Four major developments shaped the security environment in the South China Sea in 2024: (1) increased Chinese coercion against Philippine naval vessels and aircraft; (2) adoption of a new maritime defense strategy by the Philippines;

Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have identified a new "supergiant" sea bug species that bears a surprising resemblance to a classic movie villain.

Researchers newly identified a “supergiant” sea bug species off the coast of south-central Vietnam, but scientists worry about its vulnerability to overfishing.

Researchers exploring the wares of fishers in Vietnam discovered a “supergiant” sea bug species whose resemblance to Darth Vader inspired its name.

The Philippine coast guard says Chinese coast guard ships and a Chinese navy helicopter harassed a group of Philippine fisheries vessels conducting a scientific survey in a hotly disputed area of the South China Sea,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed trade imbalances in a call with Vietnam's Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son. The talks centered on the U.S.-Vietnam relationship, South China Sea tensions, and highlighted Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.

The Philippines said on Saturday it has suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea after two of its fisheries vessels faced "harassment" and aggressive behaviour from China's coast guard and navy.

The exchange of congratulatory remarks between the top leaders of China and Vietnam on the occasion of the two countries' 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties underscores both sides' commitment to nourishing their friendship and jointly building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc’s new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

He says Malaysia may have border issues with neighbours, but still manages to cultivate good relations. Read more at straitstimes.com.

ROGER W. FERGUSON, JR., is the Steven A. Tananbaum Distinguished Fellow for International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations.