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Tag: south china sea

6 articles

Empty podium stands before a large window in a Chinese government building.

China Preserves Sovereignty Disputes as Strategic Assets

China has consistently maintained that a decade-old tribunal ruling, which rejected the legal basis for its claims within the nine-dash line, is "null and void" - a stance that has remained unchanged despite ongoing criticism and diplomatic pressure. This unwavering position highlights the strategic value Beijing places on sovereignty disputes.

Analyst 207
JL-10 trainer aircraft parked on island airstrip with turquoise sea and coral reefs in background.

PLAAF Deploys JL-10 Trainers to South China Sea Patrols

The PLAAF has started deploying JL-10 twin-seat advanced trainers to patrol the waters around Huangyan Island, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in a move that suggests a strategic basing decision rather than a one-off visit. This development reflects a deliberate operational choice, balancing the challenges of island aviation with the need for effective airspace control.

Analyst 207
US aircraft carriers with fighter jets and helicopters on deck in calm seas under a clear blue sky.

US Aircraft Carriers Deploy to Key Regions Amid Global Tensions

As global tensions rise, two US aircraft carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush, have been deployed to key regions to support maritime security and stability, joining a surge in naval activity that has seen 17 commercial vessels redirected and several others boarded or disabled. The show of force comes amid a heightened sense of urgency in the Middle East and beyond.

Analyst 207

China Coast Guard Bolsters Replenishment at Sea Capabilities

The China Coast Guard is stepping up its game with a strategic upgrade: the ability to replenish its ships at sea, keeping them on station for longer and bolstering its presence in the South China Sea. Two 5,000-ton tankers, hulls 5502 and 5602, are already on the job, supporting patrols in the region.

Analyst 207
Naval vessel patrols South China Sea waters near distant island under clear blue sky.

US Power Anchors South China Sea Maritime Rights

A free and open South China Sea region won't become a reality through mere wishful thinking - it demands decisive action, strong deterrence, and a unified response to China's increasingly assertive moves. The Philippines has aptly described China's strategy as "talk and take," where diplomatic engagement goes hand-in-hand with the incremental expansion of its physical presence and control.

Analyst 207
Nanyun-class troop transport underway in calm South China Sea waters.

Nanyun-Class Troop Transports Bolster China's South China Sea Presence

China's naval capabilities in the South China Sea just got a significant boost with the introduction of the Nanyun-class troop transports, designed to efficiently transport hundreds of troops and tons of cargo. These six versatile vessels, built in the 1980s, can carry around 400 troops or 350 tons of cargo, and offload via two small landing craft.

Analyst 207