Vietnam expressed its intention to oppose all foreign activities in the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The Paracels have been occupied by China since 1974, and new construction of buildings on Yagong Island, one of the islands comprising the archipelago, was discovered through satellite imagery analysis last month.

On August 31, the Ministry of Defense of Japan submitted a record budget request for fiscal year 2027, amounting to ¥8.89 trillion ($56 billion). Observers anticipate that the final amount will grow to nearly ¥10 trillion ($63 billion) because projects related to the revision of strategic security documents are listed in the request without specific amounts. Japan is planning to develop a submarine-launched hypersonic missile and a way to equip unmanned underwater vehicles with long-range missiles.

On August 31, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Steregushchiy class frigates (hull number 343) sailing northeast in the waters 110km west of Rebun Island (Hokkaido Prefecture).

This vessel sailed east through the Soya Strait.

Taiwan has published its annual report on the military threat posed by China. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry analyzed that the regional security situation continues to escalate and that China's decision-making is becoming unpredictable due to a large-scale purge of senior military officers. The report also indicates that the objective of China’s military exercises around Taiwan is to develop the capability for a joint blockade or control of Taiwanese sea lanes, and that China is creating favorable conditions for an invasion by deploying aircraft and ships during these drills.

China’s special envoy to the Pacific voiced serious concerns over Taiwan's attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders' meeting in Palau. He warned of “consequences” regarding Taiwan’s presence at the meeting, while emphasizing that most Pacific countries understood and supported China’s position. Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations with Palau, and the Taiwanese Foreign Minister attended this year’s summit

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it monitored 56 Chinese coast guard and naval vessels in key areas of the West Philippine Sea in August.

An AFP spokesperson explained that the monthly report aims to expose China’s illegal activities in the region.

To counter China’s expanding presence among Pacific Island countries, the U.S. and New Zealand are funding the development of a port in the Cook Islands with $US60 million. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands signed the agreement on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. The U.S. Deputy Secretary stated that this port development is vital for deep-sea mining

On September 1, the 8th Visegrad Group Plus Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting (V4: the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland) was held near Bratislava, Slovakia. Japan's Foreign Minister explained the concept of the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and Japan’s position on regional issues concerning East Asia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. In response, the V4 ministers expressed their support for the initiative. They also reaffirmed the importance of a free and open international order and their intention to cooperate in addressing global challenges.

During bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Austria and Poland, the Japanese Minister also reiterated Japan's commitment to realizing the updated FOIP.

Russia strongly condemned the upcoming joint U.S.-Japan-Australia military drill, “Oriental Shield,” scheduled to start on September 8, citing the first-time deployment of the Typhon missile system in Japan. The Typhon system can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, which could reach parts of Russia and China if deployed in Japan.

The President of Russia stated in an interview that Japan’s response to his visit to the Northern Territories of Japan was not a surprise to him, and that Japan bears full responsibility for the deterioration of relations between the two countries. The Russian President visited Etorofu Island, one of the islands comprising the Northern Territories, on August 13, a move that Japan strongly condemned.

The U.S. alleged that the Chinese state-owned shipping company COSCO is gathering information related to military communication in Europe, North America, and Asia. A U.S. official stated that COSCO’s vessels are equipped to collect information on “military communications technology and developments in the field of encryption.” Chinese companies have the duty to support government intelligence activities under domestic laws. COSCO is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, and the U.S. has placed it on its list of companies linked to the Chinese military.

The U.S. and Australia announced a combined $580 million in funding for Pacific Island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, aiming to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Australia will provide $430 million to combat drug smuggling, while the U.S. will contribute $150 million, including $60 million to address the global energy crisis.

Taiwan denied a report published by a Solomon Islands media outlet claiming that it is conducting "checkbook diplomacy" in South Pacific Island nations. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that its cooperation projects with Palau and other countries are tailored to local needs and implemented in strict compliance with the administrative regulations of both nations.

The Solomon Star had reported on September 1 that Taiwan's Foreign Ministry gave $281,000 to Palauan politicians to secure their support at the Pacific Islands Forum. According to a 2023 report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project—a U.S.-based nonprofit investigative journalism organization—the Solomon Star received nearly $140,000 from China in exchange for a promise to promote "the truth of China's generosity."

On September 3, China Central Television reported that China's Ministry of Natural Resources conducted a maritime survey in waters east of Taiwan last month to understand the area's basic geology and structural characteristics. On August 21, the Taiwan Coast Guard had warned and tracked a Chinese research vessel in sensitive waters near Taiwan.

On the same day, the China Coast Guard announced that it had conducted routine law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan.

