South China Sea

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

Malaysia's maritime agency refutes claims of ignoring sanctioned Iranian oil transfers near its waters. Iranian-linked tankers reportedly exploit "jurisdictional gaps" for ship-to-ship transfers, a practice advocacy groups say Malaysia facilitates. Authorities state operations often occur beyond radar coverage, complicating enforcement. Indonesia is also reviewing border oil transfers.

Japan defence chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties, witness combat exercise

A rare pebble crab species, Lyphira ngankee, has been discovered for the first time in Indian waters off the coast of Balasore. Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India identified four specimens, previously only known from the South China Sea. This significant finding expands the known geographical range of this unique marine creature.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

Trump’s philosophy is often mistaken for the absence of philosophy, but absence can become a system if practised with sufficient confidence. Every problem becomes a deal, every deal becomes a performance, every performance requires a winner, and the winner, ideally before anyone checks the paperwork, is Donald Trump.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

China's potential fourth aircraft carrier, possibly named 'He Jian' and hinted to be nuclear-powered, signals a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. This development, showcased in the film 'Into The Deep', aligns with China's transition to a blue-water navy and its expanding global maritime ambitions.

A recent report highlights that while the US can sustain a conflict with Iran for now, it's depleting critical missile stockpiles. This drawdown significantly impacts readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly with China. Rebuilding these advanced munitions will take years, posing a strategic vulnerability for America's global position.

Iran’s USD1 war toll on each barrel of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz could add nearly INR10,000 crore to India’s annual import bill. While the toll is a direct breach of ‘transit passage’ rights, India can use four key diplomatic and legal levers to secure its interests.

The Middle East conflict creates strategic space for China's influence expansion in Asia as US attention diverts. Historical patterns show China increasing activity in the South China Sea and near Taiwan during US focus on other global crises. These calibrated actions, below escalation thresholds, alter the regional strategic environment.

At the heart of this push lies a strategic concern long associated with Beijing: securing critical sea lanes, particularly through the Strait of Malacca, and reducing vulnerabilities in the event of a conflict that could threaten its energy and trade lifelines. This vulnerability has a direct bearing on India’s strategic calculus as well. Located astride key Indian Ocean routes and in proximity to the Malacca chokepoint.

China is significantly expanding its undersea mapping and monitoring operations across key oceans, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare. Research vessels are systematically surveying strategically important areas, reflecting a dual-use strategy combining civilian science with defense objectives. This effort aims to improve China's ability to deploy submarines and track adversaries in sensitive waters.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang warned on Tuesday there would be no winners in any armed conflict sparked by territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Vietnamese leader did not mention any country but there is growing unease over China's actions.

China condemns Canada's support for the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute, accusing Canada of violating China's sovereignty and jeopardizing regional peace. The dispute centers around the Second Thomas Shoal. China claims the South China Sea as its own and accuses Philippine vessels of encroaching on its sovereignty. The United States has sided with the Philippines in opposing China's actions. Canada recently denounced China's actions against Philippine vessels in the disputed waters. The South China Sea should not become a hunting ground for countries pursuing geopolitical interests.

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.

China on Thrusday warned of "decisive response" if any provocative action is taken in the South China Sea to enforce an international tribunal's verdict against Beijing's expansive claims in the strategic region. China referred to the tribunal verdict as "unlawful."

China said on Monday that it is closing off a part of the South China Sea for military exercises this week, days after an international tribunal ruled against Beijing's claim to ownership of virtually the entire strategic waterway.

The Chinese military carred out a series of new moves that included carrying out flight tests in the newly built airport in Nansha islands of the South China Sea, and induction of a new guided missile system.