Disputed South China Sea archipelago
The Philippines has formally objected to a China Daily AI-generated video that dehumanizes Filipinos and mocks the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Manila calls for takedown and warns against propaganda that escalates tensions as regional powers urge adherence to UNCLOS.
A Vietnamese cargo vessel carrying 62 people has sunk near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. Rescue teams from Vietnam and China have recovered 44 people, with 18 still missing. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over South China Sea claims as search and rescue operations persist.