South China Sea – The Defense Post

Apr- 2026 -

13 April

Philippines Accuses China of Poisoning Disputed Waters

The Philippines accused Chinese fishermen on Monday of pouring cyanide in the Spratly Islands, a flashpoint in the disputed South China Sea.

Mar- 2026 -

25 March

Asia Pacific

Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessels BRP Suluan and BRP Cabra sail with Philippine Navy frigate BRP Miguel Malvar and USS Curtis Wilbur during a joint maritime activity in the South China Sea, July 16, 2025.

Muhammad Izzuddin Al Haq

Why ASEAN Can’t Secure the South China Sea Alone

South China Sea security cannot be handled by ASEAN alone or by external powers alone but it requires a coordinated, layered approach combining both.

Feb- 2026 -

12 February

Asia Pacific

Staff Writer With AFP

Taiwan Leader Warns Countries in Region ‘Next’ in Case of China Attack

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te warned that countries in the region would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island, as he insisted on the need for Taiwan to dramatically shore up its defenses.

Dec- 2025 -

2 December

Asia Pacific

Staff Writer With AFP

China, Japan in Fresh Incident Around Disputed Islands

Japanese and Chinese vessels engaged in a fresh standoff around disputed islands on Tuesday, the two countries' coast guards said.

Nov- 2025 -

20 November

Air

A U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, launches on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, June 21, 2023. VMU-3 safely and successfully launched its first MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft to meet the Naval Air Systems Command Safety Certification process. The Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification (SFFOC) is the final, crucial milestone in VMU-3’s transition from the RQ-21A to the MQ-9A. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo).

Rojoef Manuel

US Stations MQ-9A Reaper Drone in Philippines to Aid in Maritime Patrols

The US Marine Corps has deployed an MQ-9A Reaper to the Philippines to help the country monitor rising Chinese activity in the West Philippine Sea.

Oct- 2025 -

2 October

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

US to Upgrade Philippine Naval Base Near South China Sea

The US Department of Defense has contracted a US firm to upgrade the Philippine Navy’s main base near the South China Sea.

Sep- 2025 -

25 September

Americas

Soldiers from the US and the Philippines

Christine Casimiro

US Eyes Opening Military Storage Hub in the Philippines’ Subic Bay by 2026

The US Navy is planning to establish a military storage facility near its former base in the Philippines’ Subic Bay, which faces disputed areas in the South China Sea.

12 September

Asia Pacific

An aerial drone photo taken on May 7, 2024 shows China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during its maiden sea trials. (Photo by Ding Ziyu/Xinhua)

Staff Writer With AFP

China Says Newest Aircraft Carrier Sailed Through Taiwan Strait

China said on Friday that its third and newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait to carry out "scientific research trials and training missions" in the South China Sea.

1 September

Asia Pacific

The Philippine military's Mahatao Forward Operating Base on Batanes

Rojoef Manuel

Philippines Launches New Military Base Near Taiwan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has inaugurated a new installation in the Luzon Strait, a 200-mile-wide body of water separating Taiwan and the Philippines.

Aug- 2025 -

11 August

Asia Pacific