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Indonesia Expels China Coast Guard Ship Harassing Research Vessel
Indonesia Expels China Coast Guard Ship Harassing Research Vessel
The China Coast Guard harassed Indonesia's oil and gas exploration activities in the Arwana Block from 17-21 October. Indonesia responded by sending its own vessels to "expel" the Chinese ship.
OCT 22, 2024
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Unlocking China's "Media Unlocked" Propagandists
China Daily's young Media Unlocked hosts pose as independent journalists dedicated to "telling the truth about China". Viewer beware.
OCT 15, 2024
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60 Minutes Goes to Sea ... and Gets Rammed
SeaLight Director Ray Powell tells the behind-the-scenes story of how the world-famous CBS program "60 Minutes" went to the Philippines to tell the world the story of how China is trying to drive its smaller neighbor out of the West Philippine Sea; how the Philippines is putting up an epic fight against steep odds; and why the world should care.
SEP 21, 2024
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China's Disinformation is Testing the Philippines' Transparency Initiative
The lack of automatic information system broadcast data on the Philippine Coast Guard vessels involved in the August 19th Sabina Shoal incident hurts the Philippines' transparency initiative, and gives room for China's disinformation tactics to set the narrative.
SEP 12, 2024

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What is SeaLight?

SeaLight is committed to lighting up the maritime gray zone so that bullies and criminals can no longer hide in the darkness while they harass law-abiding fisherfolk; destroy the marine environment and fish stocks; prevent legitimate exploration and survey activities; and violate international law and other countries' sovereign rights.
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Latest Resources

South China Sea-related materials, maps, media, databases, and more. Collected and curated in our searchable research library.
Why Should We Care About the South China Sea's New Flashpoint?
Published SEP 16, 2024
Ray Powell and Jim Carouso discuss the recent tense and sometimes violent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines with Southeast Asia expert Greg Poling, author of "On Dangerous Ground: America's Century in the South China Sea". They consider what these developments mean for America's long-standing alliance commitment to the Philippines, which Greg asserts is finally being treated like a "real ally" on equivalent footing with more developed countries like Japan.
60 Minutes: Danger in the South China Sea
Published SEP 16, 2024
The U.S. could be drawn into a conflict between China and the Philippines that's been roiling the South China Sea.
The South China Sea: Historical and legal background
Published SEP 12, 2024
In the South China Sea, the Chinese leadership is intent on controlling all the rocks, reefs, and resources in the waters encompassed by what has become known as the ‘nine-dash’ or ‘U-shaped’ line. This line, which first appeared on an official map published by the Republic of China (ROC) in 1948, has no legal or historical basis. It is the product of misunderstandings and mistranslations by officials and private individuals in China during the 1930s. Unfortunately, this line is the basis for ongoing confrontations and escalating geopolitical tension between the People’s Republic of China (PRC), its Southeast Asian neighbours and other countries.
Voices from the Sea
Published MAY 25, 2024
Filipino fishermen from Zambales speak out and tell us their experiences with the China Coast Guard and maritime militia, which continue to encroach on the West Philippine Sea.
Why Should We Care if China is Harassing Philippine Ships?
Published MAY 21, 2024
Jim Carouso and Ray Powell interview the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, about China's continuing harassment of Philippine ships at a time when the mist of the previous day's water-cannoning near Scarborough Shoal was still dissipating. They discuss the importance of countering Chinese aggression and protecting the international rules-based order. They ask Jay to weigh the benefits of the Philippines' transparency campaign against its risks, and to comment on ASEAN's reluctance to publicly back Manila in its maritime struggles and its inability to produce a South China Sea Code of Conduct.
The Six-Country Fight Over These Tiny, Terrible Islands
Published MAY 17, 2024
Well-produced Wendover Productions overview of the South China Sea dispute.
Nearly A Decade after the Philippines' Legal Victory, Beijing continues to Militarize Islands in the South China Sea
Published APR 13, 2024
Infographic of China's artificial islands in the South China Sea overlaid with the Philippines' rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific? (Podcast)
Published APR 4, 2024
Join hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso as they delve into the crucial issues defining the 21st century's pivotal region--one that spans from Hollywood to Bollywood. Learn to navigate its most important geopolitical, economic, military, environmental and cultural challenges, with a practical emphasis on why it matters. Hosted by seasoned diplomatic and national security practitioners, each episode offers insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions. From bustling cities like Beijing, Mumbai and Tokyo, through the diverse countries of Southeast Asia, down to the Australian Outback and the pristine islands of the South Pacific, expert guests help Jim and Ray explore the region's defining issues, emergent crises and future trajectories. Discover the interplay of the U.S.-China strategic competition against the interests of rapidly emerging powers like India and Indonesia. Explore the complexities of regional alliances old and new like ASEAN, AUKUS and "the Quad". Understand the forces driving hotspots like the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the China-India border ... and most importantly, why we should care.
China, the U.S. and the West Philippine Sea Disputes: A Conversation
Published MAR 30, 2024
Philippine vlogger and journalist Richard Heydarian talks to SeaLight Director Ray Powell about ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Countering Coercion
Published MAR 30, 2024
Managing Chinese Gray Zone Activity in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region
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In The News

