Global Impact: China warns of infringing on its sovereignty, Philippines plans first submarine as South China Sea tensions continue

Navy spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad said about 200 vessels, including coastguard fleets, were swarming the outcrop about 37km (23 miles) away from the Second Thomas Shoal, referred to by the Chinese as Renai Jiao.

Apart from upgrading all of the territorial features – islands, shoals and reefs – that the Philippines occupies in the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr made it clear that his country would purchase its first submarine to defend its maritime sovereignty.

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Why the South China Sea dispute remains one of the region’s most pressing issues

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Philippines accuses China of using water cannons to obstruct its vessels in South China Sea

With months of naval skirmishes with China still fresh in its minds, the Philippines this week signed a coastguard-cooperation pact with Vietnam, pledging to share information, set up a communication hotline, and work on a joint coastguard committee.

Not to be outdone, the Italian Navy is also expected to send its flagship aircraft carrier Cavour, along with its battle group, to the region this year.

The South China Sea and Taiwan may be twin powder kegs, but which is riskier?

As Taiwan and its newly elected president grab the headlines, another potential hotspot for US-China ties has been brewing in the region

Frequent clashes between China and the Philippines in disputed South China Sea has observers weighing the costs of an alternative conflict

Beijing had long advised against a victory for Lai, from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and cast Saturday’s election as a choice between war and peace. If it now chooses to step up pressure on Taiwan, the United States might be prompted to make a tougher response, according to observers.

Beijing shows restraint as