Joseph Kristanto

Chinese researchers discovered hawksbill sea turtles near Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea, with experts suggesting the scientific findings aim to legitimize China's territorial claims. State media coverage of marine research and conservation efforts in disputed waters, including coral reef surveys, is framed as strategic signaling to reinforce Beijing's presence and sovereignty assertions over the shoal, which is also claimed by the Philippines.

ASEAN leaders are unlikely to finalize a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea at the upcoming summit, though incremental progress may be achieved. Key unresolved issues include geographic scope, legal status, and enforcement mechanisms after over two decades of negotiations. Analysts express skepticism about the agreement's effectiveness given China's track record of provocations and violations.

Japan is sending over 1,000 combat troops to participate in April's Balikatan exercises with the Philippines and U.S., marking a significant shift towards a more networked, multi-layered security structure in the South China Sea. This expansion reflects growing regional concerns about China's grey zone tactics and represents the evolution of the exercise from small-scale bilateral training to large-scale conflict simulations involving multiple countries.