Duterte’s Uncertain China Gamble

Breaking with tradition, the Philippines’ controversial leader Rodrigo Duterte chose China for the first major state visit of his presidency. Traditionally, Filipino leaders have visited “all-weather” friends such as Washington or Tokyo before Beijing. This time, however, the Filipino president decided to postpone a scheduled visit to Japan in favor of China, while signaling strategic “separation”...

03/11/2016

Weekly News 31/10 - 6/11

 -(Thediplomat 04/11) Sub Hunters in the South China Sea? China Launches 4: China is launching one new corvette every six weeks.   -(MorningnewsUSA 03/11) Australia to Team Up With Indonesia in Sea Patrols: Julie Bishop, Australia’s foreign minister said her country is seriously considering talking with the Indonesian government in such endeavor

04/11/2016

Post-election, will the US have an Asia policy?

The Obama administration’s rebalance to Asia has sought to energise US partnerships in the region, stabilise relations with an increasingly assertive China and embed the United States in the economic prosperity of the region. But as Obama’s time in office comes to an end, the rebalance has been found wanting. 

05/11/2016

Weekly Bulletin 31/10-6/11

Vietnam welcomes Philippines’s settlement of fishermen issue; China still controls Scarborough Shoal; Indonesian President Joko Widodo says 'no compromise on sovereignty'; US, Royal Cambodian Forces Combine for CARAT Cambodia 2016…

07/11/2016

Follow the Fish: Considering Options in the South China Sea

Nearly four months after the landmark UNCLOS arbitration ruling in the case brought by the Philippines against China, President Rodrigo Duterte’s about-face in his approach to the Philippines’ bilateral disputes with China has dominated regional discussion.

07/11/2016

Weekly News 7/11-13/11

-(Inquirer 6/11) Indonesia to boost military in South China Sea amid dispute, equiping Natuna with a port and extend its military air base runway. -(Reuters 5/11) Amid South China Sea tension, defence exporters flock to Indonesia -(Focustaiwan 6/11) Taiwan to hold humanitarian rescue drill in South China Sea at the end of this month, focusing on humanitarian rescue missions.

07/11/2016

Weekly Bulletin 7/11-13/11

Vietnam opposes Indonesia’s force use against its fishermen; Philippines resumes patrol operations at Scarborough Shoal; Indonesia to boost military in South China Sea; Vietnam wants to develop stable ties with China…

14/11/2016

Next Stop South China Sea? China’s 1st Aircraft Carrier ‘Ready for Combat’

A communist party official claims that China’s sole carrier is “constantly prepared for war.” The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) first aircraft carrier is ready for combat operations, Chinese state media claimed on November 15.

15/11/2016

Weekly News 14/11-20/11

-(Vietnamnews 15/11) International East Sea (South China Sea) conference kicks off in Nha Trang, Vietnam: Experts called for more attention on sustainability of the ocean ecology at the conference. -(VOA News 14/11) Trump Expected to Take Tough but Brief Action in South China Sea: Some experts predicthat he will make a few strident anti-Beijing military moves in the area to prove a point and then...

15/11/2016

Weekly News 21/11 - 27/11

-(Reuters 24/11) China will defend WTO rights if Trump moves on tariffs: "China will take a tit-for-tat approach then." the Globaltimes warned. -(Nationmultimedia 23/11) Beijing may test Trump over South China Sea: Looking back to the experiences in 2001 and 2009 after George W Bush and Barack Obama took office respectively, China has had a habit of testing incoming administrations.

21/11/2016