The South China Sea is a complex geopolitical issue involving territorial disputes, military tensions, and conflicting claims by littoral countries including China. Analysts say as the waterway is one of Beijing’s core interests, it is also listed as “highly sensitive” by censors.

The arrests come as confrontations between the two Asian neighbours over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months

An expert told Newsweek China is hostile due to frustration at the presence of the U.S. Typhon missile system in the Philippines.

One fictional student in the 40-page comic book describes China as a bully and another says Beijing's "behavior is outrageous."