South China Sea

The South China Sea is a contested waterway subject to overlapping territorial claims, primarily involving China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations. It's newsworthy due to China's increasing assertiveness, including its coast guard presence at disputed sites like Scarborough Shoal, as highlighted in a recent AMTI report noting an "unprecedented" year-round presence in 2025. The area is also seeing increased naval activity, with China expanding its naval infrastructure, such as the new dry dock at Yulin Naval Base, and the US deploying military assets to the Middle East, though some reports mentioning the Gulf region and Iran. Recent events include the capsizing of a Singapore-flagged cargo ship in the disputed waters, resulting in fatalities and a rescue operation involving the Chinese coast guard and Philippine vessels. Despite these tensions, Beijing and Manila are reportedly working on a "road map" for future talks to resolve their disputes. The South China Sea remains a critical area of geopolitical concern due to its strategic location, rich resources, and potential for conflict.