An undisclosed number of MQ-9 Reaper drones have been deployed to the Philippines by the US Marine Corps. Photo: Handout

    Drones are on the rise over South China Sea with shift to data-driven strategies

    Across the strategic waterway of the South China Sea, claimant countries are increasingly relying on long-endurance aerial drones to carry out continuous patrols – overcoming the geographic and logistical limitations of traditional aircraft and ships. The US Marine Corps last month deployed MQ-9A Reaper drones to the Philippines, at Manila’s request, to “support Philippine regional…

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    How is China using Shandong’s visit to Hong Kong to boost patriotism, reflect power?

    How is China using Shandong’s visit to Hong Kong to boost patriotism, reflect power?

    As Hong Kong celebrates the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, Beijing has once again deployed a powerful naval fleet, this time spearheaded by the aircraft carrier Shandong, highlighting both symbolic significance and strategic resolve amid escalating geopolitical tensions. China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier and its fleet arrived in Hong Kong on…

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    How is China using Shandong’s visit to Hong Kong to boost patriotism, reflect power?

    How is China using Shandong’s visit to Hong Kong to boost patriotism, reflect power?

    As Hong Kong celebrates the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, Beijing has once again deployed a powerful naval fleet, this time spearheaded by the aircraft carrier Shandong, highlighting both symbolic significance and strategic resolve amid escalating geopolitical tensions. China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier and its fleet arrived in Hong Kong on…

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