South China Sea Tensions Escalate Again Amid China's Aggressive Expansion
Published on 6.1.25
Maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region has become increasingly complicated due to ongoing disputes over the South China Sea. The recent establishment of a no-sail zone by China within a shared military zone with other countries has raised concerns about freedom of navigation, highlighting the need for structured maritime cooperation among regional players.
China's actions have been met with criticism from neighboring countries, including the Philippines, where Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad expressed concern over China's "illegal presence" in Southeast Asian maritime zones. This sentiment is echoed by Seoul, which has expressed its concerns through diplomatic channels and is coordinating with other agencies to assess whether China's recent measure complies with international maritime law.
The deployment of guided-missile frigates, destroyers, and coast guard boats by China in the South China Sea is seen as a move to exert pressure on the region. This has been accompanied by increased naval presence near Taiwan since early May.
China's use of "grey zone" tactics, which involve the installation of structures that blur the line between civilian and military activities, further complicates the situation. While Beijing claims three structures installed in a disputed area are aquaculture facilities, some South Korean media outlets suggest they may be part of a strategy to expand China's maritime jurisdiction.
Challenges such as territorial claims, trust deficits, and interoperability issues hinder more robust integration among regional players, including Asean and China.