On September 3, Russia held the 81st memorial ceremony commemorating its victory over Japan in World War II on the islands of Etorofu and Shikotan in the Northern Territories of Japan, which have been occupied by Russia since 1945. About 150 people participated in the ceremony held on Etorofu, while about 100 attended on Shikotan.

On September 3, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent through the East China Sea toward the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft flew to the area off the coast of Okinawa Island, and then turned back and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

On September 3, a Japan-Mongolia Foreign Ministers’ meeting was held in Ulaanbaatar. Both ministers reaffirmed the importance of the 2022 Joint Statement, which included the concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and concurred on the necessity of implementing the Joint Statement. The Foreign Minister of Japan stated his intention to further cooperate under the concept of an updated FOIP, and his counterpart expressed her support for the vision of FOIP.

On the same day, the Japanese minister paid a courtesy call on the President of Mongolia and the Chairman of the State Great Khural, and stated that Japan supports strengthening Mongolia’s autonomy and resilience under the concept of an updated FOIP.

The President of Russia stated that Russia’s designation of the Kuril Islands, including Japan's Northern Territories, as a special tax zone has been successful, underscoring his intent to develop the islands as Russian territory. Russia has exempted businesses operating in the special zone from corporate and other taxes.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting issued a joint statement which showed concern about a test launch of a ballistic missile conducted by China last July, but Nauru disagreed with this expression. In the statement, the Pacific Islands leaders required countries conducting ICBM tests to notify them at least 24 hours in advance, in accordance with international practice.

A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) destroyer that was damaged in a collision with a China Coast Guard cutter has returned to the South Pacific. A photograph of the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Guilin, along with other PLAN vessels in the South China Sea, was posted on social media. The Guilin and the cutter collided while pursuing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near Scarborough Shoal, resulting in the deaths of two China Coast Guard personnel.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister criticized China’s “wolf-warrior” diplomacy at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ meeting in Palau, after China strongly opposed Taiwan's participation in PIF-related events. The minister stated that China’s behavior undermined the unity of the Pacific Island nations, adding that China acted like the host even though it was only an invited guest. He also pointed out China's threatening statements and suspected spying activities at the venue.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan attended the Dialogue Partners Meeting of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, and exchanged views with leaders of participating countries. He expressed Japan’s intention to cooperate with Pacific Island countries under the concept of an evolved “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”

On September 4, the Philippine Coast Guard announced that a Chinese maritime research vessel had been operating in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines for 25 days without Philippine permission. A spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea stated that the vessel is a 76-meter-long ship with drilling capability and is operated by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey under China's Ministry of Natural Resources.

On September 4, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent through the East China Sea toward the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft flew to the area off the coast of Okinawa Island, and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

The U.S. Pacific Commander held a meeting with China’s Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference in Canada. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Pacific Command, both sides exchanged views on the importance of maintaining communication lines between military leaders of both countries to avoid the risk of miscalculation.

China deployed JL-10 fighter jets to respond to Philippine aircraft over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The JL-10s deployed in the area are equipped with PL-5 short-range air-to-air missiles and can fly at a relatively low speed, enabling them to respond effectively to the Philippine aircraft. The JL-10 is cheaper than an advanced fighter jet such as the J-16, giving China a cost-effective option to confront the Philippines.

On September 5, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent toward the area off the coast of Okinawa Island. The aircraft then flew northeast to the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture, and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

On September 5, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent through the Sea of Okhotsk toward the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft flew south to the area off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, then turned back and flew through the Sea of Okhotsk toward the Sea of Japan. The aircraft passed through Japan's airspace over the Northern Territories in the process.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

On September 6, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed that a Chinese Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft flew from the continent toward the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft then flew southwest to the area off the coast of Okinawa Island before turning back. It changed course south of the Danjo Islands and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

On September 6, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Steregushchiy class frigates (hull number 343) sailing west in the waters 50km northeast of Cape Soya (Hokkaido Prefecture).

This vessel sailed west through the Soya Strait.

On September 6, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed that a Chinese Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft flew from the continent toward the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft then flew southwest to the area off the coast of Okinawa Island before turning back. It changed course south of the Danjo Islands and proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

The Japanese government plans to renovate Indonesian fishing ports for use by coast guard vessels under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. By expanding the number of Indonesian coast guard bases, Indonesia will strengthen its capability to counter illegal fishing and smuggling. Japan also aims to maintain maritime order in the South China Sea, where China is strengthening its presence.

Japan believes that developing maritime security and law enforcement capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region aligns with its updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" concept.

China requested South Korea to provide evidence to punish the owner of a “ghost” ship detained by the Coast Guard of South Korea in May on suspicion of conducting illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea. Illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea has long been a concern for both China and South Korea. The two countries agreed to start consultations for a rapid and smooth exchange of evidence related to illegal fishing.

