March 2025 has brought a surge in maritime military activity, geopolitical maneuvering, and strategic positioning across global hotspots. From intensifying naval exercises in East Asia to increased drug interdiction efforts in the Caribbean and Atlantic, this month’s intelligence highlights the dynamic and complex nature of the maritime security environment. Here’s Dryad Global’s latest analysis.
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 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 flexed its muscles with submarine-launched Kalibr cruise missile drills from the Sea of Japan. These exercises, including a schedule of gunnery operations through late April, reinforce Russia’s regional capabilities near Vladivostok and suggest coordinated strategic aims in the region.
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—potentially for use in a Taiwan contingency scenario.
Pacific Expansion and Strategic Port Deals
Further afield, 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.
Regional Incident Snapshots
• Russian Cargo Ship Fire: Six crew injured as a vessel caught fire off South Korea.
• Somalia Offers Berbera Port Access: Somalia has reportedly offered the U.S. full control over the Port of Berbera in Somaliland, expanding strategic interest in the Red Sea.
• Maritime Drug Interdictions:
• 2.5 tonnes of drugs seized at Guayaquil, Ecuador
• 1.2 tonnes intercepted in the Caribbean by French forces
• 320kg marijuana seizure in Altamira, Mexico
• Submarine smuggling 6.5 tonnes of cocaine intercepted en route to Europe
• Multiple cocaine seizures reported in Colombia and Puerto Rico
Security Hotspots: Snapshot by Region
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. ReCAAP ISC recently issued warnings about rising incidents in the Singapore Strait, underlining the need for enhanced vessel awareness.
Global Snapshot
Across multiple regions, the threat of narcotics trafficking, piracy, and state-backed maritime military posturing remains prominent. These incidents reflect the evolving complexity of global maritime security – with risks ranging from geopolitical tensions to transnational crime.
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