The news that Qatar has temporarily halted its output of liquid natural gas has sharpened the focus on how the Iran war will affect Chinese energy security. What has received less attention is how the war will affect Chinese companies’ commercial entanglements in Iran.
Despite the framing in Western discourse of China as a key partner to Iran, the relationship isn’t necessarily water-tight. For example, a few of the projects ...
Category: South China Sea
Myth and Misperception: Can Vietnam’s Naval Bases Check Chinese Maritime Assertiveness?
In this edition of M&M, I want to analyze the role of Vietnam’s naval bases in checking China’s maritime assertiveness. This is an important factor to consider because Vietnam enjoys some of the world’s best natural deep-water harbors. Two of them, Da Nang and Cam Ranh, directly ...
Analysis from Cobus van Staden
Philippine Resupply Mission Data Leaked to Chinese Intelligence, Security Official Says
By Karen Lema A spokesman for the National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines on Thursday said some information on the country's resupply missions in the South China Sea was compromised and passed on to Chinese intelligence agents. His ...
Chinese Commentator’s Defense of Missile Sale to Iran on Russian TV Lends Credence to Report
While the Chinese government has not officially commented on the reported sale of supersonic anti-ship missiles to Iran, one of China's most outspoken media provocateurs appeared on Russian state television on Tuesday to defend the move. Victor Gao, vice president of ...
China Close to Deal Selling Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles to Iran
After two years of negotiations, Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to buy supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to Reuters. Reuters cited six sources who confirmed that Iran is poised to acquire Chinese-made CM-302 missiles, nicknamed "Carrier-Killers," that are ...
‘Welcome to CHINA’ Greets Philippine Officials on Trip to Disputed South China Sea
By Karen Lema As the Philippine Coast Guard plane descended toward the country's most strategically important outpost in the disputed South China Sea, passengers' phones lit up with a roaming alert: "Welcome to CHINA." Among those on board were ...
Philippine Senator Calls out China in Visit to Disputed Island
By Jam Sta Rosa A Philippine senator called for deepening defense relationships and "continuous" pushback against China's claims in the South China Sea while visiting one of Manila's tiny possessions in the disputed waterway on Saturday.
Philippines Says Communication Channels Still Open With Beijing on South China Sea
The Philippine foreign ministry said on Friday that it is maintaining open communication with China even as it strengthens cooperation with "like‑minded" countries that support its stance in the South China Sea. "Even as the DFA (foreign ministry) deepens alliances and ...
China Remains Undeterred in the Grey Zone
By Sam Mullins The final days of 2025 saw Taiwan surrounded by Chinese warships, aircraft and coast guard vessels in what the Chinese Ministry of Defense described as a serious warning to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and foreign interference. ...
Philippines Says Takes Exception to China Embassy Comment on Job Losses
The Philippines takes "strong exception" to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the simmering diplomatic spat between the two countries could result in the loss of millions of jobs, the foreign ministry said, adding that such comments could be seen as coercive.
Philippines Urges China to Keep Tone ‘Calm’ as Rhetoric Heats Up
The Philippine foreign ministry urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday to be "constructive" in its statements amid an escalating war of words between Chinese diplomats and public officials, including senators. The Department of Foreign Affairs' newly appointed maritime affairs ...
China Conducts Naval, Air Patrols Around Disputed South China Sea
China conducted naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, the China Southern Theater Command said in a statement on Saturday. "In an attempt to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the region and ...
Philippines Aims to Wrap up Talks on South China Sea Code This Year
The Philippines said on Friday it will seek to accelerate long‑running talks on a South China Sea code of conduct to a conclusion this year as chair of the ASEAN regional bloc. Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro told a forum in Singapore ...
China Conducts Naval, Air Patrols Around Disputed South China Sea Shoal
China conducted naval and air patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday, the China Southern Theater Command said. The shoal is in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China also claims it as part of its territory.