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Newsweek
7 hours ago
- General
- Newsweek
Chinese Ships Detected Near Coast of US Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's coast guard has been occupying waters off the coast of the Philippines' largest islands, carrying out patrols that could further inflame territorial Beijing-Manila tensions. Newsweek has reached out to the Philippine coast guard and Chinese foreign ministry via email for comment outside of office hours. Why It Matters Beijing claims jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea, alleging historical rights. It regularly deploys its coast guard in what analysts have called a bid to normalize China's presence in neighboring countries' maritime zones. The Philippines has mounted the stiffest pushback, with confrontations between the two countries' coast guards raising concerns a misunderstanding could trigger Manila's Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington and spark a greater power conflict. China Coast Guard vessel conducts a patrol on October 14, 2024, in Sansha, Hainan province. China Coast Guard vessel conducts a patrol on October 14, 2024, in Sansha, Hainan province. Wang Jiang/Associated Press What To Know A Chinese coast guard cutter with hull number 3304 was observed just 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles) off the west coast of Luzon on Wednesday morning, according to ship-tracking data shared on X by Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight. Meanwhile, a second vessel, China Coast Guard 5306, was spotted near Half Moon Shoal, roughly 50 nautical miles from Palawan, the country's westernmost major island. Both ships were more than 900 miles from China's southernmost province of Hainan and within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, an area extending 200 nautical miles from territorial waters in which the Philippines alone is entitled to explore and manage natural resources under international maritime law. Powell contrasted what he described as the "intrusive" Chinese patrols with the activities of their Philippine counterparts, who were engaged in relief efforts as tropical storm Francisco brought mudflows and flooding to Luzon, including parts of Manila, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Since taking office in 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stepped up the country's challenge to Chinese activities within the exclusive economic zone, including efforts to run Chinese blockades around hotspots like the Spratly Islands' Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a small military garrison aboard a grounded former warship. While tensions have eased somewhat on the matter of Second Thomas Shoal since a fierce clash in June 2024 that resulted in several Philippine injuries, Chinese coast guard ships have been observed sailing further east—though rarely as close as the recent approach by cutter 3304. China has called on the Philippines to return to bilateral dialogue and accused Manila of acting as a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain its rise. July 12 marked the ninth anniversary of a Hague-based arbitral tribunal's decision that largely rejected China's expansive claims over the South China Sea. Beijing did not participate in the proceedings and maintains the ruling is invalid and politically motivated. What's Next China is likely to continue deploying maritime forces into the Philippine EEZ, but it remains to be seen where Manila will draw the line and what will be the threshold for further escalation.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Chinese Ships Put On Show of Force in Neighbor's Economic Waters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Chinese coast guard and paramilitary ship are nearing two weeks of patrols in the energy-rich waters of Malaysia's exclusive economic zone. Chinese government or state-sponsored vessels were observed in the area on 359 days last year, a slight uptick from 2023, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. Why It Matters China claims most of the South China Sea, citing historical rights—despite an international tribunal's 2016 decision rejecting the country's sweeping claims. These claims overlap with competing claims by several neighboring countries. The encroachment has been met with a more muted response from Kuala Lumpur compared with U.S. ally the Philippines. Yet Beijing's challenge could set the stage for increased tensions as Malaysia expands its oil and gas exploration and development. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Malaysia and the Malaysian foreign ministry via emailed requests for comment outside of office hours. What To Know Chinese coast guard vessel 5403 and a maritime militia vessel Yue Hui Wan Yu 22888 on Tuesday remained around 100 miles off the coast of Sarawak state in Malaysian Borneo after first being observed on July 10, according to ship-tracking data shared with Newsweek by maritime analyst Ray Powell. This is well within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone, within which Malaysia alone is entitled to natural resources under maritime law. Powell described the patrols as "intrusive" and intended to normalize China's sovereignty claims in its neighbor's maritime zone. A Chinese Coast Guard ship is seen near the Philippine-occupied island of Thitu in the disputed South China Sea on June 3, 2025. A Chinese Coast Guard ship is seen near the Philippine-occupied island of Thitu in the disputed South China Sea on June 3, 2025. Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images One of three gas fields that began production last year, state-owned operator Petronas started producing gas at Kasawari in August 2024, with an initial flow rate of 200 million standard cubic feet per day. The field is estimated to hold about 10 trillion cubic feet of gas. In a diplomatic note from China's foreign ministry to the Malaysian embassy in Beijing—leaked to The Philippine Daily Inquirer—China reiterated its "firm opposition" to Malaysia's exploration and development activities, calling them an infringement on China's sovereignty. The leak prompted a rare public statement on the issue from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who played down the impact of the controversy on bilateral relations while pledging to continue the projects. What People Have Said Ray Powell, the director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "People's Republic of China maritime militia ships 'act as frontline enforcers of China's maritime claims and work in close coordination with the China Coast Guard'—as with Yue Hui Wan Yu 22888 clearly coordinating with China Coast Guard 5403 on this patrol." Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in September after China's objections over the gas exploration: "We will continue, but we will not close the door on discussions with any country. "We have issues but these issues do not affect diplomatic relations. These issues do not affect trade relations and close friendships with our neighbors." What's Next Production from Kasawari and the other new offshore fields is expected to deliver a significant boost to both Malaysia's domestic energy supply and exports. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has cautioned, however, that Malaysia's increased activity could prompt more assertive behavior from China. "With Malaysia's expanding drilling and a potential reduction in China-Philippine tensions, Beijing could ratchet up the pressure on Malaysian hydrocarbon production," CSIS's Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative wrote in a report late last year.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Vietnam Intercepts China Research Ship Near Coast
Vietnam recently deployed a ship to intercept a Chinese survey vessel operating off its east coast, according to ship tracking data. The Chinese vessel spent much of the second half of June within Vietnam's maritime zone, in what Hanoi says is a violation of its sovereignty. Vietnam is one of several countries in the region with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, through which as much as one-third of global shipping passes each year. Beijing's sovereignty claims, which extend across most of the strategic waterway, have been a persistent source of tension with Vietnam and other countries in the region, as have Chinese coast guard, paramilitary, and research activities in the maritime zones of China's neighbors. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Vietnam by email with a request for comment. Open-source data from Global Fishing Watch's ship-tracking platform shows that the Bei Diao 996, a twin-hulled research vessel, departed China's southernmost province of Hainan on June 10. From that point until July 4, the ship remained within or just outside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)-an area extending 230 miles from the country's coastline, where foreign fishing and survey activities are prohibited under maritime law without Vietnam's permission. For much of this period, the vessel conducted what appeared to be a hydrographic survey, repeatedly crossing into the EEZ in a "lawnmower pattern" commonly seen in seafloor mapping. On June 19, the Vietnamese fisheries vessel Kiem Ngu 471 can be seen departing from the coast and making a beeline for Bei Diao 996. The vessel spent the rest of June shadowing the Chinese ship, only leaving the area last week after Bei Diao 996 set a course back toward Hainan last week. "Vietnam's sustained response demonstrates its concern over China's intrusive survey tactics," said Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight, who flagged the ship tracks on X (formerly Twitter). Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang pointed out during a press conference Thursday that foreign research and survey operations conducted within the country's EEZ are "violations of its sovereignty and jurisdiction" under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At nearly 330 feet long and displacing 7,384 tons, Bei Diao 996 is outfitted to test deep-sea equipment, according to the state-owned China Classification Society. Analysts have previously flagged Chinese research vessels engaging in suspicious activities and warned they may be gathering intelligence-such as information on undersea cables or nearby military assets-that could strengthen China's strategic position in the region. Bei Diao 996's movements come against a backdrop of maritime friction between China and Vietnam. Hanoi bristled earlier this year after Beijing again announced an annual fishing ban covering waters within the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, and several other neighbors. Vietnam has also protested China's move in 2024 and again this year to unilaterally introduce new territorial baselines in the Gulf of Tonkin in a bid to redefine its jurisdictional boundaries. Jun Kajee, lecturer at Southern Utah University and a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, wrote in a report published by SeaLight last month: "Routine Chinese survey operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait are no longer isolated events-they have become a defining feature of the region's maritime landscape. "These missions, often met with diplomatic protests from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, consistently raise tensions and test the resolve of neighboring states to defend their own maritime claims." China has yet to publicly respond to Vietnam's protest. Chinese maritime activities, including surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are likely to remain a point of friction in the South China Sea. Related Articles Map Shows 'Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone' Backed by Russia and ChinaUS Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China SeaThe Limits of the New Anti-Western Axis | OpinionChina Military Uses Laser on US Ally's Aircraft: What to Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Vietnam Intercepts China Research Ship Near Coast
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vietnam recently deployed a ship to intercept a Chinese survey vessel operating off its east coast, according to ship tracking data. The Chinese vessel spent much of the second half of June within Vietnam's maritime zone, in what Hanoi says is a violation of its sovereignty. Why It Matters Vietnam is one of several countries in the region with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, through which as much as one-third of global shipping passes each year. Beijing's sovereignty claims, which extend across most of the strategic waterway, have been a persistent source of tension with Vietnam and other countries in the region, as have Chinese coast guard, paramilitary, and research activities in the maritime zones of China's neighbors. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Vietnam by email with a request for comment. What To Know Open-source data from Global Fishing Watch's ship-tracking platform shows that the Bei Diao 996, a twin-hulled research vessel, departed China's southernmost province of Hainan on June 10. From that point until July 4, the ship remained within or just outside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—an area extending 230 miles from the country's coastline, where foreign fishing and survey activities are prohibited under maritime law without Vietnam's permission. For much of this period, the vessel conducted what appeared to be a hydrographic survey, repeatedly crossing into the EEZ in a "lawnmower pattern" commonly seen in seafloor mapping. This undated photo shows the Bei Diao 996, a catamaran-type research vessel, moored at a port. This undated photo shows the Bei Diao 996, a catamaran-type research vessel, moored at a port. China Classification Society On June 19, the Vietnamese fisheries vessel Kiem Ngu 471 can be seen departing from the coast and making a beeline for Bei Diao 996. The vessel spent the rest of June shadowing the Chinese ship, only leaving the area last week after Bei Diao 996 set a course back toward Hainan last week. "Vietnam's sustained response demonstrates its concern over China's intrusive survey tactics," said Ray Powell, director of the Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight, who flagged the ship tracks on X (formerly Twitter). Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang pointed out during a press conference Thursday that foreign research and survey operations conducted within the country's EEZ are "violations of its sovereignty and jurisdiction" under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. At nearly 330 feet long and displacing 7,384 tons, Bei Diao 996 is outfitted to test deep-sea equipment, according to the state-owned China Classification Society. Analysts have previously flagged Chinese research vessels engaging in suspicious activities and warned they may be gathering intelligence—such as information on undersea cables or nearby military assets—that could strengthen China's strategic position in the region. Bei Diao 996's movements come against a backdrop of maritime friction between China and Vietnam. Hanoi bristled earlier this year after Beijing again announced an annual fishing ban covering waters within the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, and several other neighbors. Vietnam has also protested China's move in 2024 and again this year to unilaterally introduce new territorial baselines in the Gulf of Tonkin in a bid to redefine its jurisdictional boundaries. What People Have Said Jun Kajee, lecturer at Southern Utah University and a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, wrote in a report published by SeaLight last month: "Routine Chinese survey operations in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait are no longer isolated events—they have become a defining feature of the region's maritime landscape. "These missions, often met with diplomatic protests from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, consistently raise tensions and test the resolve of neighboring states to defend their own maritime claims." What's Next China has yet to publicly respond to Vietnam's protest. Chinese maritime activities, including surveys and coast guard patrols in disputed areas, are likely to remain a point of friction in the South China Sea.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Ally Responds to Chinese Activity in Disputed Waters
South Korea dispatched a coast guard vessel last week to monitor Chinese survey ships operating in a contested part of the Yellow Sea, according to Stanford-affiliated maritime analysis group SeaLight. Newsweek reached out to the Korean coast guard and Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with requests for comment outside office hours. The Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) was established by a 2001 agreement between China and South Korea to allow joint fishing in the area where their exclusive economic zones overlap. Other activities, including scientific surveys, are not explicitly permitted and generally require consent from the other party. Analysts have accused Chinese civilian research vessels of suspicious behavior and raised concerns that they gather intelligence-such as on natural resources, undersea cables and local military activities-that could be used by the People's Liberation Army to strengthen China's position in disputed areas. Vessel-tracking data shared by SeaLight showed that four Chinese research vessels entered the PMZ on June 15, reportedly for a "water quality investigation," according to Beijing. In a ship-tracking illustration shared to X (formerly Twitter) by SeaLight director Ray Powell, a South Korean Coast Guard cutter was seen moving in to monitor the Chinese survey ships. China responded by dispatching one of its own coast guard vessels on June 24 to provide escort. The research vessels were still in the area as of Saturday, Powell said. The PMZ has already been a source of tension over the presence of two Chinese aquaculture cages and a former oil rig, roughly the size of a football field, which Beijing installed without consulting Seoul. China has refused to remove the structure from the area. South Korean officials worry these moves may be part of broader efforts to expand China's presence in the Yellow Sea-mirroring concerns voiced by other neighbors over Beijing's activities in the South China Sea. Last month, China's decision to declare a "no-sail zone" within the PMZ for its advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, also drew a protest from Seoul over restrictions to freedom of navigation. Powell wrote on X: "China's increased unilateral activities in the PMZ carries all the marks of gray zone expansionism, and has clearly drawn the attention of the South Korean government as indicated by Korea Coast Guard deployment." Neither country had issued an official statement regarding the research ships as of the time of publication. In April, Chinese and South Korean officials held a third dialogue on maritime cooperation, which included discussions about the contentious structures in the PMZ. They agreed to hold another round of talks and to prevent the issue from impacting the development of bilateral ties, according to the South Korean press release that followed. Related Articles North Korea Ignores Trump's OverturesAmericans Detained After Trying to Send Over 1,000 Bibles to North KoreaSouth Korea's New Government Faces Alarming Social Issue'Squid Game' S3 Ending Explained: What Happens to Player No. 456 and a Hollywood Twist 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