The Philippine Defense Secretary sharply criticized China during the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2026 over a 2016 international tribunal ruling that upheld Manila's maritime claims in the South China Sea. He received a note from the audience reiterating Beijing's stance against the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, which had invalidated China's expansive claims and reaffirmed the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. In response to the note's assertion that the arbitration violated fundamental international law, he ironically pointed out that the author was essentially arguing that the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea itself violates international law. Furthermore, addressing the claim that the PCA award has no binding force, he stated that China neither accepts nor recognizes the ruling simply because it lost. He also noted that China needs basic decency in its behavior, emphasizing that its actions represent actual coercion rather than a mere gray-zone activity. He then told the author of the note, “You've just done your country a great service,” adding, “I hope you don't suffer in a gulag for it.”

Royal New Zealand Navy vessels conducted monitoring and surveillance activities against illegal maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers by North Korea that were prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions in waters surrounding Japan. This was the third time New Zealand has conducted these activities since 2024.

Australia and the Solomon Islands have agreed in principle to conclude a comprehensive treaty. Under the new agreement, Australia will provide more than USD 705 million to support a free education policy, visa improvements, and security assistance. Australia has recently concluded similar security and development treaties with other Pacific Island countries to counter China’s expanding influence in the region.

The U.S. and Philippine Marines conducted a military exercise to defend the coastal waters of Manila utilizing BrahMos anti-ship missiles. The Indian-made BrahMos missile can fly at three times the speed of sound with a 400-pound explosive warhead to counter pressure from China in the South China Sea.

The U.S. and Philippine Marines conducted a military exercise to defend the coastal waters of Manila utilizing BrahMos anti-ship missiles. The Indian-made BrahMos missile can fly at three times the speed of sound with a 400-pound explosive warhead to counter pressure from China in the South China Sea.

According to a report commissioned by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, a Taiwanese defense analyst stated that Chinese nuclear-powered submarines equipped with JL-3 ballistic missiles could strike large parts of the U.S.

The report notes that China is working to equip its Type-094 nuclear submarines with the JL-3, which boasts an effective range of 10,000 km. This capability would allow Chinese submarines to launch nuclear attacks against most of the U.S. mainland from waters relatively safe for China.

China conducted a test launch in July of a ballistic missile with an estimated range of 6,000 to 7,000 km.

In a world map published by the creator of the Equal Earth map projection, the Northern Territories of Japan are colored the same as Russia. A total of 164 countries, including Japan, supported a UN General Assembly resolution urging the adoption of the Equal Earth map projection. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan stated that the UN resolution concerns the map projection rather than the map itself, adding that the stance of the Japanese government remains unchanged and that the government will take necessary measures if needed.

Ukraine abstained from voting on the UN resolution because it could not accept the depiction on the map which colored the Crimean Peninsula in a lighter shade that matched neither Ukraine nor Russia.

The Director of the American Institute in Taiwan stated that any conflict over Taiwan could have a bigger impact on the global economy than World War II, adding that the Trump administration treats maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region as one of its top priorities. He also noted that the U.S.-China summit scheduled for later this month is an opportunity to advance a relationship of strategic stability to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.

On September 9, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed that a Chinese Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft flew from the continent toward the area off the coast of the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft then flew back and forth around the area before turning back to the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

China condemned the statement criticizing China by the Defense Secretary of the Philippines at the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2026 as an act of stirring up trouble. The Defense Secretary refuted China’s assertion when he was handed a note asserting China’s claim regarding the South China Sea Arbitration ruling, and stated that the note was disrespectful to the forum and international law. Although Chinese representatives participated in the forum as audience members, not panelists or speakers, the author of the note was still unclear.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of China stated that the Philippines should stop stirring up trouble and undermining the China-Philippines relationship.

On September 10, the Chief Cabinet Secretary announced that Japan had asked a website operator to correct its map projection of the Northern Territories. The world map, created using the Equal Earth projection, colored the islands as part of Russian territory. This is despite Japan's firm position that the islands are an inherent part of its territory and remain illegally occupied by Russia.

On September 10, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched flares toward an unarmed PCG aircraft which was conducting a maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group in the South China Sea. The PCG also stated that “the discharge of flares against an aircraft in flight disregarded the duty of due regard under the Convention on International Civil Aviation”.

