High-tech Chinese ships are mapping waters close to Papua New Guinea just as the United States and Australia begin upgrading a naval base on Manus Island. The deep-water Chinese scientific surveys are part of Beijing's unprecedented oceanographic research of the Western Pacific, in an area experts believe could be crucial in any future maritime conflict with the US.

Military analysis of GPS satellite data reveals two Chinese research vessels entered PNG's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) north of Manus Island, just weeks after US Vice President Mike Pence announced a joint redevelopment of the ageing Lombrum naval base.

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Posted on - 2019-04-22

Tehran is prepared for a U.S. decision to end waivers granted to buyers of Iranian crude, an Iranian oil ministry source said on Monday, as the Revolutionary Guards repeated their threat to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported.

The United States will fail to cut Iranian oil exports to zero, the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Monday quoted an unnamed Iranian oil ministry source as saying.

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Posted on - 2019-04-22

Beyond Helsinki’s stunning oceanic horizon lies a myriad of hidden, unspoiled islands just waiting to be explored. A mosaic of narrow channels and passages the archipelago is a sight to behold from the city’s coastline and yet it is only enjoyed upfront by the privileged few who have access to private boats. With the help of the City of Helsinki’s Maritime Strategy Project, this is about to change.

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Posted on - 2019-04-22