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A Chinese military helicopter soars through the skies in this photo from April 7, 2023. (Photo credit: Greg Baker/AFP) On Monday, a Chinese military helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft, the Philippine National Security Council (NSC) reported. Despite this incident, the Philippine aircraft was able to complete its mission successfully. This encounter adds to a series of air and sea confrontations between the two nations, centered around disputed areas in the South China Sea. One of the most contentious features is the Scarborough Shoal, located about 200km off the Philippine coast within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It has been occupied by China’s coast guard for over a decade due to its rich fishing grounds and breathtaking turquoise lagoon. China’s claim to the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, is based on its interpretation of ancient maps. However, a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that China’s clai...

Two German naval vessels, including the frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg, are currently sailing through the South China Sea en route to the Philippines. The ships departed from Incheon, South Korea, on Tuesday and are expected to pass through the Taiwan Strait before arriving in Manila. According to a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry, the ships are scheduled to dock in Manila on September 16. While the ministry did not disclose the ships’ routes in advance for safety reasons, this navigation across the South China Sea marks a significant event. It is the first time German warships have traversed these waters since the destroyer Bayern’s deployment in the region from August 2021 to February 2022. Notably, during that mission, the Bayern sailed from South Korea to Singapore but avoided the Taiwan Strait due to its sensitive nature. A Historic Passage Should the German warships pass through the Taiwan Strait this time, it will be a rare occurrence. It has been 22 ...