On September 9, the JMSDF confirmed one Russian Vishnya class Intelligence ship (hull number 208) sailing in waters 150km east of Okidaitojima Island (Okinawa Prefecture). The vessel sailed northwest in the contiguous zone off Okidaitojima Island and then proceeded from the waters southwest of Okinawa Island to the waters northwest of Kume Island (Okinawa Prefecture) before entering the Pacific Ocean.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned that while the probability is low, China may invade Taiwan in the coming years, and Australia could get involved. In his speech at the National Press Club on September 10, he mentioned that Taiwan’s next presidential election may trigger Chinese military action toward Taiwan if a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party is elected. He also pointed out the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 if China miscalculates the U.S. attitude toward Taiwan. Rudd stated that Australia should cooperate with the U.S. and its partners to deter conflict in the region.

On September 10, according to the JCG, four Chinese government vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Their hull numbers are 1301, 1304, 1307 and 1303. This was the first confirmed entry of Chinese government ships into the area since August 14.

Monthly Statistics on Scrambles（August）

The Japan Joint Staff released its monthly statistics on scrambles. In August, the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) conducted 76 scrambles. The most scrambles were against Russian aircraft (48 times), followed by Chinese aircraft (25 times).

The creator of the Equal Earth map projection changed the color of Japan's Northern Territories to match Japan in the Japanese version. Previously, they were painted the same color as Russia. In the English version, the areas are colored light gray to show that territorial disputes remain. In the Russian version, they are painted the same color as Russian territory.

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan announced that it tracked 11 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and two government ships near Taiwan between 6 a.m. on the 10th and 6 a.m. on the 11th. Ten of the 11 aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone. The Ministry monitored the Chinese activities using Taiwan’s own aircraft, naval vessels, and missile systems.

On September 10, Taiwan announced that four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels entered its restricted waters off Kinmen Island earlier that day. Taiwanese authorities stated that this was the third time CCG vessels had sailed into these waters this month, and with the frequency apparently increasing, they expressed their strongest condemnation.

The China Coast Guard announced that it will escort Chinese fishing vessels in the waters between 35°N and 26°30'N starting September 16 to prevent conflicts and accidents. China’s fishing moratorium in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea ends on September 16, and a large number of fishing boats are expected to head to the area.

The latitude of 26°30'N is located approximately 35 nautical miles north of the northernmost point of the Senkaku Islands. While this area lies outside Japan's territorial waters, many Japanese fishing vessels operate there daily.

By exercising jurisdiction in these disputed waters, China may look to assert its sovereignty over the region.

On September 13, the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Philippines held a summit meeting. They exchanged views on regional and international affairs of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation “across all areas of the Strategic Partnership.”

The Philippines purchased the BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles from India, and the two countries have strengthened their defense cooperation. India has supported the Philippines’ position regarding the South China Sea dispute, but there was no reference to any discussions on the matter, despite it being included in the Joint Statement issued by the two leaders in August 2025.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia stated that Malaysia has started “initial discussions” with India to purchase India’s BrahMos air-launched missiles (BrahMos-A). The BrahMos-A has a high-speed stand-off capability, and its introduction to the Royal Malaysian Air Force may give Malaysia a significant maritime deterrence capability and alter the strategic balance in the South China Sea.

China will host the three-day Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on September 15 amid tensions with Taiwan and in the South China Sea, as well as growing doubts over the U.S. commitment to Asia. The Xiangshan Forum was launched by China to counter the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Criticism of the U.S. and its Western allies is anticipated to be modest because the visit of the President of China to the U.S. is scheduled for late this month. However, an expert anticipated that China will criticize Japan’s past activities in World War II and its “remilitarization”.

The Secretary General of NATO stated at the annual Conference of the Heads of German Missions in Berlin that the Taiwan conflict could have a huge impact far beyond the Indo-Pacific region. He warned that China’s actions toward Taiwan could be accompanied by Russia’s action in Europe, stating that “the Indo-Pacific and Europe are more and more interconnected.”

On September 11, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Udaloy-Ⅲ class destroyer (hull number 543), one Udaloy-I class destroyer (hull number 564) and one Dubna class medium replenishment ship sailing east in the waters 380km west of Cape Tappizaki (Aomori Prefecture).

These vessels sailed east through the Soya Strait and navigated to the Pacific.

On September 11, the JMSDF confirmed one Russian Vishnya class Intelligence ship (hull number 208) sailing north in waters 210km southwest of the Danjo Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture). The vessel sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the Sea of Japan.

On September 12, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Steregushchiy class frigates (hull number 343) sailing southwest in the waters 200km northwest of Tsushima Island (Hokkaido Prefecture).

This vessel sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

On September 13, the JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Dongdiao class intelligence collection ship (hull number 799) sailing southeast in waters 70km west of Amami Island (Kagoshima Prefecture).

This vessel sailed northeast through the waters between Amami Island and Yokoate Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) and navigated to the Pacific.