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South China Sea

China has built the world’s first machine capable of laying submarine cables in the Challenger Deep, the deepest known place on Earth. Photo: Dalian Maritime University
Science

China develops first cable winch system that can reach deepest place on Earth

The Haiwei GD11000 can deploy cables to a maximum depth of more than 11,000 metres.

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The Philippines

Philippine defence chief raises concerns of disguised Chinese vessels

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US-China relations

Trump’s return may raise risk of escalation in South China Sea, analyst warns

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The Philippines

‘Valued partner’: why is Philippines’ Marcos Jnr openly backing Ukraine?

While shared values may underpin Marcos Jnr’s stance, observers say it could also indicate calculated deference to US influence in the region.

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) is greeted by his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jnr during a meeting inside the presidential palace in Manila on June 3. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

US troop aid may reassure Philippines but will prod China: analysts

For Beijing, the US defence secretary’s revelation of deployment to Task Force Ayungin could be ‘nerve-racking’, says analyst.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ new visa rules cause headaches for Chinese businesses

Manila’s visa rules to combat fraud are hindering legitimate Chinese businesses, affecting the local economy and increasing Sinophobia.

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Asean

Southeast Asia admits China’s sway, but South China Sea stress sows distrust: study

Southeast Asian elites prefer an Asean-led regional order, despite acknowledging China’s growing influence, but the bloc faces its own challenges.

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The national flags of the various countries attending the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit are displayed in Bangkok. Photo: AP
The Philippines

US gives Philippines ‘force multiplier’ drones to counter China in disputed waters

The Mantas T-12 unmanned surface vessels can be used for stealth spying, resupplying BRP Sierra Madre or retrofitted for combat, analysts said.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anthony Loke pitches alternative route to China via pan-Asian rail

The Malaysian transport minister says the transport of goods via high-speed trains to China will help bolster regional supply chains.

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The Philippines

How the Philippines wins Western support with its ‘vocal’ South China Sea stance

Analysts say the Philippines’ transparency initiative is spotlighting China’s actions and rallying global allies in the US and Europe.

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Vessels from Australia, the US, Japan and the Philippines sail in formation during joint drills in April. Photo: Australian Department of Defence/AFP
SCMP Highlights

Recap | Hong Kong escalator chaos, Tokyo’s sex trade secret: 5 most-read stories

Here are five of our most popular stories from the past few days. Find out what people have been reading the most on SCMP.com.

A video circulating online showed several people sprawled on a halted escalator at an exit of the East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP
China-Philippines relations

Opinion | China draws red line at Scarborough Shoal after Manila’s new maritime laws

Beijing’s move aims to legitimise future enforcement measures while avoiding overt military escalation, a hallmark of its strategy in contested maritime areas.

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The Philippines

South China Sea: Philippines and US sign pact to plug maritime intelligence gaps

The deal gives Manila access to capabilities like advanced satellite imagery that analysts say will help counter China’s grey-zone tactics.

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US-China relations

South China Sea ‘crises’ still likely during next Trump term: military expert

Retired PLA officer predicts risk of ‘accidents’ could grow after Donald Trump returns to White House, but Beijing is ‘better prepared now’.

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A Chinese ship uses water cannons on a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea in August 2023. Military expert Zhou Bo says that despite frequent clashes between Beijing and Manila, a deadly conflict between the US and China is more likely in the next four years. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP
The Philippines

‘Display of arrogance’: deep divisions surface at Manila’s South China Sea forum

As the ramming of ships and use of water cannons dominated discussions, questions arose about the legality of China’s actions.

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A Chinese coastguard ship collides with a Philippine vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea in August. Photo: AFP
United States

Opinion | For China, the end of Pax Americana under Trump will be a gift

A US pullback from Europe, Nato and Asia means less pressure and more room for China to attain its trade and security goals.

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US-China relations

Xi calls on US to show ‘extreme caution’ on Taiwan matters, South China Sea

‘Support China’s peaceful reunification’, avoid provocation in South China Sea, President Xi Jinping tells Joe Biden in Lima.

