ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill (online ISSN 2837-3901, print ISSN 2837-3871) is published the last Tuesday of the month throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill can be found at chinaus-icas.org/icas-maritime-affairs-program/map-handbill/.
Maritime Law Has To Be Changed To Protect Undersea Infrastructure, Estonia Says
December 27 – Reuters
[Baltic Sea, Europe, Russia]
Estonia’s Minister of Justice said that international maritime law must be updated to outlaw damage to undersea infrastructure such as pipelines and subsea cables, and has announced plans to apply to the International Maritime Organization by February to update the law. The comment followed an incident earlier in the week where subsea cables connecting Estonia to Finland were again damaged. On December 26, Finnish authorities seized a ship carrying Russian oil in the Baltic Sea on suspicion of its involvement. One day later, Estonia’s navy deployed a ship to protect a parallel subsea power line.
Sweden Says China Denied Request For Prosecutors To Board Ship Linked To Severed Cables
December 23 – The Guardian
[Baltic Sea, Europe, China]
After the Chinese-registered bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 was put under suspicion of sabotaging data cables in the Baltic Sea in mid-November after sailing in the area, the Chinese government agreed to cooperate with European police, allowing authorities to board the ship in early-December as observers to a Chinese investigation. A week later, Swedish officials accused China of denying Swedish prosecutors access to the ship for a preliminary investigation. The Yi Ping 3 then left the Kattegat strait in which it had been anchored for over a month for the “wellbeing of the crew.”
Iran, China Sign Cooperation MOU At Indian Ocean Forum
December 19 – MEHR News Agency
[Indian Ocean, China, Middle East]
Iran and China, on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Rim Development Cooperation Forum in Kunming, China, signed a memorandum of understanding for development cooperation. After emphasizing the importance of the blue economy at the forum, Iran’s representative also held bilateral meetings with other Indo-Pacific deputy ministers to explore cooperation opportunities.
Boakai Stresses Importance of Managing Region’s Marine Resources
December 16 – Daily Observer
[Africa]
From December 11-13, the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea took place in Monrovia, Liberia. During the conference, Liberian President Joseph Boakai urged for marine ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management, especially in the fishing industry.
Japan-U.S.-Philippines Maritime Dialogue Convenes In Tokyo
December 10 – Daily Tribune
[Japan, U.S., Philippines]
On December 10, Japan, the United States., and the Philippines convened an inaugural maritime dialogue in Tokyo, which focused on South China Sea disputes and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. The nations reaffirmed opposition to unilateral actions and agreed to expand trilateral maritime cooperation, with the Philippines set to host the next dialogue in 2025.
Canada Seeks Stronger Us Ties In Arctic To Counter Russia, China
December 6 – Bloomberg
[Arctic Ocean, North America]
Canada has announced that it will establish two new Arctic consulates, one in Alaska and the other in Greenland, as well as appoint a dedicated Arctic ambassador. These announcements are seen as key parts of Canada’s expanding foreign policy strategy for the Arctic region, of which the United States has been named its “closest partner.”
Seychelles And India Continue To Expand Maritime Cooperation Through Hydrography
December 2 – Seychelles News Agency
[Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean]
Following a series of high-level meetings on November 29, Seychelles and India reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation in hydrography, highlighting its multifaceted importance in maritime safety efforts, economic development and environmental protection.
Legal Frameworks Seen Vital In Climate Action, Ocean Protection
November 29 – Philippine News Agency
[Global]
President Tomas Haukur Heidar of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, during a series of high-level university and government lectures during a historic visit to the Philippines, highlighted how important legal frameworks are in pushing climate action and ocean protection.
India And France Strengthen Maritime Partnership
November 28 – India Shipping News
[Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Europe]
On November 27, representatives from India and France conducted a high-level meeting in New Delhi to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation in maritime security, sustainable ocean governance, and holistic collaborative opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. During the meeting the two sides also underscored their shared vision to uphold international maritime law and foster multilateral cooperation.
Symposium Calls For Safeguarding Universal And Sustainable Maritime Security
November 26 – Global Times
[China, Global]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking in a keynote address at the 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, China, said that China is prepared to work with countries to properly handle maritime differences through negotiations and consultations with the end goal of maintaining long-term peace and stability at sea. Other global experts participating also emphasized the importance of peaceful negotiations throughout dialogue.
