A significant surge in maritime military activity, geopolitical maneuvering, and strategic positioning across global hotspots.
The latest analysis for March, underscores the dynamic and complex nature of the maritime security environment, with intensifying naval exercises in East Asia, heightened drug interdiction efforts in the Caribbean and Atlantic, and a range of other developments shaping the global maritime landscape.
East Asia: Escalating Tensions and Military Posturing
South China Sea and Beyond
Military and maritime activity continues to intensify across East Asia. Between April 1–4, gunnery exercises are scheduled in the western Philippines, a region of overlapping territorial claims by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei.
This follows joint U.S.-Japan-Philippines naval drills and a recent patrol by Chinese forces, coinciding with a U.S. Defense Secretary visit to Manila aimed at reinforcing regional partnerships.
Energy and Strategic Discoveries
China’s National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced a major discovery at the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield off Shenzhen, with reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes. While this boosts China’s energy security, forecasts suggest oil imports may peak by 2026 as domestic demand declines.
Russia’s Presence in the Japan Sea
Russia’s Pacific Fleet also conducted with submarine-launched Kalibr cruise missile drills from the Sea of Japan.
Taiwan: Sustained Chinese Pressure
Taiwan continues to face maritime pressure from the PLA Navy and Air Force. March 17 saw 59 Chinese aircraft and nine warships operating near Taiwan, with 43 aircraft crossing the median line. China also unveiled a deep-sea cable cutter capable of severing undersea communications, and satellite imagery shows amphibious landing craft positioned near Zhanjiang.
Pacific Expansion and Strategic Port Deals
The Cook Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to enhance “Blue Economy Cooperation”, including port and shipbuilding infrastructure. This move follows Chinese military drills southeast of Sydney that disrupted commercial air traffic, raising concerns among Australia and New Zealand over China’s growing logistical reach in the Pacific.
Security Hotspots:
West Africa
Incident numbers remain low compared to previous years, with piracy showing continued decline in the Gulf of Guinea. However, the region remains volatile, requiring sustained vigilance.
Indian Ocean & Southeast Asia
Both regions show consistent maritime security threats, including boarding attempts, robberies, and suspicious approaches. Recent warnings about rising incidents in the Singapore Strait, underlining the need for enhanced vessel awareness.
In recent maritime drug interdictions, significant seizures have been reported across various regions like Ecuador, the Caribbean, Mexico, while a submarine smuggling 6.5 tonnes of cocaine en route to Europe was intercepted. Multiple cocaine seizures were also reported in Colombia and Puerto Rico.
These incidents reflect the evolving complexity of global maritime security, with risks ranging from geopolitical tensions to transnational crime, Dryad Global highlights.