China is preparing to launch its Jielong-3 rocket from a mobile platform in the South China Sea, marking an expansion of its sea-based space capabilities. The move combines technical innovation with strategic undertones in a disputed maritime region.


China Plans First Sea-Based Rocket Launch From South China Sea

The United States is reportedly planning to deploy advanced high-tech missile systems in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The move comes as tensions escalate in the South China Sea, with growing concerns over China’s expanding military footprint.

Defense cooperation between Washington and Manila is deepening under mutual security commitments, signaling a stronger strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.

US-Philippines Defence Ties: More Missile Launchers By US For Philippines? 

The United States is reportedly planning to deploy advanced high-tech missile systems in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The move comes as tensions escalate in the South China Sea, with growing concerns over China’s expanding military footprint.

Defense cooperation between Washington and Manila is deepening under mutual security commitments, signaling a stronger strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.


US Plans High-Tech Missile Deployment In Philippines Amid Rising China Tensions

The Philippine coast guard said on Saturday that three Filipino fishermen had been wounded and two fishing vessels suffered "significant damage" when Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon in a disputed South China Sea shoal.


China-Philippines tensions: Manila condemns Beijing for violating maritime safety norms

China has expelled a Philippine aircraft from the airspace above Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested maritime feature in the South China Sea. The Chinese military stated that the Philippine aircraft "invaded" Chinese airspace and was met with stern warnings before being driven away.


China says it expelled Philippine aircraft, vessels near disputed atolls 

The United States has called for stronger ties with India, saying New Delhi is central to countering the Indo-Pacific threat. A new National Security Strategy report highlights the importance of the Quad, India, Japan, Australia, and the US and warns against domination of the South China Sea by any single power. The report comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Delhi, underscoring the complex balance between India’s long-standing ties with Moscow and Washington’s push for deeper cooperation.

With Putin In India, U.S. Seeks Stronger Ties in Fortifying Indo-Pacific |

In under twenty years the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has transformed from a largely coastal defence force into the world’s largest navy by number of ships.

Why China is building the world’s largest navy and how fast it’s growing

Vietnam has reportedly constructed new artificial islands in contested waters to strengthen its maritime presence and counter China’s influence in the South China Sea. These developments come amid growing tensions in the region and highlight Hanoi’s efforts to assert its territorial claims.

Reports: Vietnam’s Secret Islands to Counter China

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called on Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation in maritime surveillance including the use of unmanned technologies to counter what he said was worsening aggression by Beijing in the South China Sea.


US Accuses China of Illegal Sea Intimidation in South China Sea

Two US Navy aircraft, an MH-60R helicopter and an F/A-18F jet, crashed in the South China Sea during routine operations. Crews were rescued safely. The US maintains presence there to ensure free navigation, secure trade routes, counter China’s influence, and support regional stability.

US jet and helicopter crash in South China Sea: What were they doing in international waters

South-China Sea: Two US military aircraft crashed separately in the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from the USS Nimitz, the US Navy confirmed. A MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter went down at about 2:45 PM local time, with all three crew members safely rescued. About 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed, with both pilots ejecting safely and being rescued.

US Nimitz Loses Fighter Jet And Helicopter During Routine OPs in South China Sea

Two US Navy aircraft — an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet — crashed separately into the South China Sea during routine operations from the USS Nimitz. Earlier in 2025, two similar Super Hornets were lost from the USS Harry S. Truman during Middle East missions.

US Navy helicopter and jet crash in South China Sea within 30 minutes: Causes and casualties — What we know

The Philippines said a Chinese ship deliberately rammed one of its government vessels in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, though Beijing blamed Manila for the incident.


Philippines, China trade blames for vessels colliding in South China Sea as tensions soar

Philippines calls China's actions 'bullying'; Beijing blames Manila for 'illegally' entering waters

A Philippine government vessel anchored near an island in a disputed part of the South China Sea was “deliberately" hit by a Chinese ship, claimed Manila’s coast guard on Sunday (Oct 12). The Chinese maritime forces also used water canons while they rammed the &nbsp;Filipino government ship.&nbsp;According to the Philippine Coast Guard three vessels, including the government's BRP Datu Pagbuaya were anchored near the Manila-controlled island to protect local fishermen when the Chinese ship threatened them by using water cannon.&nbsp;Such incidents of confrontation between the two countries is nothing new. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea which is vital for annual ship trade worth over $3 trillion.&nbsp;South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate.&nbsp;China makes the claim over the South China Sea despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2016 that China's claims in the South China Sea, particularly on its resources, had no basis in international law. It was a big relief for Philippines but China hardly pays any heed to the ruling and continues to pressurise Manila to agree to its conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;It is not only China and the Philippines that claim the waters of South China Sea but Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam also lay claims over it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to an estimate 80 percent of Chinas energy imports and 40 percent of Chinas total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea.

