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Trump 2.0 is forcing Asian economies to make hard choices fast

Will China’s might capsize the Philippines’ ‘most powerful coastguard’ ambitions?

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China’s naval base handover in Cambodia: a sign of waning US influence?

South China Sea

Why the South China Sea’s impact extends far beyond its waters

News

China

South China Sea: why Beijing takes a low-key approach to Vietnam but not the Philippines

Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels confront each other near Sabina Shoal on Sunday. Photo: AFP

China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of a number of other countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines. Graphic: SCMP

The Spratly Islands are one of the most bitterly contests parts of the South China Sea. Graphic: SCMP

Manila’s alliance with the US may be one reason China is taking a much tougher stance, but Hanoi’s island-building could still be a problem.


What is Beijing’s 9-dash line in the South China Sea and what does it mean?

China defines its claim to the South China Sea with a dashed line. Photo: AP

The cartographer’s mark was first drawn on official maps 80 years ago but has been the subject of numerous interpretations.


China could tow Philippine ship from disputed Sabina Shoal, but is it worth the backlash?

A Chinese coastguard ship (left) collides with the BRP Teresa Magbanua in the South China Sea on August 31. Photo: EPA-EFE/ Philippine Coast Guard/ Handout

The BRP Teresa Magbanua is seen surrounded by Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal on August 31 in a photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo. Philippine Coast Guard

Analysts say removing Manila’s coastguard ship from South China Sea hotspot an ‘option’, but miscalculation risks drawing in the US.


The South China Sea is claimed by almost every country in the region but its ripple effects are felt well beyond the fiercely contested waterway. In this three-part series, the Post looks at the differences in China’s response to its maritime disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam, the meaning of Beijing’s nine-dash line, and more.


Series

Why the South China Sea’s impact extends far beyond its waters

Beijing is at loggerheads with Manila on South China Sea, but not Hanoi. Why?

Manila’s alliance with the US may be one reason China is taking a much tougher stance, but Hanoi’s island-building could still be a problem.

Explainer | What is Beijing’s 9-dash line in the South China Sea and what does it mean?

The cartographer’s mark was first drawn on official maps 80 years ago but has been the subject of numerous interpretations.

China could tow Philippine ship from Sabina Shoal, but is it worth the backlash?

Analysts say removing Manila’s coastguard ship from South China Sea hotspot an ‘option’, but miscalculation risks drawing in the US.