Marking a historic leap in India’s space journey, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to conduct groundbreaking food and nutrition experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, signaling India’s expanding footprint in space biotechnology and sustainable life support systems.
Serving as Mission Pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla will join a globally diverse team comprising Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary—both representing the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission is expected to launch no earlier than June 8, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will involve a 14-day stay aboard the ISS.
Central to Shukla’s role on the mission will be a series of advanced experiments focused on sustainable food sources for long-duration space travel. Emphasis will be placed on studying algae and spirulina—microorganisms known for their high nutritional value and ability to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen. These experiments aim to tackle two of spaceflight’s critical challenges: ensuring astronaut nutrition and maintaining cabin air quality in closed-loop systems.
This initiative is a result of collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Together, they have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) to accelerate space biotech research. Under this framework, Indian scientists have developed indigenous biotech kits tailored for microgravity conditions. These kits will be deployed in orbit to support seven India-led experiments onboard the ISS.
Highlighting the broader mission impact, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “This partnership between ISRO and DBT represents a major step toward creating self-reliant life support systems in space. The use of algae and spirulina can address both food security and environmental sustainability for space missions, with potential applications even on Earth.”
The Axiom-4 mission will feature more than 60 experiments involving scientists from 31 countries. For India, it holds special historical significance: Group Captain Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS and the first Indian astronaut in space since Rakesh Sharma’s iconic mission in 1984. Shukla, one of ISRO’s four Gaganyaan astronaut-designates, has undergone extensive training at NASA to prepare for this international mission.
With India now taking part in the latest chapter of space innovation, the mission is expected to yield critical insights into biomanufacturing, life sciences, and long-term human habitation in space. It underscores the nation’s growing role in the global space community and its commitment to using science for the betterment of humanity—on Earth and beyond.
In a proud and emotional moment for the Border Security Force (BSF), Constable Ravinder Singh of BSF Jammu was honored with a Commendation Disc by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. The felicitation ceremony, held on May 30, celebrated Singh’s exceptional courage during Operation Sindoor—a major counter-terror mission launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2022.
On 30 May 2025, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, felicitated Constable Ravinder Singh of the BSF Jammu with the Commendation Disc in recognition of his exemplary courage and bravery during Operation Sindoor. pic.twitter.com/s2pn6v8ktW
Operation Sindoor has emerged as a critical anti-infiltration drive targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Since its launch, the operation has reportedly resulted in the elimination of over 100 militants affiliated with groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The operation has demonstrated the unwavering resolve of the Indian armed forces to protect national sovereignty and security, even in the face of immense challenges.
Constable Ravinder Singh’s commendation follows a series of valiant actions by BSF personnel along the volatile Jammu border. The operation has not been without loss—BSF Sub-Inspector Md Imteyaz was martyred on May 10, 2025, during cross-border firing in the R S Pura sector, underscoring the risks faced by security forces in the region.
General Upendra Dwivedi, who took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2024, has been instrumental in reinforcing India’s defense posture. A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, General Dwivedi brings decades of experience, having served previously as Vice Chief of Army Staff and as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on technological modernization and combat readiness.
The Commendation Disc awarded to Constable Singh is one of the Indian Army’s distinguished honors, symbolizing gallantry, dedication, and service. The medal, featuring the Lion Capital of Ashoka with crossed swords, serves as a testament to Singh’s bravery and dedication to duty. Earlier this month, another BSF Constable, Harvinder Singh, received a similar recognition from General Dwivedi, highlighting the BSF’s critical contributions during Operation Sindoor.
In the face of continued cross-border threats, the BSF remains resolute in its mission. Plans are underway to commemorate fallen personnel by naming border outposts in their honor, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered for generations. As tensions persist, the courage and commitment of soldiers like Constable Ravinder Singh serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for the nation.
General Vijay Kumar Singh, the current Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, visited the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, to serve as the Reviewing Officer of the Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade (POP). His return to the academy where his military journey began marked a full-circle moment in a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
General Singh, a 1970 graduate of the Indian Military Academy and a veteran of the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, stood tall in the ceremonial khaki PT dress—shorts, shirt, and knee-high socks—during the parade. Photos of him walking alongside senior officers, beneath the inscription “Hunters at the Helm,” quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the moment’s symbolism. The phrase echoed General Singh’s enduring reputation for decisive and action-oriented leadership throughout his career.
The parade was a formal and dignified affair, with General Singh overseeing the passing out of future officers of the Indian Armed Forces. His presence underscored the continuity of military tradition and the deep bond between generations of NDA graduates. Among those present was Col Shiv Raichand (Signals), a former commanding officer from the early 1990s, highlighting the long-standing relationships formed in uniform.
