South China Sea

List of South China Sea articles

An operator works during the mooring of an undersea fiber optic cable near the Spanish Basque village of Sopelana on June 13, 2017.
An operator works during the mooring of an undersea fiber optic cable near the Spanish Basque village of Sopelana on June 13, 2017.

Decoupling Is Already Happening—Under the Sea

U.S.-China rivalry has led to the rerouting of crucial subsea internet cables, which could have major geopolitical consequences.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi on April 15.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi on April 15.

Biden Hopes for Vietnam Breakthrough

Washington and Hanoi have been inching closer, but it’s a complicated dance.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen during a ceremony to commission two ships from the United States into the Taiwan Navy.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen during a ceremony to commission two ships from the United States into the Taiwan Navy.

Why Does Taiwan Matter to the U.S.?

The Pentagon’s top policymaker, Colin Kahl, details why the island is consequential to U.S. national security strategy.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Aug. 6, 2022.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Aug. 6, 2022.

The Philippines Is America’s New Star Ally in Asia

Manila’s geopolitical shift is more than the Biden administration could have hoped for.

Austin walks down a red carpet past a row of honor guards.
Austin walks down a red carpet past a row of honor guards.

Biden’s Risky Bet on the Philippines to Counter China

Washington hopes the Bongbong Marcos government will allow it to use runways in the Philippines in the case of an armed conflict with China.

A military plane is shown over a sandy landscape.
A military plane is shown over a sandy landscape.
Solomon Islander Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare attends a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Solomon Islander Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare attends a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Australia’s Got a Solomon Islands Headache (Again)

China’s expansion into the South Pacific caught Australia and the United States off guard.

Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

New Philippine President Marcos Is No Duterte on Foreign Policy

Monday’s victor intends to defend sovereignty against China and prioritize the U.S. alliance.

South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol dines with Maj. Gen. David Lesperance, commander of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, and other soldiers at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on April 7.
South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol dines with Maj. Gen. David Lesperance, commander of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, and other soldiers at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on April 7.

Ukraine Has Asia Thinking About War

The return of major conflict is leading Asian countries to boost their militaries.

HMAS Farncomb Collins class submarine
HMAS Farncomb Collins class submarine

Why AUKUS Alarms ASEAN

The bloc is struggling to preserve unity—and can’t decide what to do about the new U.S.-China rivalry.

The sun rises over a Royal Australian Navy submarine.
The sun rises over a Royal Australian Navy submarine.

The AUKUS Dominoes Are Just Starting to Fall

The world’s newest security partnership is a window into how the world works—and the unpredictable places it’s heading.

Indonesia's Widodo and China's Xi in Beijing
Indonesia's Widodo and China's Xi in Beijing

Indonesia Unprepared as Great Powers Clash in Indo-Pacific

Jakarta is Asia’s greatest geopolitical prize. But its foreign-policy reflexes are long outdated.

A protest against continued Chinese intrusions in Philippine waters
A protest against continued Chinese intrusions in Philippine waters

After 25 Years, There’s Still No South China Sea Code of Conduct

China’s reluctance has stifled diplomatic efforts—but they haven’t been futile.

Singaporean, Chinese, and French naval vessels sail near Changi Naval Base in Singapore on May 15, 2017.
Singaporean, Chinese, and French naval vessels sail near Changi Naval Base in Singapore on May 15, 2017.

Chinese-U.S. Split Is Forcing Singapore to Choose Sides

There is no sweet spot to keep both Beijing and Washington happy, but that hasn’t kept Singapore from trying.

Woman receives Sinovac vaccine in Indonesia
Woman receives Sinovac vaccine in Indonesia

Indonesia Is Quietly Warming Up to China

Once inching toward war, the Asian giants are getting closer—while Washington seems unserious and disengaged.

Then-Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping accompanies then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Then-Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping accompanies then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

Biden Looks for Defense Hotline With China

The United States says it’s ready to call China in a crisis. Will Beijing pick up?

Filipinos hold a mock Chinese flag with a collage of the faces of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping during an anti-China protest in Manila on July 12, 2019.
Filipinos hold a mock Chinese flag with a collage of the faces of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping during an anti-China protest in Manila on July 12, 2019.

China Has Lost the Philippines Despite Duterte’s Best Efforts

Beijing’s growing aggressiveness is forcing Manila back into Washington’s camp.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks during a press conference.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks during a press conference.

The Summit That Can’t Fail

Japan’s prime minister visits Washington at a time when, thanks to Chinese aggressiveness, U.S.-Japan relations are critical.

A U.S. aircraft carrier leaves its San Diego port.
A U.S. aircraft carrier leaves its San Diego port.

Will Americans Die for Freedom of Navigation?

The Navy’s favorite tool in Asia is deeply flawed.

A guard of honor looks at Chinese president Xi Jinping
A guard of honor looks at Chinese president Xi Jinping
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