SCS Probing Initiative

Dedicate to the transparency & development of the #SouthChinaSea, providing data & analysis, helping all parties mitigate competition and promote cooperation.

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

"In 2025, the activities of strategic platforms such as carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and bombers showed limited growth, while the frequency of declaratory operations like Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) declined. "
https://t.co/zWzV6RrtLa

[ChineseEmbassyManila @Chinaembmanila]

The ignorant are fearless.

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

Based on the flight path of carrier-borne MH-60S #AE2778 and the tracks of USS Theodore Roosevelt and HMCS Regina, the Theodore Roosevelt CSG is operating in the Philippine Sea to participate in exercise Keen Sword 27.

[China Military Bugle @ChinaMilBugle]

On October 21, with approval from the Chinese side, the Philippines delivered living necessities to its ship illegally “grounded” at China’s Ren’ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) inquired and verified the Philippine vessel conducting the delivery, and monitored the whole process.

The CCG will continue to conduct law-enforcement and rights-protection operations in China’s Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Jiao, in accordance with the law.

#SouthChinaSea #NanshaQundao
#RenaiJiao #SecondThomasShoal
#HuangyanDao #MeijiJiao
#Philippines #RightsViolation
#ChinaCoastGuard #CCG
#BRPSierraMadre #IllegalGrounding
#PhilippineCoastGuard
#NanshaIslands
#Chinamilitary #ChinaMilBugle

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

This flight path is completely in line with international law and international customary practices. On what legal basis is the Japanese side justification for its interception？

[防衛省統合幕僚監部 @jointstaffpa]

令和８年１０月２１日（水）午前から午後にかけて、中国軍の情報収集機（Ｙ－９）×１機が東シナ海から飛来し、沖縄本島と宮古島の間を通過して太平洋に至り、奄美大島沖まで飛行した後、反転し、再び沖縄本島と宮古島の間を通過して、大陸方面に向けて飛行したことを確認した。
これに対し、航空自衛隊の南西航空方面隊の戦闘機を緊急発進させ対応した。

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

The trend of US military FONOPs in the #SouthChinaSea and beyond
https://t.co/8qh41YicsS

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

Spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command Navy stated that in the early hours of Oct. 20, USS Charleston illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to the #SabinaShoal.

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

HAS THE US ACHIEVED ITS INITIAL GOALS AGAINST IRAN?
https://t.co/ZSKt29SBDv

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

A video from Oct. 15 showing Philippine crew dumping garbage at sea from the BRP Sierra Madre grounded at #SecondThomasShoal.

[China Military Bugle @ChinaMilBugle]

China, ROK maritime authorities hold joint patrol to maintain fishing order

China and the Republic of Korea conducted a joint maritime law enforcement patrol from Oct 8 to 17 to maintain fishing order and strengthen cooperation, according to the China Coast Guard.

The China Coast Guard vessel Changshan and the ROK fisheries inspection vessel Mugunghwa 42 patrolled the provisional measures zone designated under the China-ROK fisheries agreement.

The patrol lasted more than 210 hours and covered over 1,200 nautical miles. Personnel from both countries observed and recorded the activities of 123 fishing vessels, issued verbal reminders and guidance to 74, and boarded three for inspections. Fishing operations in the patrolled waters were generally orderly, the coast guard said.

The coast guard described the patrol as a practical step in implementing the bilateral fisheries agreement. It said the operation strengthened exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' maritime law enforcement agencies and their joint management of fishing vessels operating in the zone, supporting efforts to combat illegal fishing, maintain fishing order and conserve marine fishery resources.

The China Coast Guard said it would continue to strengthen professional exchanges and practical cooperation with ROK maritime law enforcement agencies, enhance mutual understanding and jointly protect fishery resources in the Yellow Sea.

#ChinaROK #China
#RepublicOfKorea
#ChinaCoastGuard #CCG #KoreaCoastGuard
#JointPatrol
#MaritimeLawEnforcement
#YellowSea #WesternPacific #FisheriesEnforcement
#Chinamilitary #ChinaMilBugle

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

Why does the U.S.-Iran conflict continue to affect maritime corridors? And how can a balance be struck between the security concerns of littoral states and the freedom of international navigation?
https://t.co/Hefn0c3K4w

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

It’s the 21st century – yet some people still believe in this kind of so-called espionage stories.

