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DEC 5, 2023
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Nope--still no Chinese airfield at Triton Island
Contrary to earlier reports, the new PRC construction on Triton Island is almost certainly not a runway. In fact, China probably has no such plans for Triton.
NOV 28, 2023
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The China Coast Guard: Wolf in a White Hull
China’s Coast Guard is using the cover of the respected white-hull to carry out offensive actions in maritime East Asia. The world’s coast guards need to engage to counter this malign behavior.
NOV 22, 2023
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Gray Zone Tactics Playbook: Intrusive Patrolling
China Coast Guard vessels regularly and visibly conduct intrusive patrols deep within the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries, an activity meant to establish a continuous presence and gradually normalize Chinese jurisdiction over areas granted to its neighbors under international law.
NOV 18, 2023
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Chinese ships return to Sabina Shoal
Satellite imagery from November 18th indicates that 12-14 Chinese fishing/militia ships are now working at Sabina Shoal after months of a reduced presence.
NOV 14, 2023
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Maritime Heist
China's predatory fishing fleets are denuding fish stocks and marine ecosystems on an unprecedented industrial scale. International collective action is urgently needed.
NOV 5, 2023
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Manila's Assertive Transparency Campaign [Watch]
The Philippines is teaching the world a lesson--when confronted by a gray zone actor, the first thing to do is turn on the lights.
OCT 31, 2023
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China's Code of Conduct negotiations are a farce
Beijing's participation in Code of Conduct negotiations with ASEAN is a farce-- a fig leaf behind which it hides its imperialist ambitions of total South China Sea conquest.
OCT 22, 2023
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Speak its name: Blockade
A country that carries out an illegal, aggressive, unilateral blockade against a smaller country's outpost--within that country's internationally recognized exclusive economic zone--deserves to be treated as an outlaw and a pariah on the international stage. That starts with calling it by its name.
OCT 15, 2023
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Gray Zone Tactics Playbook: Over-the-Horizon Hiding
Over-the-horizon hiding is the act of physically withdrawing out of visible and radar range.
OCT 7, 2023
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Assertive Transparency: The Philippines' Counter Gray Zone Innovation
2023 has been a game-changer in the West Philippine Sea, and the world is only just starting to grapple with its implications.

News & Articles

DEC 6, 2023
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No China Backlash, So Far: The Philippines’ New Assertive Transparency Policy in the South China Sea
The Philippines’ assertive transparency in the South China Sea has so far not generated negative economic repercussions for the country.
DEC 6, 2023
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Vietnam’s Upgraded Ties With Japan ‘Do Not Bode Well’ for China
Beijing should be concerned about Hanoi’s upgraded ties with Tokyo because the two countries share a common perspective on regional security matters, say experts.
DEC 4, 2023
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Over 100 Chinese Militia Boats Challenge US Ally in Potential Flashpoint
More than 100 ships from China's paramilitary maritime militia have been accused of "swarming" disputed ground in the South China Sea claimed by both Beijing and Manila.
DEC 3, 2023
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Philippines, France agree to ramp up defence ties
The boost to bilateral defence cooperation includes seeking authority from leaders of both countries to negotiate a status of visiting forces agreement. The Philippines has been ramping up military ties with several countries in a bid to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
DEC 2, 2023
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On a Tiny Island in the Middle of Nowhere, 250 People Are Fending Off China
Wall Street Journal profile of Thitu Island, which Filipinos call Pag-Asa.
DEC 1, 2023
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Philippines builds new coast guard station on island in South China Sea
The Philippines has built a new coast guard station on the contested island of Thitu in the South China Sea, boosting its ability to monitor movements of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the busy disputed waterway.
DEC 1, 2023
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Marcos' courting of U.S. support is unsettling his ASEAN neighbors
Instead of gaslighting the Philippines for standing its ground, key members like Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia should quietly appreciate, if not actively support, the Philippines' newfound courage in resisting China's bullying. If ASEAN states do not stand up for themselves, the region really does risk turning into a playground of the superpowers.
NOV 27, 2023
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Viet Nam, Japan elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership
The agreement was made by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, who is on a four-day official visit to Japan, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, during their summit meeting in Tokyo, Japan on September 27.
NOV 21, 2023
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Philippines launches joint sea, air patrols with U.S. military
The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.
NOV 21, 2023
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Philippines Seeks Greater Regional Cooperation on South China Sea Disputes
President Marcos said that his administration has reached out to Malaysia and Vietnam at a time of growing friction in contested waters.
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