A Philippine government vessel anchored near an island in a disputed part of the South China Sea was “deliberately" hit by a Chinese ship, claimed Manila’s coast guard on Sunday (Oct 12). The Chinese maritime forces also used water canons while they rammed the Filipino government ship. According to the Philippine Coast Guard three vessels, including the government's BRP Datu Pagbuaya were anchored near the Manila-controlled island to protect local fishermen when the Chinese ship threatened them by using water cannon. Such incidents of confrontation between the two countries is nothing new. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea which is vital for annual ship trade worth over $3 trillion. South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate. China makes the claim over the South China Sea despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2016 that China's claims in the South China Sea, particularly on its resources, had no basis in international law. It was a big relief for Philippines but China hardly pays any heed to the ruling and continues to pressurise Manila to agree to its conditions. It is not only China and the Philippines that claim the waters of South China Sea but Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam also lay claims over it.

According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese ship 'rams' Philippine government boat in disputed South China Sea

China has recently showcased a major leap in its naval power. For the first time, state broadcaster CCTV released footage of its Fujian aircraft carrier using an electromagnetic catapult system, also known as EMALS, to launch three different aircraft.The video showed the J-35 stealth fighter, the upgraded J-15T fighter, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft taking off from Fujian’s deck, marking what state media called a “milestone” in the country’s carrier programme. This technology has until now only been seen on America’s newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.<h2>What is EMALS and why is it significant?</h2>Unlike older ski-jump ramps used on China’s Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the EMALS system allows aircraft to launch with heavier fuel and weapon loads. That means they can fly farther and hit harder. In practical terms, Fujian’s fighters can now strike targets at greater ranges, giving China the so-called “blue-water” capability that allows its navy to project power well beyond its shores. For Beijing, it is not just a technological achievement but also a signal of its growing ambition on the global stage.<h2>How does Fujian compare to US carriers?</h2>The EMALS system puts the Fujian in the same league as America’s USS Gerald R. Ford. However, there is one big difference, the Fujian is conventionally powered, while all US carriers use nuclear power. That means US carriers can stay at sea for months at a time, limited only by crew supplies, whereas Fujian must refuel at sea or in port. Even so, analysts say the Fujian is now China’s most advanced carrier and could be officially commissioned into the navy within weeks.<h2>What are the next steps for China’s navy?</h2>According to former US Navy captain Carl Schuster, the Fujian will go through more trials in the coming months, with integration tests involving the PLA Air Force and Rocket Force likely by spring next year. If successful, the Fujian will give China a powerful tool for extending its reach into contested regions like the South China Sea and beyond.<h2>Why does this come at a sensitive time?</h2>The timing of the carrier’s progress is notable. A US congressional delegation is currently in Beijing for talks, the first such visit in six years, focusing on military communication. US Representative Adam Smith warned that without direct dialogue, the world’s two biggest militaries risk dangerous miscalculations. “China is the most rapidly growing military and the most rapidly growing nuclear power in the world… It is dangerous for us not to be having regular communications,” he said in Beijing.Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, meanwhile, called on Washington to “remove disruptive and restrictive factors” to improve ties. The talks follow a phone call between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with both leaders set to meet at the APEC summit in South Korea next month.

China’s new Fujian carrier has launched fighter jets using an electromagnetic catapult for the first time. The system gives its navy more power at sea, though US carriers still have advantages.

China has recently showcased a major leap in its naval power. For the first time, state broadcaster CCTV released footage of its Fujian aircraft carrier using an electromagnetic catapult system, also known as EMALS, to launch three different aircraft. The video showed the J-35 stealth fighter, the upgraded J-15T fighter, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft taking off from Fujian’s deck, marking what state media called a “milestone” in the country’s carrier programme. This technology has until now only been seen on America’s newest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. What is EMALS and why is it significant? Unlike older ski-jump ramps used on China’s Liaoning and Shandong carriers, the EMALS system allows aircraft to launch with heavier fuel and weapon loads. That means they can fly farther and hit harder. In practical terms, Fujian’s fighters can now strike targets at greater ranges, giving China the so-called “blue-water” capability that allows its navy to project power well beyond its shores. For Beijing, it is not just a technological achievement but also a signal of its growing ambition on the global stage. How does Fujian compare to US carriers? The EMALS system puts the Fujian in the same league as America’s USS Gerald R. Ford. However, there is one big difference, the Fujian is conventionally powered, while all US carriers use nuclear power. That means US carriers can stay at sea for months at a time, limited only by crew supplies, whereas Fujian must refuel at sea or in port. Even so, analysts say the Fujian is now China’s most advanced carrier and could be officially commissioned into the navy within weeks. What are the next steps for China’s navy? According to former US Navy captain Carl Schuster, the Fujian will go through more trials in the coming months, with integration tests involving the PLA Air Force and Rocket Force likely by spring next year. If successful, the Fujian will give China a powerful tool for extending its reach into contested regions like the South China Sea and beyond. Why does this come at a sensitive time? The timing of the carrier’s progress is notable. A US congressional delegation is currently in Beijing for talks, the first such visit in six years, focusing on military communication. US Representative Adam Smith warned that without direct dialogue, the world’s two biggest militaries risk dangerous miscalculations. “China is the most rapidly growing military and the most rapidly growing nuclear power in the world… It is dangerous for us not to be having regular communications,” he said in Beijing. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, meanwhile, called on Washington to “remove disruptive and restrictive factors” to improve ties. The talks follow a phone call between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with both leaders set to meet at the APEC summit in South Korea next month.

