaborative efforts. He proposed concrete measures like joint exercises, training programs, and the establishment of early-warning systems to bolster the ARF’s capacity for preventive diplomacy, aligning with its foundational objectives.

Read also: RI urges ASEAN to uphold fair norms amid global trade tensions

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

China Can Do More to Improve U.S. Relations

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on its key arguments and themes:

Central Concern:

The primary concern expressed in the text is the escalating tension between China and the United States, particularly regarding China’s assertive actions towards Taiwan and in the broader indo-Pacific region.

Key Arguments and Observations:

China’s Aggressive Posturing: The text highlights China’s military exercises around Taiwan, including the deployment of fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones, as a form of intimidation. It also points to China’s incursions into South Korean waters and airspace as a cause for concern.
 Taiwan as a Flashpoint: The possibility of China invading or blockading Taiwan by 2027 is presented as a meaningful threat,with the potential for “devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world.”
Disregard for International Law: China’s continued claims over the South China Sea, despite a UN Tribunal ruling against them, are cited as an example of its disregard for international legal frameworks. Tense US-China Relationship: The text acknowledges the strained relationship between the US and china, even amidst considerable trade and investment ties. China’s regional actions are identified as a major contributor to this tension.
ancient US Support for China: A significant portion of the text emphasizes the historical role of the US in supporting China’s advancement and integration into the global community. This includes:
 establishing a strategic relationship in 1979, which contributed to the defeat of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold war.
Cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and organized crime.
 Facilitating China’s entry into the World Trade Association (WTO), which considerably boosted China’s economic growth.
The role of Chinese students studying in the US and US investment in China in fostering this relationship.
 call for Renewed Cooperation: The author suggests that China could take steps to improve its relationship with the US by initiating dialog and focusing on areas of mutual interest.
A hypothetical meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump is proposed as a potential starting point for discussing collaborative efforts on global issues like food scarcity, pandemics, healthcare, nuclear proliferation, and narcotics trafficking.
 The text draws a parallel to the cooperative spirit of the 1980s and 1990s between the two superpowers.
Potential for Positive Global Impact: The author believes that renewed cooperation between the US and China on global challenges would be welcomed by most countries, with the exception of russia and Iran.
 Importance of Leadership: Achieving this improved relationship would require “bold and sustained leadership” from both sides.In essence, the text argues that while China’s current actions are creating significant regional instability and tension with the US, there is a historical precedent for cooperation and a potential path forward through renewed dialogue and a focus on shared global challenges. The author expresses concern about China’s military assertiveness but also suggests that a more constructive relationship is absolutely possible and beneficial for the world.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Indonesia is Out of Step With Global Arms Race

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Indonesia Balances Defense Amidst Global Arms Surge

While Indonesia’s defense budget has seen a nominal increase, it’s struggling to keep pace with the accelerating global arms race, raising questions about the nation’s commitment to military modernization and regional security.

Modest Budget Increases

Indonesia’s defense budget reached US$8.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit US$10.6 billion in 2025. However, defense spending as a percentage of GDP remains relatively unchanged, rising from 0.7 percent in 2023 to just 0.77 percent in 2025. This lags behind the 1.85 percent average of other U.S. allies in East and Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s GDP also grew, from Rp 20.9 quadrillion (US$1.37 trillion) in 2023 to Rp 24.2 quadrillion (US$1.49 trillion) in 2025. Experts suggest that the nominal defense budget increase is a response to overall economic expansion rather than a strategic prioritization of defense.

Resource Allocation Concerns

Even with plans to increase defense spending to 1.5 percent of GDP, commitment to modernization is uncertain. In the proposed 2025 defense budget, 51 percent is allocated to personnel and management, with only 40 percent for modernization and procurement.

The recently passed National Armed Forces Law expands the military’s role to include non-military operations like food security. This broadened scope could strain resources, potentially hindering Indonesia’s ability to promote regional stability. As of June 2024, Indonesia had over 395,000 active military personnel (Statista).

Procurement Strategy

Indonesia’s procurement of fighter aircraft such as the French Rafale and Turkish Kaan, along with potential acquisitions of Chinese J-10s and Russian SU-35s, reflect efforts to address equipment shortfalls after the Minimum Essential Forces (MEF) program failed to meet its 2024 targets.

Rather than focusing on advanced systems or interoperability, Indonesia prioritizes market availability and avoiding reliance on single suppliers. Political considerations appear to outweigh strategic military factors.