General Singh’s stature as a former Army Chief and recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) was acknowledged by many in attendance. As the first commando to rise to the position of Chief of Army Staff, his career remains a source of inspiration for young cadets.
The use of the colonial-era khaki uniform—still worn ceremonially despite the Indian Army’s official adoption of olive green post-independence—sparked quiet conversation among observers about tradition and modern identity within the armed forces.
While General Singh has since transitioned into political and gubernatorial roles, many in the military fraternity continue to admire his leadership style and straightforward approach. Though he served as a Minister of State in the Second Modi Ministry after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014, some observers feel his potential as Defence Minister was constrained by political calculations.
His visit to NDA as Reviewing Officer was a reminder of the legacy he helped shape and the expectations placed on future officers. As one cadet noted, “Watching him today was like seeing history walk past us. You don’t forget moments like these.”
The Indian Army has initiated large-scale trials of next-generation defence technologies at multiple key locations across the country, including Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Babina, and Joshimath, with specialized air defence trials scheduled at Agra and Gopalpur. The Capacity Development Demonstrations, which began earlier this month, are being conducted under simulated operational conditions, incorporating electronic warfare environments to rigorously evaluate advanced military systems.
Press Release
On May 27, 2025, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Babina Field Firing Ranges to oversee the ongoing evaluations. During his visit, he reviewed the performance of various systems and interacted with developers and stakeholders involved in the demonstrations.
These field trials are a significant part of the Indian Army’s roadmap for a “Decade of Transformation,” aimed at accelerating the integration of indigenous technologies into frontline operations. Developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the technologies undergoing evaluation reflect India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and its emphasis on self-reliance.
Among the critical systems being tested are unmanned aerial systems (UAS), UAV-launched precision-guided munitions (ULPGM), runway-independent remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS), loitering munitions, and specialized vertical launch drones. The trials also feature cutting-edge counter-drone technologies, including integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (IDDIS), and precision multi munition delivery platforms.
In addition, next-generation VSHORADS infrared systems, low-level lightweight radars, and advanced electronic warfare platforms are undergoing thorough assessment for battlefield integration. These technologies are being tested in dynamic and realistic conditions to ensure they meet the Indian Army’s evolving operational requirements.
A wide range of domestic defence industry partners are participating in the trials, underscoring the growing collaboration between the Indian Army and India’s private and public defence sectors. This joint effort not only enhances the Army’s operational readiness but also reinforces the country’s long-term vision of technological superiority and strategic autonomy.
The Indian Army’s commitment to adopting and fielding indigenous, future-ready capabilities is evident in the scope and scale of these demonstrations. As the trials progress, they are expected to lay the foundation for rapid procurement and deployment of new technologies across various combat arms and support services.
India has officially confirmed that it lost fighter jets during the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, marking the first public acknowledgment from New Delhi since hostilities erupted in early May. The confirmation came from Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan during an interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday.
General Chauhan, speaking to Bloomberg Television, said the exact number of Indian aircraft lost would not be disclosed but emphasized that the focus should be on the circumstances that led to the losses rather than the figures themselves. “What is important is not the jet being down, but why they were down,” he said, underscoring the need to learn from operational errors.
He firmly dismissed Pakistan’s claim that it had shot down six Indian warplanes during the conflict, calling the assertion “absolutely incorrect.” Instead, he pointed to India’s rapid response and recovery after initial setbacks, noting that Indian fighter jets were successfully deployed again within two days to carry out precision strikes on heavily defended targets in Pakistan.
India’s military confirmed for the first time that it lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan in May.
Anil Chauhan, chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces, spoke to Bloomberg TV on Saturday, while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in… pic.twitter.com/9y3GW6WJfn
Chauhan described the episode as a significant learning experience for the Indian Air Force. “The good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days,” he said, highlighting India’s ability to adapt and continue operations effectively.
The hostilities, which began on May 7, followed a deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a charge Islamabad denied. The ensuing conflict involved aerial dogfights, missile strikes, drone operations, and cross-border artillery exchanges, making it the most intense confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in over 50 years.
Despite the severity of the fighting, General Chauhan clarified that the situation never approached the threshold of nuclear escalation. “We had channels of communication open at all times to ensure control over the situation,” he said, offering reassurance that deterrence mechanisms were firmly in place.