Our finds on the latest articles and information from outside of the SeaLight team.
Philippine military drills to seize an island in the South China Sea
Published NOV 4, 2024
The Philippine military opened two weeks of combat drills Monday that would include seizing an island in the disputed South China Sea and likely be frowned upon by China.
The Philippines’ Near-Standoff with China at Sabina Shoal: Bolstering Preventive Deployment
Published NOV 5, 2024
The Philippines has tried a new tactic of preventive deployment at Sabina Shoal but more must be done.
Joint Sword-2024B: Quarantining Key Ports and Seizing Comprehensive Superiority
Published NOV 4, 2024
The Joint Sword-2024B exercise on October 14 focused on quarantining Taiwan’s ports and establishing sea and air superiority. It showcased the ability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to coordinate maritime control with China Coast Guard (CCG) assets.
2 Chinese fishing vessels seen in Aurora waters
Published OCT 29, 2024
Two Chinese fishing boats were spotted “in the east coast” of the Philippines, even as Chinese ships continued to swarm parts of the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.
French Navy ship transits Taiwan Strait
Published OCT 30, 2024
French frigate Prairial sailed on west side of Taiwan Strait median line after Philippine port call.
US announces P450M funding for PCG modernization
Published OCT 28, 2024
The United States (US) announced a new funding worth P450 million for the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the US Embassy in the Philippines said on Monday.
China and the South China Sea: Tailoring history for propaganda
Published OCT 28, 2024
Historians in China need to play a dual role. Not only do they contribute to the advancement of knowledge, but they also need to actively defend their country’s national interests in the South China Sea. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Chinese scholars gathered at the end of June were urged to “give a forceful response to false narratives” to strengthen their nation’s claims in the South China Sea.
Bullied by China at Sea, With the Broken Bones to Prove It
Published OCT 28, 2024
A violent attack on a Vietnamese fishing boat tests Hanoi’s muted but resolute approach to China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
Cooperation and struggle define Vietnam’s approach to China
Published OCT 29, 2024
Vietnam's diplomatic approach emphasises a balance between ‘cooperation and struggle’ with Beijing. Despite concerns regarding a possible alignment shift, Hanoi remains focused on strengthening economic and political ties while resisting China's encroachments in the South China Sea. This strategy includes military enhancements, close ties with regional powers and frequent political engagements. By deftly balancing relationships with great powers, Vietnam aims to safeguard its sovereignty and promote stability amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
South China Sea: Vietnam’s growing Spratly outposts spark flashpoint concern in China
Published OCT 25, 2024
Despite high-level dialogues, sea face-offs between Beijing and Hanoi are not only persistent but likely to escalate in future: academic
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