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China announced plans to establish a 3,500-hectare nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory claimed by the Philippines. The move has prompted diplomatic protests from Manila, increased regional tensions, and criticism from the US and allies. Clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified amid ongoing sovereignty disputes.
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China's military activities in the Taiwan Strait have increased, including the passage of its new Fujian aircraft carrier and heightened patrols. Beijing asserts Taiwan as part of China and opposes external interference, while Taiwan and the US emphasize peaceful resolution and regional stability. The situation reflects rising regional tensions.
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Recent weeks have seen increased tensions in the South China Sea, with China asserting sovereignty through plans to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, while regional and US-led military exercises aim to counter Chinese assertiveness. China warns the Philippines to stop provocations amid ongoing disputes.
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China's coast guard resumed patrols at Scarborough Shoal amid protests over its new nature reserve. Beijing claims sovereignty, citing territorial and environmental reasons, while the Philippines condemns the move as unlawful. The dispute continues to escalate in the strategic region.
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Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand has called for a permanent border wall with Cambodia amid rising tensions. She also proposed building bunkers for civilians, signaling a rare political stance from the royal family. The move follows recent armed clashes and regional instability, with the U.S. pushing for agreements at upcoming ASEAN summits.
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On October 12, 2025, a Chinese coast guard ship fired a water cannon and rammed the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine crew was unharmed, but the vessel sustained minor damage. Both sides accuse each other of illegal incursions amid ongoing territorial disputes.
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Australia reports unsafe encounters with Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea, including flare releases near Australian planes. China claims sovereignty over the area and accuses Australia of intrusion. The incidents highlight ongoing regional tensions amid broader geopolitical disputes.
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Two US military aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed during routine operations in the South China Sea. All five personnel involved were rescued and are in stable condition. The incidents are under investigation, with President Trump suggesting fuel issues as a possible cause. The carrier is returning to Washington after deployment in the Middle East.
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ASEAN and China signed the upgraded Free Trade Area 3.0 during the ASEAN summit, covering over 2 billion people. The agreement aims to enhance regional economic integration, digital trade, and sustainability, amid ongoing US-China tensions. Leaders also discussed recent military incidents and bilateral relations.
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun held their first face-to-face meeting since Trump’s return, agreeing to establish military channels to deconflict and deescalate tensions amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The talks follow Xi-Trump summit aiming to stabilize relations.
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China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking its first domestically designed vessel with advanced electromagnetic catapult systems. The carrier aims to enhance China's naval power projection, especially in disputed regional waters, as part of Xi Jinping's military modernization plan. Sea trials are ongoing, with capabilities still being tested.
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The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy emphasizes deterring conflict over Taiwan by maintaining military overmatch and strengthening alliances. China’s military activity in the region has increased, with Taiwan and Japan responding to rising tensions. The strategy aims to secure sea lanes and prevent Chinese aggression near Taiwan.