This marks the first time that India has openly addressed the extent of its aerial losses, though the government continues to withhold specific details for strategic reasons. Until now, India had remained tight-lipped in response to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s early-May statement claiming that Pakistan had shot down six Indian fighter jets.
While analysts had speculated about aircraft losses on both sides, no independent verification has been possible given the sensitivity and restricted access to combat zones. The Indian acknowledgment now provides partial clarity, even as full details remain classified.
The comments by General Chauhan add new dimension to the evolving narrative of the May conflict and reflect a shift toward transparency, albeit carefully calibrated. They also signal India’s intent to analyze its setbacks internally while maintaining strategic ambiguity about operational details.
With tensions now reduced but not fully resolved, both nations face renewed calls for de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and stronger crisis-management frameworks to prevent future flare-ups from spiraling into larger conflicts.
The Indian Naval Academy’s Passing Out Parade (POP) on May 31, 2025, unfolded against the backdrop of a persistent downpour, turning the commissioning of 186 new officers into a stirring tribute to naval discipline and endurance. Presiding over the event was Vice Admiral V Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command. As the reviewing officer, his presence brought profound significance to the occasion, epitomizing the ideals of courage, service, and leadership that the newly commissioned officers are expected to uphold.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas began his naval journey on July 1, 1987, when he was commissioned into the Indian Navy after graduating from the prestigious National Defence Academy. He chose to specialize in anti-submarine warfare and subsequently joined the elite submarine arm of the Navy. Over the years, his academic pursuits included distinguished stints at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the Naval War College, Goa—where he was awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Silver Medal. He also completed the Senior Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad, equipping him with the strategic acumen necessary for higher leadership roles.
Vice Admiral Srinivas has amassed substantial operational experience through his participation in key military operations including Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict, and Operation Parakram. He commanded several important platforms such as INS Shalki, INS Shishumar, and INS Shankul—submarines that remain vital to India’s undersea capabilities. Notably, he also helmed the destroyer INS Ranvir and the nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra. His distinction as one of only two officers to have commanded both a conventional warship and a nuclear submarine speaks volumes about his versatility and tactical command.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas at Annual Command Meeting of Southern Naval Command in 2024.
Leadership Roles
Vice Admiral Srinivas’s career has been marked by a series of influential leadership positions. He has served as the Commanding Officer of INS Shankul (on two occasions), INS Ranvir, and INS Chakra. He held the post of Commander Submarines (West) at Mumbai and Chief Staff Officer to the Flag Officer Submarines. As Principal Director of Ship Systems and Development at Naval Headquarters, he contributed to the technological advancement of naval assets. Additionally, his tenure at INS Satavahana, the Navy’s premier submarine training establishment, emphasized his role as a mentor and institution builder.
Symbolic Image of Vice Admiral V Srinivas Along With INS Sunayna.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the course of his distinguished career, Vice Admiral V Srinivas has been the recipient of several prestigious military honors, underscoring his outstanding leadership and service to the Indian Navy. He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal (NM) in 2009 for his exceptional devotion to duty and operational excellence. In 2021, he was conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), one of the highest peacetime military awards, in recognition of his exemplary service and significant contributions to enhancing the Navy’s strategic and operational capabilities. These accolades are a testament to his enduring dedication, professional acumen, and pivotal role in strengthening India’s maritime defence.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind Presenting Ati Vishisht Seva Medal to Then Rear Admiral V Srinivas.
Flag Rank Appointments
Promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and then Vice Admiral, he held several strategic flag appointments. He served as Flag Officer Submarines (FOSM) from 2016 to 2020, overseeing all submarine operations and safety protocols. Later, he took over as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area and served as the Inspector General Nuclear Safety, ensuring the stringent oversight of nuclear-powered naval platforms. His role in steering the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project further underscores his involvement in India’s nuclear submarine program and maritime deterrence posture.
Then Real Admiral V Srinivas Taking Over as the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area in 2020.
Command of the Southern Naval Command
On December 31, 2023, Vice Admiral Srinivas assumed command of the Southern Naval Command, the Indian Navy’s premier training establishment. In this role, he is responsible for shaping the next generation of naval leaders. His tenure has seen a thrust toward modernizing training methodologies, introducing new technologies, and ensuring interoperability with other branches of the armed forces. His strategic emphasis is on preparing officers who are not just tactically proficient but also technologically adept and globally oriented.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas Along With Naval Chief Admiral DK Tripathi While Taking Over as Southern Naval Command Chief.