External Pressure

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, then U.S. Secretary of Defense **Pete Hegseth** urged Indo-Pacific partners to increase military spending to counter China’s growing influence. He cited China’s actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait as destabilizing forces. The **Donald Trump** administration has even suggested a target of 5 percent of GDP for Asian defense spending.

Regional Trends

Across Asia, defense spending is rising. East Asia saw a 7.8 percent increase in military expenditure in 2024, the largest since 2009. Japan increased its defense budget by 21 percent, reaching 1.4 percent of GDP, while Singapore allocated 2.8 percent. Still, most Asian countries remain below the spending levels advocated by the U.S., the world’s leading arms exporter.

Global Context

Global military spending reached US$2.718 trillion in 2024, the highest since the Cold War. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that over 100 countries are prioritizing defense at the expense of economic and social development.

This increase is happening amidst global economic uncertainty. **Donald Trump’s** proposed reciprocal tariff policy, with a 10 percent tariff on all countries, has triggered retaliatory measures, disrupting global supply chains and hindering economic growth. The World Bank projects global growth at just 2.3 percent in 2025, the slowest pace outside of a recession since 2008.

Geopolitical Risks

Geopolitical risks are a major driver, with conflicts like Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, Israel-Iran, and India-Pakistan highlighting military capability gaps and the need for greater self-reliance. At a recent NATO summit, European countries agreed to raise defense spending to 5 percent of national income by 2035 to meet **Trump’s** demands and bolster their security.

Indonesia faces its own geopolitical risks, including overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea. Escalation in the Taiwan Strait or on the Korean Peninsula would directly impact the country.

Indonesia’s defense modernization efforts, while underway, are insufficient to address security threats or meet U.S. expectations for increased spending. Thus, Indonesia’s current military modernization does not align with the global arms race.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Nine years after PCA ruling, US calls out China’s defiance in South China Sea

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

US Urges China to Heed South China Sea Ruling

Nine years after a landmark international ruling, the United States is again pressing China to abide by the 2016 decision concerning Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea. The call coincides with the anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decision under UNCLOS.

International Law Milestone

The U.S. State Department emphasized that the 2016 ruling represents a “milestone in international maritime law” and a cornerstone for peaceful resolutions in the region. The PCA in The Hague had invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claims, affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Escalating Tensions

Washington voiced concerns over China’s continued actions against Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. China’s increasingly assertive behavior, the U.S. warns, undermines navigational freedom, disrupts global trade, and intensifies Indo-Pacific tensions. Since 2020, China’s coast guard has been the largest in the world, with approximately 150 ships displacing more than 1,000 tons (Council on Foreign Relations).

The State Department statement said, “Since the 2016 ruling, China has ignored the decision, continuing to assert unlawful and expansive maritime claims while taking increasingly aggressive actions against its neighbors. Beijing’s claims directly infringe on the sovereign rights and jurisdictions of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, undermining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

US Commitment

The U.S. has reiterated its dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, signaling its opposition to coercion in maritime disputes.

The statement added, “The United States supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. We seek to preserve peace and stability, uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, maintain the free flow of trade, and oppose coercion to settle maritime disputes. The United States calls on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling and to cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.”

Philippines’ Stand

The Philippines has also renewed its call for China to adhere to the PCA ruling. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that the ruling serves as a guide for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.

According to the DFA, “It is an illuminating precedent for States facing similarly challenging circumstances in the seas, and the clearest of reminders to the international community that the rule of law can be the great equalizer between and among nations, and serve as the bedrock of peace and stability for the international community.”

China’s Rejection

China has consistently refused to acknowledge the PCA ruling. Over the weekend, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Manila described the UNCLOS ruling as a “political circus dressed up as a legal action.”

The spokesperson added, “The Philippines breached the common understandings with China on resolving the disputes in the South China Sea through consultation and negotiation, violated the article of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) which stipulates parties concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means,”

The Chinese Embassy further asserted that the UNCLOS exercised its jurisdiction “ultra vires” and that the award rendered to the Philippines is “illegal, null and void.”

The embassy maintains, “China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action thereon.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
World

Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China: Report

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Japan to Provide Destroyers to Philippines

Boosting Manila’s Naval Capabilities Amidst Regional Tensions

In a move that will significantly bolster the Philippine Navy’s capabilities, **Japan** is set to provide destroyer-type vessels to the country. This agreement underscores the deepening security cooperation between the two nations.

Deepening Military Ties

Bilateral cooperation between **Japan** and the **Philippines** has grown to include high-level strategic dialogues and joint exercises. Last year, they formalized their partnership by signing a reciprocal access agreement, the first of its kind for **Japan** in Asia, facilitating troop deployments on each other’s territory.

