Spratly Islands
The VICE Morning Bulletin
Michael Phelps wins his 21st gold medal in Rio, newly released emails revive questions about the Clinton Foundation's relationship to the State Department, Trump denies his gun rights remark was a veiled threat, and more.
China Is Reportedly Training a 'Maritime Militia' to Patrol the Disputed South China Sea
The training includes lessons on "safeguarding Chinese sovereignty," search and rescue operations, and dealing with disasters — or foreign ships — at sea.
The US Has Angered China by Sailing Close to Mischief Reef
China said it monitored, followed, and warned the USS Lassen as it "illegally" entered waters near islands and reefs in the South China Sea without Beijing's permission.
'The US Will Fly, Sail, and Operate Wherever International Law Allows': Tensions Rise in the South China Sea
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter has sent out a strong message to Beijing, as Taiwan today announced it will increase its coast guard presence on a small island in the South China Sea Spratlys.
Chinese President Reasserts Astroturf Sovereignty Claims in South China Sea
China's artificial islands in the South China Sea are about more than military airstrips — the country is trying to artificially create a legal claim to territorial sovereignty.
With a Few Words, Japan Escalates Its Standoff With China in the South China Sea
In the wake of China's decision to build the foundations of a military base in the contested South China Sea, Japan is telling its neighbor to back off.
'Hull Envy': The Looming Crisis of the US Coast Guard
America needs and relies on the seas, but not every problem is a nail to be hit by the Navy's hammer. That's where the US Coast Guard comes in — and it's just about out of ships, money, and time.
Foreigners Are Fleeing as Vietnam Violently Riots Against China
Estimates of participants were as high as 20,000, making these riots the biggest and most violent Vietnam has experienced in years.
China's Massive Tiny Land Grab Continues
China recently stepped up its bullying of the Philippines for control of minuscule but resource-rich islands in the South China Sea.