China Launches New Amphibious Assault Ship, Enhancing Naval Power
December 27 – Euro News
[China, Pacific Ocean, Global]
On December 27, China launched its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan. The largest of its kind to date, the Type 076 includes advanced technologies—like an electromagnetic catapult and an “arrestor technology” system that allows fighter jets to land on its deck—and is designed to enhance the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s distant water combat capabilities.
Myanmar Navy Unveils 135-Meter Frigate King Thalun And Commissions Anti-Submarine Ships On 77th Navy Day
December 25 – Asia News Network
[Southeast Asia, Pacific Ocean]
The Myanmar Navy, on its 77th Navy Day, launched its newly constructed 135-meter frigate, King Thalun, which is the largest and most advanced warship ever built by the Myanmar Navy. Myanmar also commissioned two new 63-meter anti-submarine warfare ships into its navy.
Cambodia To Grant Japan Visitation Rights To China-Linked Naval Base
December 21 – The Japan Times
[Southeast Asia, East Asia]
On December 20, Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen said that Japan would be granted visitation rights to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, a naval base that underwent an upgrade starting in 2022 with the support of Chinese funding.
China Expanding Pacific Operations, Taiwan Invasion ‘Not Possible’ by 2027, Say DoD Officials
December 19 – USNI News
[Info-Pacific, United States, China]
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner, speaking at a think tank event in Washington, D.C., said that, despite its “rapid progress,” having China’s military forces prepared for a “short, sharp invasion” of Taiwan by 2027 “is not possible right now.”
China Permits Philippine Ship To Deliver Supplies To Second Thomas Shoal Outpost
December 17 – South China Morning Post
[South China Sea, Southeast Asia, China]
On December 12, “with the permission of the Chinese side,” a Philippine civilian ship delivered supplies to the grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
Taiwan Says China Has Launched Biggest Maritime Operation In Decades
December 10 – Voice of America
[China, Taiwan]
China has deployed nearly 90 naval and coast guard vessels around Taiwan, marking its largest regional military operation in nearly 30 years, according to Taiwanese defense officials. The unannounced maneuvers aim to block regional allies like Japan and the Philippines from aiding Taiwan, as Beijing heightens pressure amid U.S. leadership transition.
Maritime Threats High On Agenda As Chinese Navy Hosts Gulf Of Guinea Security Forum
December 9 – South China Morning Post
[China, Gulf of Guinea]
China hosted a forum in Shanghai with 18 Gulf of Guinea nations to address maritime security issues like piracy and smuggling, signaling its intent to expand military cooperation in Africa. Analysts suggest Beijing’s efforts, including potential naval bases, aim to secure trade routes and project power toward the Atlantic, raising geopolitical concerns.
US To Provide Security Boats To Vietnam
December 5 – Marine Link
[Southeast Asia, United States]
The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi announced that the U.S. will be providing a US$12.5 million assistance package to Vietnam in order to enhance its maritime law enforcement capabilities and counter illegal fishing. The package includes the transfer of small boats and support for training facilities.
Japan Grants Philippines $11 Mln In Security Aid To Bolster Defences
December 5 – Reuters
[The Philippines, Japan]
Japan and the Philippines inked a US$10.65 million security agreement to enhance maritime surveillance and domain awareness, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability. The deal includes radar systems, boats, and air surveillance equipment as both nations counter China’s actions in contested waters.
NATO Wants To Use Drone Boats For Maritime Security In The Baltic
December 4 – The Maritime Executive
[The Baltic]
NATO has announced that it is considering deploying unmanned systems to monitor maritime threats in the Baltic, inspired by U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59. The initiative aims to safeguard subsea infrastructure after the Nord Stream pipeline attack and several similar security incidents.
Philippines’ Marcos Says Presence Of Russian Submarine ‘very Worrisome’
December 2 – The Japan Times
[South China Sea, Southeast Asia, Russia]
On November 28, a Russian Kilo-class submarine was spotted 80 nautical miles off the western coast of the Philippines, within the boundaries of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called “very concerning.” After establishing radio contact with a Philippine Navy frigate and before being escorted out, the submarine was identified and stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before continuing to Vladivostok, Russia.
Egypt Successfully Tests New Channel Extension Of Suez Canal
December 30 – Smart Water Magazine
[North Africa, Mediterranean Sea]
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority announced the successful trial operation of a newly constructed 10-kilometer extension at the southern end of the Suez Canal. The new construction is intended to avoid a repeat of the 2021 case in which the Ever Given container ship ran aground and blocked the entirety of the critical global shipping route for six days.
Political Unrest Creates Shipping Crisis in Mozambique
December 29 – The Maritime Executive
[South Africa]
Months of domestic political unrest and protests in Mozambique, which began after the election in October, has been confirmed to be severely impacting the state of Port of Maputo’s shipping trade in South Africa. The government of Mozambique reported that it has lost US$54 million due to disruptions while Maputo Port operator Grindrod confirming ongoing delays and cancellations.
Panama’s president calls Trump’s Chinese canal claim ‘nonsense’
December 26 – BBC
[South America, United States]
In a social media post, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said that the Panama Canal is charging “exorbitant prices and rates of passage” on U.S. naval and merchant ships and demanded that either the fees be lowered or Panama return the canal to the U.S.; a demand that Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied to even consider. Trump said in another post that there are Chinese soldiers stationed there, a claim that President Mulino called “nonsense,” clarifying that there is “not a single Chinese soldier in the canal.”
The Great Cotonou Joins The Grimaldi Fleet And Inaugurates The China-West Africa Service
December 25 – Port News
[Africa, Atlantic Ocean, China]
On December 20, the sixth and final of the G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessels in the Grimaldi fleet, Great Cotonou, was delivered in Ulsan, South Korea. The 250-metre long vessels are capable of transporting 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU and 2,000 TEU, accompanied by several cutting-edge technological and energy efficiency updates compared to its G4-class predecessor. Starting in January 2025, Great Cotonou will inaugurate a new Grimaldi Group route between China and Lagos, Nigeria.
China Receives First Shipment Of Peruvian Products From The Port Of Chancay
December 24 – Produce Report
[Pacific Ocean, South America, China]
On December 18, the first shipment of Peruvian fruit sailing the new Chancay-Shanghai direct shipping route successfully arrived on the COSCO Shipping vessel Xin Shanghai. Starting in December 2024, following a successful inauguration of the Port of Chancay in November, COSCO Shipping Group launched a weekly direct route with further expansions already underway.
China Lifts Ban On Australian Rock Lobster, Marking An End To ‘trade Impediments’ Imposed On Canberra By Beijing
December 20 – Hong Kong Free Press
[Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific]
On December 20, after months of diplomatic discussions, Australia announced that China has lifted a four-year de facto ban on imports of Australian live rock lobsters into China, marking the fall of the last major sanctions imposed by China in recent years. The lobster trade is worth US$500,000 a year and, before the ban, an estimated 97.7% of Australia’s rock lobster exports were sold to China.
New Ocean And Air Freight Data Reveals Major Shifts in Global Trade Routes
December 18 – Supply & Demand Chain Executive
[Global, Europe, Red Sea]
According to data from Fluent Cargo, major disruptions in the Red Sea from the threat of Houthi attacks against cargo vessels has resulted in one of the largest realignments of global shipping routes in recent years. The most affected was the Asia-Europe route, the maritime capacity of which dropped 33% from 2023 to 2024.
Morocco Boosts Trade Connectivity With New Maritime Route Linking Agadir to Dakar
December 9 – Morocco World News
[Africa, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean]
Utilizing existing infrastructure, Morocco has launched a new maritime route between Agadir and Dakar in order to strengthen ties with Sub-Saharan Africa, reduce transport times for perishable goods, and assist Moroccan truckers who face technical issues, border delays and high fuel costs.
China’s New Port Has Peru Targeting $30 Billion Farm Exports
December 2 – Bloomberg
[Pacific Ocean, South America, China]
Following the successful opening of the first stage of the Chinese-operated Port of Chancay in Peru, Peru’s Minister of Agriculture Angel Manero is targeting US$30 billion in farm exports by 2040, most of it coming from fruit and growth in Asia. 2024 exports are an estimated US$12 billion.
Transport Ministry Forms Committee To Review Maritime Law, Port Acts
November 28 – The Edge Malaysia
[Southeast Asia]
In preparation to develop a national shipping policy and maritime master plan, Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport has created the Malaysia Maritime Law Revision Committee (MLRC) in order to review and update the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 and the respective Port Acts.
Tissue-Cultured Seaweed Boosts Farm Productivity
December 30 – The Fish Site
[South Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific]
Farming researchers at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre in the Philippines have discovered that the rate of seaweed growth can be increased by up to 6.5 times through the use of applying tissue culture technology that better protects seaweed seedlings from disease and frailty.
4 Million Dead: “Warm Blob” Disaster Causes Catastrophic Loss
December 27 – SciTechDaily
[Atlantic Ocean, North America]
According to an updated study led by the University of Washington, the 2014-2016 marine heat wave known as “the blob” in the Northern Atlantic has led to the death of an estimated 50-75% of the population of common murres, a seabird that feeds off small ocean fish, between 2008-2022.
DP World Raises $100 Million In Middle East’s First-Ever Blue Bond To Fund Sustainable Maritime Projects
December 24 – Marine Insight
[Africa]
Dubai-based logistics company DP World successfully raised US$100 million through the first-ever Blue Bond issued by a company in the Middle East and North Africa region. The five-year bond funding is aimed at supporting sustainable projects in marine transportation, port infrastructure, marine pollution control, and nature-positive initiatives in the maritime and water sectors.
Freed activist Paul Watson vows to ‘end whaling worldwide’
December 21 – France 24
[Global, Southern Ocean, Europe]
Paul Watson, a 74-year-old Canadian-American animal rights activist, was released by Denmark after five months of detention in Greenland following an extradition demand from Japan. Watson returned to France and declared to a group of gathered supporters that they would “end whaling worldwide,” calling on Japan to “obey the law” on whaling in the Southern Ocean if they return.
Arctic Tundra Has Long Helped Cool Earth. Now, It’s Fueling Warming.
December 10 – The New York Times
[Arctic Ocean, Global]
Several signs of rapid change were depicted in the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Arctic Report Card 2024 including how, for the 11th year in a row, the Arctic was more abnormally warm than the world as a whole and the Northwest Passage sea route had the lowest amount of sea ice coverage on record.
Research Set To Transform Our Understanding Of How The Ocean Breathes
December 5 – National Oceanography Centre
[Global, Europe]
The University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom are jointly launching a £2.5 million project designed to re-evaluate the world’s understanding of how the ocean stores heat and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The project will involve the deployment of floating sensors that will gather data on “small-scale mixing” movements.
70% Of Ocean Microplastics Are The Type Found In Clothes, Textiles & Fishing Gear – And Europe Is A Hotspot
December 4 – National Oceanography Centre
[Global, Europe]
Newly analyzed samples from the Atlantic Ocean, southern Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Southern Ocean, and in seas around Europe, collected by participants in The Ocean Race, identified that every sample gathered contained microplastics and the greatest concentration was found close to South Africa. The new samples were analyzed with modernized methods that can examine microplastics ten times smaller than traditional methods.
Norway Kills First Round Of Arctic Deep-Sea Mining Permits Amid Opposition
December 2 – Mongabay
[Arctic Ocean, Norwegian Sea]
Following months of pressure from an environmentalist political party and other activists, Norway’s Ministry of Energy has cancelled the first licensing round for deep-sea mining in the Arctic Ocean. The halted proposal, introduced in June 2024, included 386 license areas covering almost 106,000 square miles in the Norwegian Sea.
MoE and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources sign agreement for clean, green, and sustainable environment under the Sustainable Oceans Cooperation Initiative
December 2 – Khmer Times
[Indo-Pacific]
On December 2, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding under the Sustainable Ocean Cooperation Initiative, agreeing to jointly work towards cleanliness, greenness, and sustainability in the oceans to fight climate change.
The J-35A is the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) newest stealth fighter that has enhanced stealth capabilities and is holistically expected to further strengthen China’s naval power. China’s journey toward developing advanced stealth fighters has marked a significant leap in its military modernization efforts. Following the introduction of the J-20 as the first fifth-generation stealth fighter for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the J-35A now marks a parallel evolution for the PLAN as the growing military power’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Following the introduction of the J-15, China’s first carrier-based fighter, the J-35A, whose most significant feature is its enhanced stealth capabilities, is expected to further strengthen China’s naval power as the PLAN moves quickly to extending its naval reach, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and equipping its second indigenous Type 003 carrier, the Fujian, and future carriers models with a viable stealth platform for the next generation of combat scenarios.
Publicly available specifications from China’s state media suggest the J-35A features twin engines, low observability, and enhanced operational versatility—capabilities that could make it a formidable competitor in its class.
The J-35A made its first public appearance at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow mid-November 2024. Official Chinese media highlighted the platform as a testament to the country’s growing expertise in stealth technology and its commitment to self-reliance in military innovation. The airshow served as a platform for Beijing to demonstrate its progress in developing a viable carrier-based stealth fighter, particularly as the PLAN ramps up the operational readiness of its aircraft carriers fleets, particularly the Type-003 Fujian, PLAN’s first catapult-equipped carrier.
On December 19, 2024, Pakistan is reported to procure 40 J-35A from its Chinese neighbor. Given the longstanding defense ties between Islamabad and Beijing, a potential deal would mark a significant milestone in China’s arms export ambitions. Over the past decade, Pakistan has already worked closely with China to jointly develop the JF-17 Thunder fighter amid pressing challenges to modernize its air force to cope with regional challenges. The decision to procure the J-35As could provide a much-needed edge in stealth capabilities that takes the Pakistani air capability to a newer level. The procurement, if proceeded, would undoubtedly recalibrate the military balance in the South Asian region, particularly in relation to Pakistan’s rival, India.
The introduction of the J-35A carries significant implications for regional security. For the U.S., it underscores the growing challenge of countering China’s expanding naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As a carrier-based stealth fighter, the J-35A enhances China’s ability to project power across regional hotspots, including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Its deployment alongside advanced carriers could complicate U.S. military planning and further tilt the regional balance of power.
Beyond military applications, the J-35A could also bolster China’s position in the international arms market. Although China trails far behind the United States and a few other western countries in global arms sales, Beijing has steadily increased its exports, targeting markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in recent years. A stealth fighter like the J-35A could appeal to countries seeking advanced technology without the political strings often attached to U.S. defense sales.
The J-35A’s potential export to countries like Pakistan also raises concerns about its role in reshaping military partnerships. While its technical capabilities are not designed to match the U.S. An F-35 in terms of interoperability and networked warfare, the J-35A could still offer a cost-effective alternative for nations reluctant or unable to procure Western-made platforms. This could allow China to expand its influence in markets traditionally dominated by American and Russian aircraft.
Finally, the J-35A represents a broader trend in stealth fighter development. As more nations, such as Italy, Japan and the UK’s next generation fighter project, South Korea-Indonesia joint KF-X project, and Turkey’s TF-X project, enter the race for low-observability aircraft, the proliferation of this technology could lead to new challenges in arms control and military escalation. For China, the J-35A is both a symbol of progress and a reminder of the strategic complexities that come with advanced military capabilities.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Yilun Zhang, Research Associate & Manager, Trade ‘n Technology Program.
Government Releases & Other Press Statements
Analyses & Opinions
Other Research
On December 12, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) organized its 2024 Annual Conference, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of ICAS’ founding, in full in-person format at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. Dr. Hong Nong, Executive Director of ICAS, opened the conference and Dr. Wu Shicun, Chairman of ICAS’ Advisory Board, delivered the introductory remarks. In his heartfelt message, Dr. Wu spoke of the need for pragmatism as well as a recognition of shared responsibility in U.S.-China relations, given that both countries are indispensable to combating global challenges – be it the fight against climate change, stabilizing the global economy or addressing regional conflicts. Acknowledging that the re-election of Donald Trump had brought forth both uncertainty and familiarity, he noted that both countries had much to gain from working together – and even more to lose if they failed to do so. He expressed his hope that the U.S. and China will recognize that while competition was inevitable in their relationship, outright confrontation is not. And on this basis, they should explore pathways to manage their differences constructively…
Dr. Nong Hong participates in the Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance 2024
November 27, 2024
Sanya, China
Dr. Nong Hong, ICAS Executive Director gave a presentation in Session 6: “The future of the Poles and the Deep Sea” titled “Reflection on the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly: Charting the Future of Arctic Governance.”
The Institute for China-America Studies is seeking two research assistant interns for Spring 2025!
The Institute for China-America Studies is seeking two research assistant interns for Spring 2025! The internship will run from mid-January through mid-May. This is a part-time, 20 hour per week internship that will primarily be conducted in-person at the ICAS office in Washington, DC.
Competitive candidates will have an interest in U.S.-China relations and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though those pursuing a relevant master’s degree will also be considered. We are looking for team-oriented problem solvers who can think on their feet, be detail-oriented, and are eager to improve their professional skills.
The Institute for China-America Studies is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening the understanding of U.S.-China relations through expert analysis and practical policy solutions.
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