Vision and Philosophy
A firm believer in the confluence of tradition and innovation, Vice Admiral Srinivas champions a philosophy that blends timeless naval values with cutting-edge operational readiness. His speeches often emphasize the importance of adaptability, resilience, and ethical leadership. At the May 2025 POP, his message to the young officers highlighted the imperatives of integrity, perseverance, and service to the nation in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas at INA’s POP.
Defining Traits and Leadership Style
Those who have worked under Vice Admiral Srinivas describe him as a calm, analytical, and mission-focused leader. He is known for his meticulous planning, humility, and the ability to instill confidence in both peers and subordinates. His leadership style combines strategic depth with operational clarity, making him a respected figure across the naval hierarchy.
Vice Admiral V Srinivas Eyes for Hydrogen Fuel in Sustainable Naval Operations.
Conclusion
The Indian Naval Academy’s POP on May 31, 2025, was not only a celebration of new beginnings but also a reaffirmation of the Navy’s enduring values. With Vice Admiral V Srinivas as the reviewing officer, the event reflected the Navy’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and future-readiness. His illustrious journey continues to serve as a beacon for every young officer stepping into the challenging and honorable world of naval service. Through leadership, vision, and valor, Vice Admiral Srinivas exemplifies the highest traditions of the Indian Navy.
In a moving and rain-drenched spectacle, the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala conducted its Passing Out Parade for the Spring Term 2025, commissioning 186 Midshipmen and Cadets into the Indian Navy. Defying heavy rainfall, the cadets marched with discipline and pride, symbolizing their readiness to face any challenge in the line of duty.
The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral V Srinivas, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, who commended the cadets on their journey from trainees to commissioned officers. The graduating cohort included international cadets from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Seychelles, reinforcing the academy’s role in advancing global maritime cooperation.
A highlight of the ceremony was the “Antim Pag” or Final Step, a traditional ritual marking the cadets’ transition into commissioned officers. The stripe-shipping ceremony followed, as parents and mentors proudly adorned the new officers with their epaulettes, signifying years of commitment and growth.
Award Winners
🥇 President’s Gold Medal: Midshipman Nakul Saxena, for standing first in the INA B.Tech Course.
🏆 Rajya Raksha Mantri Trophy: Midshipman Kiondo Michael Florence (Tanzania), for the Most Promising Cadet — a notable moment that highlighted the global outreach of India’s naval training.
🏅 FOC-in-C (South) Trophy: Midshipman Nithin S Nair, for topping among ex-NDA trainees.
🥇 CNS Gold Medal:
For NOC (Extended): Cadet Pawar Rohit Prakash
For NOC (Regular): Cadet Rajnish Singh
🏆 Director General Coast Guard Trophy: Cadet Kommu David
Despite the persistent downpour, the atmosphere remained electric. The cadets performed an array of visually striking displays, including illuminated drum drills, torchlight sequences, and acrobatic stunts through a flaming ring—each act showcasing their precision, training, and spirit.
Vice Admiral Srinivas, a seasoned leader with operational experience in missions such as Operations Pawan and Vijay, addressed the newly commissioned officers with a message of integrity, valor, and service. His presence added ceremonial gravitas and inspiration to the parade.
The Spring Term also saw a convocation ceremony on May 30, during which 83 Midshipmen, including five international trainees, were conferred graduate degrees in engineering. These academic achievements, coupled with their military training, rounded off a transformative journey.
As the rain fell steadily over the parade ground, it became a fitting symbol of the endurance and dedication expected of India’s naval warriors. The event once again underscored the Indian Naval Academy’s commitment to shaping future leaders who are combat-ready, globally connected, and steadfast in safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers.
India celebrated a landmark moment in athletics as Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh of the Indian Army delivered a record-breaking performance at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships. Held at Gumi Stadium from May 27 to 31, the championship featured athletes from 43 countries, making it the largest edition to date.
Indian Army Shines at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, Korea
The Indian Army once again showcased its remarkable sporting excellence at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, Korea, 2025, delivering a stellar performance that made the nation… pic.twitter.com/Akz8yGalLV
Gulveer Singh struck gold in both the 10,000m and 5,000m events. He clocked 28:38.64 in the 10,000m before setting a new Asian record in the 5,000m with a stunning time of 13:24.78, surpassing the previous mark of 13:29.53 set by Bahrain’s Albert Rop in 2015. His latest feat adds to a remarkable 2025 season, which began with a historic run in the United States where he became the first Asian to break the 13-minute barrier in a short-track 5,000m, recording 12:59.77.
Trained under the Indian Army’s Mission Olympics Wing, Gulveer’s preparation included high-altitude training in Ooty and advanced coaching sessions in Colorado Springs. His success reflects the Army’s sustained investment in grooming elite athletes.
