Four major developments shaped the security environment in the South China Sea in 2024: (1) increased Chinese coercion against Philippine naval vessels and aircraft; (2) adoption of a new maritime defense strategy by the Philippines;

Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new "supergiant" sea bug species that bears a surprising resemblance to a classic movie villain.

Researchers exploring the wares of fishers in Vietnam discovered a “supergiant” sea bug species whose resemblance to Darth Vader inspired its name.

Researchers newly identified a “supergiant” sea bug species off the coast of south-central Vietnam, but scientists worry about its vulnerability to overfishing.

Coast guard and fishery officials from the Philippines, United States, Vietnam and Indonesia practised vessel boarding and arrest techniques at a joint maritime law enforcement training, the US Embassy in Manila said Monday.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc’s new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

He says Malaysia may have border issues with neighbours, but still manages to cultivate good relations. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Chinese Coast Guard and navy harass Philippine vessels in disputed South China Sea, forcing survey cancellation. US commitment to Philippines.

Trump’s transactional diplomacy risks complicating the hedging of stakeholders from Philippines to Vietnam, and adding unpredictability for China.

The Philippinessaid on Saturday it had suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea after its fisheries vessels faced “harassment” and aggressive

Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged Vietnam to address its trade imbalances with the US in a call with Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.