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Science

How Beijing flipped the South China Sea game with a single island

An isolated reef in the Spratly Islands holds the key to improved Chinese response times in the region, a new study says.

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Fiery Cross Reef has been developed by China into an integral, strategic military base in the contested Spratly Islands. Photo: PLA
Asean

Opinion | Pragmatic Southeast Asia will adapt to Trump’s ‘America first’ agenda

The region is already bracing itself for the reinstatement of a more transactional and nationalist policy agenda in the White House.

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Diplomacy

Editorial | Common approach best for ties between China and Indonesia

Presidents Xi Jinping and Prabowo Subianto have complementary development visions for their countries and dialogue is the way forward.

Malaysia

Focus on China, analysts warn, as Malaysia and Philippines clash over sea claims

Analysts urge Asean to prioritise unity over China amid escalating maritime disputes, and Malaysia’s protest over Philippine laws affecting Sabah’s boundaries.

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Chinese Maritime Militia vessels are pictured near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 5, 2024. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

China uses Philippine resupply trip to call for Manila’s help managing dispute

Philippine military says ‘there were no untoward incidents’ during the mission to Second Thomas Shoal.

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The Philippines’ BRP Sierra Madre sits at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Philippines’ shoal resupply mission ends smoothly under China deal

The military said ‘no untoward incidents’ reported during the trip to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

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Hong Kong weather

Severe Typhoon Man-yi: Hong Kong Observatory warns of flooding next week

Man-yi expected to enter within 800km of the city between Sunday night and Monday morning.

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China-Philippines relations

China’s coastguard circles Scarborough Shoal after Philippines stakes its claim

The Chinese authority says it conducted a patrol as a law enforcement activity.

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The China Coast Guard says its patrol around Scarborough Shoal was for law enforcement. Photo: EPA-EFE
Indonesia

Indonesia’s Prabowo on managing sea row: ‘partnerships better than conflicts’

The president said Jakarta will safeguard its sovereignty in the contested waterway days after signing a maritime deal with Beijing.

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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto in Washington on November 12. Photo: AP
Hong Kong weather

Hong Kong braces for another typhoon next week, after 11-hour T8 warning

Observatory lowers typhoon warning signal to No 1 at 10.20pm, with weather on Friday set to be ‘mainly cloudy with a few showers’.

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US-China relations

Joe Biden, Xi Jinping will meet at Apec in Peru: US official

American leader’s last face-to-face talk with his Chinese counterpart comes amid uncertainty over future of bilateral relations under Trump.

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South China Sea
South China Sea
The latest news on South China Sea territorial disputes. The contrasting claims have been an ongoing point of contention among several countries including China, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines.
last updated:
16 October, 2024
LATEST China Science NEWS

Scientists increase fighter jet afterburner efficiency to nearly 100%: study

A Chinese development can improve the afterburner efficiency in fighter jets to 99 per cent. Photo: CCTV

China develops first cable winch system that can reach deepest place on Earth

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China has built the world’s first machine capable of laying submarine cables in the Challenger Deep, the deepest known place on Earth. Photo: Dalian Maritime University

Coating makes China’s stealth aircraft invisible to anti-stealth radar: study

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Anti-stealth radar, such as this one at a Chinese air show, will be blind to aircraft and weapons coated with a newly developed stealth material made by Chinese scientists. Photo: Dickson Lee

‘Recoilless AK-47’ that can be used by most drones built by Chinese scientists

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Even specialised unmanned weapon platforms or heavily modified drones struggle with the recoil of machine guns, compromising shooting accuracy and versatility. Newly developed rifle offers a solution to these challenges. Photo: Shutterstock

‘China EV’ sends Google search buzzing, as trail goes cold for ‘global warming’

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The number of online searches for “China EV” and other electric vehicle-related terms have been soaring, while searches for “global warming” have hit a record low. Photo: Reuters
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