Tag: Freedom of navigation
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U.S. warns Iran over unsafe naval actions amid Strait of Hormuz drills
US signals stance as IRGC plans live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz The United States has voiced strong concerns about potential unsafe actions by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as Tehran announced the upcoming commencement of live-fire naval exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The move, seen against a backdrop of…
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China Ships Increase in West Philippine Sea in 2026 Escalates Tensions and Monitoring
Overview: A Sharp Rise in Maritime Presence Two weeks into 2026, observers report a noticeable uptick in the number of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels operating in the disputed waters known internationally as the West Philippine Sea. The surge follows a pattern seen in previous years, but the early January increment has drew heightened…
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Tensions in the West Philippine Sea: 45 Chinese Vessels Spotted in Early 2026 Update
Overview: A New Year, a Disturbing Pattern In the opening days of 2026, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a notable Chinese maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). A combined tally of 45 Chinese vessels was observed across various features in the area during the first week of January, marking another…
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Rising Chinese Coast Guard Presence in the West Philippine Sea Prompted by 2026 Tensions
Overview: A Notable Shift in 2026 Two weeks into 2026, observers and regional authorities noted a measurable uptick in the presence of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The increase in ships, accompanied by reports of closer than usual approaches to vessels from other nations engaged in maritime operations, has…
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Shoring Up ASEAN’s Undersea Security: The Philippines’ pivotal role
Introduction: A pivotal moment for ASEAN maritime security The Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain is the backbone of regional security and prosperity. With the Philippines taking the helm of ASEAN in November 2025 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” there is a timely opportunity to elevate a collective focus on undersea security. The seas around Southeast…
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Understanding the Red Sea Power Struggle Among U.S. Allies
What is at stake in the Red Sea? The Red Sea corridor has long been a critical artery for global trade and regional security. Its narrow chokepoints, like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, mean that shifts in influence among regional powers can ripple across international markets and diplomatic alignments. Recently, observers have noted a visible power…
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South China Sea Clash: Philippines Says Chinese Ship Rammed
Overview of the Incident The Philippines said a Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately rammed a Philippine government boat near Thitu Island in the disputed Spratly archipelago, as tensions continue to flare in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday morning, involved the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, a vessel belonging to Manila’s fisheries…
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Global Resilience Flotilla Advances Toward Gaza Amid Protests
Global Resilience Flotilla Faces Global Protests as Ships Head Toward Gaza A developing story in the Middle East and beyond centers on the Global Resilience Flotilla, as approximately 30 vessels continue to sail toward Gaza. Organizers describe the mission as a peaceful humanitarian push to deliver aid and solidarity, arguing that maritime routes chosen align…