As the world moves past the midpoint of 2025, some might have the impression that the South China Sea appears comparatively calm. With major powers preoccupied by protracted conflicts elsewhere, such as Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, India-Pakistan, and most recently the tension between Cambodia and Thailand, the South China Sea seems, at least on the surface, “manageable”.
But is the South China Sea truly at peace, or are the uncertainties of the global order quietly stirring waves beneath the surface? Through examining the developments in the South China Sea on multiple domains, the otherwise is proven. Additionally, by taking a bird-eye view, in this current age’s maritime connectivity, even a single spark has the potential to escalate into a wider confrontation, one with consequences not only for regional stability but also for the strategic interests of states worldwide...
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