Tag

Maritime Tensions

All articles tagged with #maritime tensions

international-relations1 year ago

"Iranian Paramilitary Forces Seize Portuguese Ship Linked to Israel Amid Escalating Tensions"

Iranian paramilitary troops seized a Portuguese-flagged ship owned by an Israeli billionaire in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The ship, MSC Aries, was boarded by IRGC troops via helicopter, and its 25 crew members were taken into Iranian territorial waters. The seizure comes amid heightened threats of attack between the two nations, with the U.S. moving assets closer to Israel in preparation for a potential Iranian response. This incident reflects ongoing maritime tensions in the region, with Iran previously seizing ships and the Houthis conducting raids in the Red Sea.

international-relations1 year ago

Tensions Rise in South China Sea as China Uses Water Cannons Against Philippine Ships

South Korea's foreign ministry has expressed "grave concerns" over China's use of water cannons against Philippine ships in the South China Sea, stating that it escalates tensions and undermines maritime order. The incident occurred at the Spratly Islands, leading to a protest from the Philippines and a warning from Beijing. South Korea emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and overflight based on international law, and has been vocal about opposing attempts to change the status quo by force in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

international-relations1 year ago

"South Korea and Philippines Condemn China's Use of Water Cannons in South China Sea"

South Korea's foreign ministry has expressed "grave concerns" over China's use of water cannons against Philippine ships in the South China Sea, stating that it escalates tensions and undermines the maritime order. The incident occurred at the Spratly Islands, leading to a protest from the Philippines and a warning from Beijing. South Korea emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of navigation and overflight based on international law, and has been vocal about opposing attempts to change the status quo by force in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

international-relations1 year ago

Tensions Rise as China Boards Taiwan Tourist Boat Near Kinmen Island

Taiwan protests after China's coast guard boards a tourist boat near Kinmen Island, escalating tensions in the area. The incident comes amid increased military activities by China following Taiwan's election of an independence-leaning president. China's patrols in the waters off Kinmen have intensified, leading to confrontations with the Taiwanese coast guard. The situation reflects ongoing maritime and diplomatic disputes between Taiwan and China, with both sides asserting territorial claims and engaging in military posturing.

international-news1 year ago

"Houthis' 'Catastrophic' Red Sea Attack Forces Crew to Abandon Ship"

Houthi militants claimed responsibility for damaging a ship in the Red Sea, prompting its crew to abandon the vessel, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the crew's safety. The attack has escalated maritime tensions in the region, disrupting key trade routes and prompting armed exchanges between the Houthis and British and American forces. The incident has also led to interruptions in marine traffic through the Red Sea, affecting global maritime transit and prompting rerouting of vessels.

international-relations1 year ago

Tensions Rise as China Increases Patrols Near Taiwan's Outlying Islands

China is escalating patrols near Taiwan's outlying islands following the death of two Chinese fishermen during a pursuit by Taiwan's coast guard. Tensions have risen as China's coast guard plans to conduct regular patrols in waters near Taiwan's Kinmen islands, leading to potential miscalculation and conflict. Taiwan has expressed regret over the deaths but maintained that its coast guard was acting within the law. The incident has sparked strong condemnations from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, and has urged Taiwan to release the surviving fishermen. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council has rebutted Beijing's accusations and stated that the case is being investigated by prosecutors.

international-relations1 year ago

Tensions Rise as Chinese Fishermen Drown in Taiwan Strait Pursuit

China issued a warning to Taiwan after two Chinese fishermen died in a maritime incident near the Kinmen Islands. The clash highlights ongoing tensions between the two sides over territorial waters and the treatment of fishermen. The incident occurred when a Chinese speedboat capsized while being pursued by the Taiwan Coast Guard for illegally entering Taiwanese waters. China criticized Taiwan for its handling of the situation and urged acknowledgment of historical fishing practices in the Taiwan Strait.

international-relations1 year ago

Philippines Confronts China Over Dangerous South China Sea Maneuvers

The Philippines' coast guard has accused China of engaging in "dangerous and blocking" maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, with Chinese vessels shadowing a Philippine patrol boat more than 40 times. The shoal, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, is claimed by both countries, leading to heightened maritime tensions. China asserts its sovereignty over the area, while the Philippines aims to protect its fishermen from harassment. The dispute underscores the ongoing territorial contest in the South China Sea, where multiple countries' claims intersect, and China's rejection of a 2016 international court ruling against its claims.

international-relations2 years ago

Houthi Rebels Strike US-Owned Ship with Ballistic Missile off Yemen Coast

Houthi rebels fired a missile at a US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden, escalating tensions in the Red Sea following American-led strikes on the rebels. The attack on the Gibraltar Eagle, claimed by the Houthis, caused limited damage and no injuries. The US military detected a separate anti-ship ballistic missile launch toward the southern Red Sea, and the US Maritime Administration issued a warning of a high degree of risk to commercial vessels traveling near Yemen. The strikes threaten to ignite wider conflict and are affecting shipping for Qatar, while Saudi Arabia seeks to distance itself from the attacks as it tries to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire in Yemen.

international-relations2 years ago

"Yemen's Houthi Rebels Strike US-Owned Ship in Red Sea"

Houthi rebels fired a missile, hitting a U.S.-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden, escalating tensions in the Red Sea after American-led strikes on the rebels. The attacks have disrupted global shipping and raised concerns about maritime security. The U.S. military acknowledged the strike and warned of a high risk to commercial vessels in the area, while President Joe Biden stated readiness to protect people and international commerce. The strikes have also impacted shipping for Qatar and raised fears of wider conflict in the region.

international-relations2 years ago

"Iran Seizes US-Involved Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman, Escalating Tensions"

Iran's navy seized an oil tanker, the St. Nikolas, in the Gulf of Oman, citing retaliation for the "theft" of Tehran's oil. The ship, carrying 145,000 metric tons of crude oil, was en route from Basra, Iraq, to Turkey. This action is likely to escalate tensions in the region, following previous seizures and attacks on ships. The incident comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Middle East, with potential military consequences warned by US and British officials.

international-relations2 years ago

"Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid U.S. Dispute"

Iran seizes the oil tanker St. Nikolas in the Gulf of Oman, previously involved in a U.S.-Iran dispute over carrying sanctioned crude, after it surrendered Iranian oil to U.S. authorities. The vessel, staffed by 18 Philippine and one Greek crew members, was en route to Turkey after loading crude from the Iraqi Basrah Oil Terminal. The incident adds to maritime tensions in the region, with Yemen's Houthi movement targeting commercial vessels, and comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Oil prices are sensitive to Middle East turmoil, with Brent futures up to $78.03 per barrel and Nymex WTI higher at $72.62 per barrel.

defense2 years ago

"Iran's New Destroyer Warship Raises Stakes in Maritime Tensions"

Iran has unveiled a new destroyer warship named IRIS Deylaman, which will join its Caspian Sea fleet. The destroyer is part of the Mowj or Moudge class of ships and is equipped with modern technology. Iran has been producing these locally made ships since the early 2000s to strengthen its navy. The new ship will primarily serve in the Caspian Sea, projecting Iran's influence in Central Asia, and will be involved in search and rescue, training, and other routine operations.

international-relations2 years ago

Japan's Prime Minister Strengthens Defense Alliances with Philippines Amid Maritime Tensions

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited a Philippine patrol ship to show support and strengthen defense ties amid maritime tensions with China. Japan has provided patrol ships to the Philippines, which uses them for sovereignty patrols in the South China Sea. Kishida and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed a defense pact and announced the provision of coastal surveillance radars to the Philippine navy. Kishida also pledged continued support to bolster the capability of the Philippine military and maritime agencies.

international-relations2 years ago

South China Sea Tensions Escalate with Dangerous Confrontation between China and Philippines.

A Chinese Coast Guard ship blocked a Philippine patrol vessel in the South China Sea, causing a near collision in waters where Beijing's vast claims have alarmed the US and its allies. Throughout the 1,670km journey of two Philippine Coast Guard ships over six days, news cameras captured how - on cue and in specific locations - Chinese ships would shadow or tail the Filipinos, and send them radio warnings to leave or face "consequences". China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines.