HISTORICAL FACTS: Ray powell | History Defined

Taiwan sounds alarm over unusual Chinese boat activity while world’s attention is on Iran war

Security analysts suggest mass gathering of fishing vessels in geometric formations may represent a test of Beijing’s ability to mobilise civilian fleets for strategic use. Shweta Sharma reports

The Independent UK · Mar 18

China says it wants to protect coral reefs in the South China Sea. Experts are doubtful

China’s declaration of a nature reserve in the South China Sea is the latest twist in its yearslong push to establish control over the strategically important waters

The Independent UK · Sep 18, 2025

China’s newest aircraft carrier transits Taiwan Strait for final tests

The state-of-the-art Fujian is in the final stages of testing before it officially joins China’s navy.

Al Jazeera · Sep 12, 2025

Chinese ships leave Vietnam waters after US-China talks

A Chinese research ship and its escort, which operated for nearly a month in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, left those waters on Monday night, vessel-tracking experts said, just after high-level U.S.-China talks.

Reuters · Jun 6, 2023

Chinese ships ignore Vietnam demand to leave area close to Russian-run gas fields

A Chinese research ship and five escort vessels were in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday close to gas blocks operated by Russian firms in the South China Sea, one day after Hanoi urged the ships to leave.

Reuters · May 26, 2023

Cluster of Chinese vessels spotted near Russian rig off Vietnam - ship monitors

A Chinese research vessel flanked by coast guard and nearly a dozen boats on Wednesday entered a gas block operated by Russian and Vietnamese state firms, two monitoring groups said, another potential flashpoint in the South China Sea.

Reuters · May 10, 2023