The championships also saw impressive performances from other Indian Army athletes including Subedar Avinash Sable and Recruit Naib Subedar Rupal Chaudhary, contributing to India’s strong medal tally. The Mission Olympics Wing currently supports over 450 athletes across 11 disciplines, reinforcing India’s aspirations on the global sports stage.
Gulveer Singh’s dual triumph not only cements his place in Asian athletics history but also signals a new era for Indian distance running, driven by discipline, scientific training, and institutional support.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has revealed that countering fake narratives during Operation Sindoor accounted for 15 percent of the mission’s duration, underscoring the growing importance of information warfare in modern conflicts. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan described Operation Sindoor as a non-contact, multi-domain campaign involving distributed force application, cyber and disinformation efforts, intelligence operations, and network-centric warfare.
The operation, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, began with airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. General Chauhan highlighted that India leveraged indigenous defence systems such as the Akash missile system and integrated both domestic and foreign radar networks to create a cohesive and modernised defence architecture. While Pakistan reportedly relied on Chinese commercial satellite imagery, there was no evidence that it received real-time targeting support.
Real-time integration across air, land, and sea domains, the CDS said, is only as effective as the underlying networks they connect to. He also raised questions about where cutting-edge technologies should be embedded—in the weapon, the platform, or the network—pointing to ongoing challenges in military modernisation.
General Chauhan stressed the shifting nature of warfare, now characterized by flexible and deceptive strategies. The significant time dedicated to combating misinformation during Operation Sindoor demonstrated the necessity for a dedicated information warfare vertical. India’s approach relied on fact-based communication despite slower response times. While military systems remained secure due to air-gapping, public information platforms experienced minor disruptions.
Addressing the future of conflict, General Chauhan discussed the limitations and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in warfare. He warned of the risks automation and robotics bring to decision-making, noting that fewer lives at stake could lead to more aggressive actions. Currently, military AI’s utility is restricted because it depends heavily on open-source data. To enhance its effectiveness, AI must be deeply integrated into operational planning, wargaming, and intelligence analysis.
On bilateral ties with Pakistan, the CDS described India’s approach as strategic and long-term. He noted that at the time of partition, Pakistan was socially and economically ahead of India, but India’s progress today is the outcome of sustained strategy. Cautioning that diplomatic efforts require reciprocity, he said disengagement could be a viable response if hostility persists.
General Chauhan also highlighted India’s maritime domain as its strategic outlet, given geographical constraints posed by conflict with China and instability in Myanmar. He underscored that nuclear escalation in undeclared conflicts is illogical and warned that no war is without significant cost.
China’s navy has carried out “combat readiness patrols” near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a move that comes amid rising tensions with both the Philippines and South Korea over territorial waters. The patrols were conducted by the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in what China calls the “territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island,” referring to the Scarborough Shoal.
According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, the PLA has been conducting drills in the area throughout May. The exercises aim to “strengthen control of relevant sea and air areas” and “defend national sovereignty and security,” despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that declared China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea invalid under international law.
The Scarborough Shoal, located about 220km west of the Philippine island of Luzon, has been a flashpoint in China-Philippines tensions since Beijing seized control of the area in 2012. Traditionally a fishing ground for Filipinos, the shoal has seen repeated confrontations. In April, the Philippines accused Chinese forces of “dangerous manoeuvres” that led to the damage of a Philippine coastguard ship by water cannon fire near the shoal.
Meanwhile, in the Yellow Sea, South Korean authorities reported the installation of three additional Chinese buoys in disputed maritime areas. The latest discoveries bring the total number of Chinese buoys in the contested zone to 13. South Korea’s Ministry of Defence said it is closely monitoring China’s activities within the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ), an area of overlapping exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims between the two countries.
The buoys were discovered near or within the PMZ, which was established to allow joint resource management and restrict non-navigational activities. The ministry emphasized the need for inter-agency cooperation to protect South Korea’s maritime sovereignty.
Tensions in the Yellow Sea have escalated in recent years, with China installing a series of observation buoys and even a fixed steel structure in 2022. In a move believed to signal military training exercises, China last week declared three no-sail zones within the PMZ, raising fresh concerns in Seoul about potential military escalations.
China bases its maritime boundary claims in the Yellow Sea on a 1962 agreement with North Korea, which encroaches on waters that South Korea considers part of its EEZ. The latest developments in both seas point to an intensifying maritime power struggle involving China and its neighbors, with growing calls for international engagement and regional dialogue to prevent further escalation.
