South China Sea

A rare pebble crab species, Lyphira ngankee, has been discovered for the first time in Indian waters off the coast of Balasore. Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India identified four specimens, previously only known from the South China Sea. This significant finding expands the known geographical range of this unique marine creature.

Japan defence chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties, witness combat exercise

China's potential fourth aircraft carrier, possibly named 'He Jian' and hinted to be nuclear-powered, signals a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. This development, showcased in the film 'Into The Deep', aligns with China's transition to a blue-water navy and its expanding global maritime ambitions.

A recent report highlights that while the US can sustain a conflict with Iran for now, it's depleting critical missile stockpiles. This drawdown significantly impacts readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly with China. Rebuilding these advanced munitions will take years, posing a strategic vulnerability for America's global position.

Iran’s USD1 war toll on each barrel of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz could add nearly INR10,000 crore to India’s annual import bill. While the toll is a direct breach of ‘transit passage’ rights, India can use four key diplomatic and legal levers to secure its interests.

The Middle East conflict creates strategic space for China's influence expansion in Asia as US attention diverts. Historical patterns show China increasing activity in the South China Sea and near Taiwan during US focus on other global crises. These calibrated actions, below escalation thresholds, alter the regional strategic environment.

At the heart of this push lies a strategic concern long associated with Beijing: securing critical sea lanes, particularly through the Strait of Malacca, and reducing vulnerabilities in the event of a conflict that could threaten its energy and trade lifelines. This vulnerability has a direct bearing on India’s strategic calculus as well. Located astride key Indian Ocean routes and in proximity to the Malacca chokepoint.

China is significantly expanding its undersea mapping and monitoring operations across key oceans, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare. Research vessels are systematically surveying strategically important areas, reflecting a dual-use strategy combining civilian science with defense objectives. This effort aims to improve China's ability to deploy submarines and track adversaries in sensitive waters.

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.

Thousands of Chinese fishing boats formed unusual geometric patterns in the East China Sea, raising questions about potential military or strategic mobilization. Experts suggest these large-scale, coordinated gatherings, unlike normal fishing, may indicate preparations for crisis scenarios involving Taiwan or Japan.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang warned on Tuesday there would be no winners in any armed conflict sparked by territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Vietnamese leader did not mention any country but there is growing unease over China's actions.

China condemns Canada's support for the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute, accusing Canada of violating China's sovereignty and jeopardizing regional peace. The dispute centers around the Second Thomas Shoal. China claims the South China Sea as its own and accuses Philippine vessels of encroaching on its sovereignty. The United States has sided with the Philippines in opposing China's actions. Canada recently denounced China's actions against Philippine vessels in the disputed waters. The South China Sea should not become a hunting ground for countries pursuing geopolitical interests.

China on Thrusday warned of "decisive response" if any provocative action is taken in the South China Sea to enforce an international tribunal's verdict against Beijing's expansive claims in the strategic region. China referred to the tribunal verdict as "unlawful."

China announced a 7% defense budget increase for 2026, reaching $276.8 billion to bolster military capabilities and assert claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea. This move, part of a steady modernization of the PLA, aims to counter US influence and ensure diplomatic independence, though it raises regional concerns.

The Chinese military carred out a series of new moves that included carrying out flight tests in the newly built airport in Nansha islands of the South China Sea, and induction of a new guided missile system.

China said on Monday that it is closing off a part of the South China Sea for military exercises this week, days after an international tribunal ruled against Beijing's claim to ownership of virtually the entire strategic waterway.

China claims most of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. But neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

The United States has growing concerns that China's maritime claims in the disputed South China Sea are an effort to gain creeping control of oceans in the Asia-Pacific region, a senior US official said on Wednesday.

India will be infringing on “China’s sovereignty and national interest” if ONGC Videsh goes ahead with its plans to explore oil and gas in the South China Sea, the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated on Monday.

A Chinese government think-tank researcher has warned India against participation in oil projects with Vietnam government on the disputed islands of South China Sea.

In the wake of the international tribunal rejecting its claims in the disputed South China Sea, China on Friday said that the issue of sovereignty was the nation's "bottom line" and the country "cannot lose one centimetre" of the area it claims.