As the tensions in the South China Sea steadily increase, Asees Bajaj explores the maritime security environment around the disputed waters and the potential for accidental conflict.
In 2020, there has been a considerable increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in Asia. Rising cases have been reported in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, South China Sea, and the Singapore Strait. While the majority of events have not resulted in violence towards crew or significant losses or damages to vessels,…
Piracy, terrorism and geopolitical tensions have presented persistent threats to commercial shipping in 2019. Despite states’ increased focus on securing shipping routes, the overall number of maritime incidents continues to fluctuate, and has declined only marginally over the past year.
In August 2018, a 23-kilogram industrial device containing iridium-192, a radioactive material, went missing during transport in Malaysia. Whilst Malaysian authorities have attempted to calm public concerns, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned of the dangers that a missing radiological source presents. With a black market for such…