Researchers newly identified a “supergiant” sea bug species off the coast of south-central Vietnam, but scientists worry about its vulnerability to overfishing.

The giant isopod has been named Bathynomus vaderi due to its resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic helmet from "Star Wars."

Chinese Coast Guard ships fire water cannons at Unaizah May 4, a Philippine Navy chartered vessel, conducting a routine resupply mission to troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, on March 5, 2024, in the South China Sea. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

Bathynomus vaderi, a newly discovered giant isopod in Vietnam, is now a popular delicacy and highlights the urgent need to study and sustainably manage deep-sea ecosystems. Giant isopods of the genus Bathynomus,

China and Vietnam should work on developing stable industrial supply chains between the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in a phone call with the head of the Vietnamese Communist Party.

The exercise around the Scarborough shoal, one of Asia's most hotly contested areas, was aimed at enhancing the navy's capability to secure what it said were Philippine waters and the country's territorial integrity, the navy said in a statement.

Bathynomus vaderi are considered a delicacy in Vietnam where they have become expensive additions to dishes with some customers even claiming they are tastier than lobsters

A Philippine security official says China is “pushing us to the wall” with growing aggression in the disputed South China Sea and warned that “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response, incl

The Philippines has threatened international lawsuits against China for the action, which it says is another sign of the country's ongoing aggression in the area.

Partnering with Southeast Asia is “vital for regional peace and stability,” Japan’s top diplomat says during Manila visit.

The risk of a China-US conflict in the Sea is set to rise in 2025, fuelled by incoming president Donald Trump's expected assertive and confrontational approach, a prominent Chinese scholar has warned.