sealight-logo
China's Imperialist, Maritime Occupation of the West Philippine Sea
China's Imperialist, Maritime Occupation of the West Philippine Sea
It is no longer sufficient to describe China's aggressions in the West Philippine Sea as if they are a series of individual incursions. We've passed that point. This is now a maritime occupation by a hostile, imperial power. The Philippines and its friends need to adjust their conceptual frameworks, their strategies and their tactics accordingly.
NOV 24, 2024
alt-text
Indonesia Expels China Coast Guard Ship Harassing Research Vessel
The China Coast Guard harassed Indonesia's oil and gas exploration activities in the Arwana Block from 17-21 October. Indonesia responded by sending its own vessels to "expel" the Chinese ship.
OCT 22, 2024
alt-text
Unlocking China's "Media Unlocked" Propagandists
China Daily's young Media Unlocked hosts pose as independent journalists dedicated to "telling the truth about China". Viewer beware.
OCT 15, 2024
alt-text
60 Minutes Goes to Sea ... and Gets Rammed
SeaLight Director Ray Powell tells the behind-the-scenes story of how the world-famous CBS program "60 Minutes" went to the Philippines to tell the world the story of how China is trying to drive its smaller neighbor out of the West Philippine Sea; how the Philippines is putting up an epic fight against steep odds; and why the world should care.
SEP 21, 2024

All of the latest updates on our Twitter!

Never miss a post.
Follow Us

What is SeaLight?

SeaLight is committed to lighting up the maritime gray zone so that bullies and criminals can no longer hide in the darkness while they harass law-abiding fisherfolk; destroy the marine environment and fish stocks; prevent legitimate exploration and survey activities; and violate international law and other countries' sovereign rights.
About Us
sealight logo

Latest Resources

South China Sea-related materials, maps, media, databases, and more. Collected and curated in our searchable research library.
Why Should We Care About the South China Sea's New Flashpoint?
Published SEP 16, 2024
Ray Powell and Jim Carouso discuss the recent tense and sometimes violent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines with Southeast Asia expert Greg Poling, author of "On Dangerous Ground: America's Century in the South China Sea". They consider what these developments mean for America's long-standing alliance commitment to the Philippines, which Greg asserts is finally being treated like a "real ally" on equivalent footing with more developed countries like Japan.
60 Minutes: Danger in the South China Sea
Published SEP 16, 2024
The U.S. could be drawn into a conflict between China and the Philippines that's been roiling the South China Sea.
The South China Sea: Historical and legal background
Published SEP 12, 2024
In the South China Sea, the Chinese leadership is intent on controlling all the rocks, reefs, and resources in the waters encompassed by what has become known as the ‘nine-dash’ or ‘U-shaped’ line. This line, which first appeared on an official map published by the Republic of China (ROC) in 1948, has no legal or historical basis. It is the product of misunderstandings and mistranslations by officials and private individuals in China during the 1930s. Unfortunately, this line is the basis for ongoing confrontations and escalating geopolitical tension between the People’s Republic of China (PRC), its Southeast Asian neighbours and other countries.
Voices from the Sea
Published MAY 25, 2024
Filipino fishermen from Zambales speak out and tell us their experiences with the China Coast Guard and maritime militia, which continue to encroach on the West Philippine Sea.
Why Should We Care if China is Harassing Philippine Ships?
Published MAY 21, 2024
Jim Carouso and Ray Powell interview the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, about China's continuing harassment of Philippine ships at a time when the mist of the previous day's water-cannoning near Scarborough Shoal was still dissipating. They discuss the importance of countering Chinese aggression and protecting the international rules-based order. They ask Jay to weigh the benefits of the Philippines' transparency campaign against its risks, and to comment on ASEAN's reluctance to publicly back Manila in its maritime struggles and its inability to produce a South China Sea Code of Conduct.
The Six-Country Fight Over These Tiny, Terrible Islands
Published MAY 17, 2024
Well-produced Wendover Productions overview of the South China Sea dispute.
Nearly A Decade after the Philippines' Legal Victory, Beijing continues to Militarize Islands in the South China Sea
Published APR 13, 2024
Infographic of China's artificial islands in the South China Sea overlaid with the Philippines' rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific? (Podcast)
Published APR 4, 2024
Join hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into the crucial issues defining the 21st century's pivotal region--one that spans from Hollywood to Bollywood. Learn to navigate its most important geopolitical, economic, military, environmental and cultural challenges, with a practical emphasis on why it matters. Hosted by seasoned diplomatic and national security practitioners, each episode offers insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions. From bustling cities like Beijing, Mumbai and Tokyo, through the diverse countries of Southeast Asia, down to the Australian Outback and the pristine islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help Jim and Ray explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories. Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China strategic competition against the interests of rapidly emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of regional alliances old and new like ASEAN, AUKUS and "the Quad". Understand the forces driving hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the China-India border ... and most importantly, why we should care.
China, the U.S. and the West Philippine Sea Disputes: A Conversation
Published MAR 30, 2024
Philippine vlogger and journalist Richard Heydarian talks to SeaLight Director Ray Powell about ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Countering Coercion
Published MAR 30, 2024
Managing Chinese Gray Zone Activity in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region
View All Resources

In The News

Our finds on the latest articles and information from outside of the SeaLight team.
South China Sea: Vietnam reef projects and runway may set scene for conflict with Beijing
Published DEC 11, 2024
Satellite images show potential military structures on Vietnamese features in Spratly Islands, which experts say could curb China’s advantage.
Philippines to continue resupply missions in S.China Sea, won't escalate situation
Published DEC 11, 2024
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Tuesday that the country will not send its navy to support Filipino fishers in a contested shoal in the South China Sea despite a recent incident with Chinese vessels.
Philippines to match China’s gray zone tactics in South China Sea
Published DEC 9, 2024
Philippines to match China’s gray zone tactics in South China Sea
US Sends A-10 'Warthogs' to Allied Air Base in Contested South China Sea
Published DEC 11, 2024
The United States has deployed a number of attack aircraft to the Philippines amid persistent tensions in the contested South China Sea.
Philippines new maritime laws add to South China Sea tension
Published DEC 4, 2024
New laws specifying Manila's claims have also angered smaller countries such as Malaysia, which could hamper unified resistance to China's attempts at regional dominance.
Philippines says China’s coast guard fired water cannons and sideswiped its patrol vessel
Published DEC 4, 2024
Chinese coast guard vessels backed by navy ships fired powerful water cannons and blocked and sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel on Wednesday in renewed aggression at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, Philippine officials said.
Philippines outnumbered as ‘largest China vessel swarm’ spotted near Thitu Island
Published DEC 2, 2024
An analyst suggests Beijing may be ‘adding fuel’ to domestic political tensions amid the ongoing Marcos-Duterte fallout
Indonesia’s Prabowo is desperate to impress Trump and Xi
Published NOV 29, 2024
The new president’s first foreign tour was a shambles
Drawing lines in the South China Sea: what Beijing’s new claims over a disputed coral reef mean
Published NOV 29, 2024
China has only advanced the outer limit of its territorial sea by a few hundred metres in two directions. This is because its straight baselines largely hug the edge of the reef.
Philippines: Marcos-Duterte feud puts China in the heated middle
Published NOV 26, 2024
Vice President Sara Duterte threatens to kill President Marcos Jr and clan amid suspicion China behind campaign to undermine US-leaning leader
View More News

Launch Day

JUL 12, 2023
SeaLight is live! Let's light up the maritime gray zone.
sealight logo
Contact Us