To bypass restrictions on military equipment exports under **Japan**’s pacifist constitution, the installation of equipment and communications systems sought by **Manila** will be classified as a joint development project, according to the Yomiuri.

Details on the Vessels

The destroyers being considered are Abukuma-class destroyer escorts. According to the Japanese navy website, these vessels are relatively small, displacing 2,000 tons, operated by a crew of approximately 120, and armed with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, and guns.

Currently, the Philippine Navy operates frigates and corvettes, vessels that are generally smaller and carry lighter armaments compared to destroyers.

Strategic Importance

This agreement comes as maritime disputes continue in the South China Sea. In 2023, the Lowy Institute reported increased tensions and confrontations between claimant states in the region, highlighting the need for enhanced maritime security capabilities (Lowy Institute).

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

South China Sea: US Carrier Signals Resolve Amid Rising Tensions

by Emma Walker – News Editor
written by Emma Walker – News Editor

US Aircraft Carrier Presence in South China Sea Sparks Tension

Table of Contents

The arrival of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, coupled with its docking at Manila, indicates a reaffirmed commitment from the United States to the Philippines. This move, however, has prompted warnings that Beijing might perceive it as an attempt at containment, perhaps leading to an increase in chinese naval activities within the contested waters.

US Commitment to a free and Open Indo-Pacific

Captain Timothy Waits, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered vessel, emphasized that the ship’s mission underscores the United States’ dedication to maintaining a free and open indo-Pacific. Flight deck operations were recently opened to the media, highlighting the importance the U.S. places on this region.

Did You Know? The Indo-Pacific region is crucial for global trade, with approximately $3.4 trillion in goods transiting through its sea lanes annually.

“We recognize the significance of this region, with its vast expanse and numerous coastal nations,” Captain Waits stated on Wednesday. “The unimpeded access to sea lanes is vital, especially from a commercial standpoint. We share these values, and our presence here reflects that.”

China’s Response and International Concerns

The US vessel’s presence near Manila Bay occurred shortly after China deployed two of its own aircraft carriers to the Western Pacific for military exercises.These exercises have raised concerns among senior leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio,and foreign ministers from India,japan and Australia.

Beijing asserts its claim over the majority of the South China Sea, dismissing competing claims from other nations, including the Philippines. A 2016 international ruling invalidated China’s claim to the waterway, but China continues to disregard the ruling.

Competing Claims and Regional Instability

The South China Sea remains a focal point of geopolitical tension due to overlapping territorial claims and strategic importance.The area is rich in natural resources and serves as a crucial shipping route, further exacerbating the disputes.

Pro Tip: Monitoring maritime traffic and analyzing military deployments can provide insights into potential escalations in the South China Sea.

The situation is further elaborate by the increasing militarization of the region, with various countries enhancing their naval capabilities and conducting frequent military drills. This heightened activity increases the risk of miscalculation and potential conflict.

Key Players in the South China Sea Dispute
Country Claim Military Activity
china Claims most of the South China Sea Increased naval presence, island building
philippines Contests China’s claims, seeks international support Joint military exercises with the US
United States Maintains a presence to ensure freedom of navigation Naval patrols, joint military exercises

What long-term strategies can de-escalate tensions in the South China sea? How can international law be effectively enforced to resolve territorial disputes?

Evergreen Insights: The South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea dispute is a complex issue rooted in past claims, economic interests, and strategic considerations. The area is vital for global trade, with trillions of dollars worth of goods passing through its waters annually. The presence of oil and natural gas reserves further intensifies the competition among claimant states.

Historically, China has asserted its claims based on the “nine-dash line,” a demarcation that encompasses most of the South China Sea. However, this claim is not recognized under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Other claimant states, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, rely on UNCLOS to support their territorial claims.

Frequently Asked Questions about the south China Sea

What are the main islands and features in the South China Sea?
The main island groups include the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, and Scarborough Shoal. These features are subject to competing claims and have been the site of construction and militarization activities.
How does the South China Sea dispute affect international relations?
The dispute strains relations between China and its neighbors, as well as between China and the United States. It also impacts regional stability and raises concerns about freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

Stay informed and join the discussion! Share your thoughts on the South China Sea situation in the comments below, and subscribe to World Today News for the latest updates.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
@2025 - All Right Reserved.

Hosted by Byohosting – Most Recommended Web Hosting – for complains, abuse, advertising contact: contact@world-today-news.com