South China Sea

The South China Sea could boil over

For years, China has been working relentlessly to expand its dominance in the South China Sea. Control of this most important body of water has become a test of American resolve.

By Experts Table.Briefings

'China's build-up is geared towards its immediate territorial goals'

China is arming itself. Dan Smith, Director of the renowned SIPRI Institute spoke with Table.Briefings about the priorities and goals, but also the weak points of the Chinese military.

By Michael Radunski

China's military will grow faster than the economy

The National People's Congress opening day in Beijing is the day of numbers. Alongside the plans for economic growth, the military budget is also presented. The latter arouses fears and concerns – especially in the region.

By Michael Radunski

Trump and China push Asian countries into the arms trap

Today marks the start of the Munich Security Conference. Europe looks primarily to Ukraine and the Middle East. But tensions are also rising in Asia. Defense spending is rising to record levels – and threatens to become a cost trap.

By Michael Radunski

On confrontation course in the South China Sea

The situation in the South China Sea intensifies. The USA plans to rebuild a military base, and the Philippines is upgrading its military infrastructure. China warns of a serious miscalculation and carries out patrols.

By Michael Radunski

Dong Jun – China's new minister of defense

Dong Jun is the first minister of defense from the ranks of the Chinese Navy. This shows where the People's Republic will be focusing its military efforts in the near future: on Taiwan and the South China Sea.

By Michael Radunski

China's new 'weapon' in the South China Sea

The dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea is coming to a head again. In addition to artificial islands, attacks with water cannons and laser pointers, Beijing now shows a new "weapon." Manila also wants to rely on non-state actors in the future – and is thus further heating up the conflict.

By Michael Radunski

'We need to break up the old blocs'

The German Foreign Minister's aborted trip to Oceania was intended to bind the Pacific states more closely to the EU in climate and security policy. Annalena Baerbock nevertheless wants to stick to her strategy of offering the island states alternatives to China.

By Bernhard Pötter

The hybrid war against Taiwan has begun

The People's Liberation Army continues to dispatch more and more jets across the median line of the Taiwan Strait to express its outrage over the actions of Taiwanese politicians. This fits the picture of "hybrid warfare," where the military and civilian means of pressure are perfidiously combined without escalating the crisis.

By Felix Lee

Dispute over presence in South China Sea continues

By Redaktion Table