By The Diplomat | Created at 2026-07-20 18:01:42 | Updated at 2026-08-04 20:51:24
2 weeks ago
Videos | Security | East Asia
These disputes could reshape the geopolitical order in East Asia – or even spark a war.
In this Dec. 22, 2024 file photo, a China Coast Guard ship is seen near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
Credit: Japan Coast GuardYou probably have heard of the South China Sea disputes – a major flashpoint involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others. But the South China Sea isn’t the only maritime dispute in Asia.
Today, we’re going to talk about four other maritime flashpoints in East Asia – and how they are reshaping the geopolitical landscape today. Everyone knows about Taiwan, and the South China Sea; we’re looking at other disputes that haven’t appeared in headlines lately.
Stay tuned, because we’re ranking them in order: from the least likely to spark an actual shooting war, to the highest risk of conflict.
