The North Borneo dispute, also known as the Sabah dispute, is a territorial conflict between Malaysia and the Philippines over much of the eastern half of the state of Sabah. Prior to the formation of the Malaysian federation, Sabah was referred to as North Borneo. The Philippines, as the successor state to the Sultanate of…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. Today, we delve into a recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea. On June 20, 2024, the Philippines accused China’s Coast Guard of launching a brutal assault with bladed weapons, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing dispute. This incident has the potential to draw…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. Today, we delve into the intensifying situation in the South China Sea, a region that has become a critical area for geopolitical conflict. On June 17, a collision occurred between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal. This incident has ignited a verbal dispute between Beijing and Manila,…
The South China Sea, a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, has long been a hotbed of geopolitical tension. It is surrounded by several nations, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, each with varying claims over its resources. The recent introduction of new coastguard rules by China has escalated these tensions,…
In a stark reminder of the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippine military reported on Tuesday that the Chinese coast guard seized one of four food packages dropped by a plane for Filipino navy personnel stationed at a contested outpost. General Romeo Brawner disclosed that the Chinese personnel might have suspected…
Welcome to The Pacific Report. In today’s episode, we’re sailing into the heart of the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and rife with geopolitical tensions. As the renowned China military expert Oriana Skylar Mastro insightfully put it, ‘Even against this backdrop, China’s official position is that it remains committed to a peaceful…
The Philippines occupies a pivotal role as the Achilles’ heel in China’s strategic ambitions regarding Taiwan due to its strategic location and defense cooperation with the United States. Situated in close proximity to both Taiwan and the South China Sea, the Philippines serves as a critical barrier to China’s plans for any potential military action…
The solidarity displayed by China, Russia, and North Korea in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses significant risks to the strategic interests of the United States and its allies. China and North Korea supported Russia’s actions by providing crucial economic and military assistance, with Beijing increasing bilateral trade to offset international sanctions against Russia…
On April 11, 2024, the United States made a calculated move that likely unsettled Beijing. The US deployed a potent land-attack missile system, the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) launcher, to the Philippines. This is the first potential deployment of missiles with such a range since the expiration of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. While…
In the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the longstanding territorial dispute between the Philippines and China has reignited following a new confrontation at the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines has accused China of engaging in “dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” after the latter reinstated a barrier at the shoal, which China had seized from Manila…