China’s new Fujian carrier has launched fighter jets using an electromagnetic catapult for the first time. The system gives its navy more power at sea, though US carriers still have advantages.

China now has the technology that only US had till now - Is Beijing closing the gap with the US military?

Dramatic escalation in the South China sea as Chinese coast guards fired water cannons at Philippine vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, further stoking tensions between the two countries. 

China's Coast Guard Fires Water Cannons At Philippine Ships

South China Sea tensions erupt as Chinese and Philippine ships collide near a disputed shoal. The clash escalated when Beijing used water cannons against Philippine vessels. This dangerous confrontation raises fears of a wider conflict in the contested waters. Watch WION’s LIVE coverage for the latest updates, expert analysis, and global reactions.


South China Sea Showdown: China, Philippines Ships Collide Near Shoal, Water Cannons Fired

South China Sea: Tensions have escalated in the South China Sea as Chinese and Philippine ships collided near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, a territory claimed by both nations. China's coast guard accused Philippine vessels of illegal intrusion and deliberately ramming one of its ships.

South China Sea: Tensions Escalate as Chinese and Philippine Ships Collide 

The South China Sea is one of the world's most contested maritime regions, with overlapping territorial claims from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Top 6 hotly disputed international borders of the world and why

The Philippines on Thursday condemned China's plan to establish a nature reserve in a South China Sea shoal, calling it a "clear pretext for occupation", as Beijing moves to reinforce sweeping territorial claims across the waterway.
China has approved the creation of a national nature reserve at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The designation was an "important guarantee" to preserve the atoll's ecosystem, China's State Council said.



Philippines Slams China for Proposing Nature Reserve in Disputed Maritime Area | WION


Over 3,600 troops from the Philippines, Australia, the US, and Canada have launched the largest joint military exercise ever held on Philippine soil — and it’s happening just north of Manila, not far from the South China Sea.


South China Sea: Philippines, Australia, Canada, US Naval Assets Hold 10th Joint Drills

#Gravitas Vietnam is rapidly expanding its presence in the South China Sea. The country is building artificial islands at a pace that could soon surpass China’s in the disputed Spratly Islands. 


Vietnam challenges China with island-building blitz in South China Sea

South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate. So, in order to strike a balance in the region, US military presence is prominent.&nbsp;In latest development, the United States is discussing the possibility of deploying more missile launchers to the Philippines to keep a check on Chinese aggression &nbsp;in the disputed South China Sea. However, a final &nbsp;decision is yet to be reached between the two countries in this regard, reported the Associated Press, citing Manila’s ambassador to Washington.&nbsp;According to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) or the anti-ship missile systems could be installed along Philippine coastal regions facing the South China Sea to act as a deterrence to China.&nbsp;This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year. The land-based weapon is capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.&nbsp;Soon after, the US military transported an anti-ship missile launcher in April this year to the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes.&nbsp;The installation of the US missile systems were strongly opposed by China which argued that it would threaten regional stability and was aimed at curbing China's rise. In fact, China asked the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers from its territory but the demand was rejected.&nbsp;In his first visit to Asia after assuming the power of US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth visited Manila in March this year and said the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against Chinese threats in the South China Sea.&nbsp;Thus, the likely deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines by the US is being see as a move in that direction. &nbsp;

This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year.

South China Sea accounts for a third of the global maritime trade. According to an estimate 80 percent of China's energy imports and 40 percent of China's total trade passes through the disputed South China Sea, which the Chinese threaten to dominate. So, in order to strike a balance in the region, US military presence is prominent. In latest development, the United States is discussing the possibility of deploying more missile launchers to the Philippines to keep a check on Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea. However, a final decision is yet to be reached between the two countries in this regard, reported the Associated Press, citing Manila’s ambassador to Washington. According to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) or the anti-ship missile systems could be installed along Philippine coastal regions facing the South China Sea to act as a deterrence to China. This comes after the U.S. military delivered a mid-range missile system called the Typhon to Philippines as part of joint combat exercises in April last year. The land-based weapon is capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. Soon after, the US military transported an anti-ship missile launcher in April this year to the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes. The installation of the US missile systems were strongly opposed by China which argued that it would threaten regional stability and was aimed at curbing China's rise. In fact, China asked the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers from its territory but the demand was rejected. In his first visit to Asia after assuming the power of US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth visited Manila in March this year and said the Trump administration would work with allies to ramp up deterrence against Chinese threats in the South China Sea. Thus, the likely deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines by the US is being see as a move in that direction.