[Select Committee on China @ChinaSelect]

COSCO, a Chinese-military company and one of the world’s largest shippers, is using its vessels to conduct espionage operations near U.S. coastlines.
Select Committee Chairman @RepMoolenaar, @RepRickCrawford, and @RepCarlos sent a letter to @DHSGov Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging him to review and revoke COSCO Shipping’s privileges of receiving fewer inspections at American ports.

[ChineseEmbassyManila @Chinaembmanila]

Is this a threat?

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

"China’s protests, surveys, and patrols merely preserve its position and constitute reactive measures aimed at preventing Japan and the Philippines from transforming undelimited space into exclusive coordinates, licensing regimes, enforcement zones, or security boundaries. "
https://t.co/P8bn1wJGs7

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

Director Hu Bo's comment on Oct.8 in Hanio: DOC/COC is a mechanism of“10+1”instead of ASEAN plus China. Moreover, China is one of six claimants, not too special. As to the SCS issues, China should be treated equally based on the truth and facts, rather be given excessive attention and demands just because China is a great power.

[China Military Bugle @ChinaMilBugle]

On October 14, the Chinese PLA Navy sent the Liaoning Carrier task group to the waters of the Western Pacific to conduct training, which is organized in accordance with the annual routine training plan, aiming to test and improve the group’s realistic training level and continuously enhance the capabilities to execute missions.

It is in compliance with relevant international law and practices and not directed against any specific country or target.

#Liaoning #辽宁舰 #CV16
#CarrierTaskGroup #RoutineTraining
#WesternPacific #PacificOcean
#PLA #Navy
#ChinaMilitary #ChinaMilBugle

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

The U.S. is the absolute grandmaster of grey-zone operations in the South China Sea. For example, using civilian aircraft for close-in reconnaissance. Why on earth bother following China?

[ASPI @ASPI_org]

The US needs its own grey-zone tactics in the South China Sea | William Price | https://t.co/15JRVcgQqR

[China Military Bugle @ChinaMilBugle]

84 Years of Friendship:

On October 10, 2026, six representatives of descendants of the Doolittle Raid participants visited Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, to view a historical exhibition, revisit rescue sites and pay tribute to the Chinese people who rescued American airmen 84 years ago.

The Doolittle Raid, planned and led by U.S. Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle on April 18, 1942, was an air raid on Japan as a retaliation for the attack on the U.S. Pearl Harbor.

After the raid, 15 planes heading for an airport in Quzhou ran out of fuel and crashed in various localities in east China.

Chinese villagers risked their lives to rescue the parachuting airmen and helped them evacuate to safety. Of the 75 airmen aboard the planes, 64 were rescued by the Chinese people. However, many locals were suspected of sheltering the Americans, and some were tortured or even killed by Japanese soldiers.

In China, the Doolittle story has long been regarded as a symbol of the friendship forged between the Chinese and American peoples during their joint fight against fascism.

#ChinaUS #AntiFascistAlliance
#DoolittleRaid #AttackOnPearlHarbo
#WWII #PacificWar
#B25 #USSHornet
#USSEnterprise
#JapaneseMilitarism
#JapanWarCrimes
#ChinaMilitary #ChinaMilBugle

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

Director Hu Bo's comment on Oct.8 in Hanio: DOC/COC is a mechanism of“10+1”instead of ASEAN plus China. Moreover, China is one of six claimants, not too special. As to the SCS issues, China should be treated equally based on the truth and facts, rather be given excessive attention and demands just because China is a great power.

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

How will the Strait of Hormuz standoff unfold? Tanker traffic has significantly recovered even amid the risk of new war between the United States and Iran.
#中东 #伊朗 #美国 #霍尔木兹海峡 #曼德海峡 #沙特 #hormuz #straitofhormuz https://t.co/nwcQNHqKtX via @YouTube

[SCS Probing Initiative @SCS_PI]

This statement is too simplistic. China's restraint is not limited to the Philippines; it is also practiced towards all its neighboring countries. The American factor is certainly a consideration, but what is more important is China's own defensive strategic culture (esg, no first shot) and its policy of good-neighborliness and friendship. However, China's restraint and patience are not limitless. Historical experience has told you many times that when China reaches its limit and decides to retaliate, no matter who your ally is, it would not be of any use.

[Collin Koh 🇸🇬🇺🇦 @CollinSLKoh]

False dichotomy presented here. Supposed "self-restraint" stems not from Beijing's benevolence but its innate concern that kinetic force against Manila would trigger the mutual defense treaty and directly involve Washington in an armed confrontation. 🤷🏽‍♂️