China's 'One Belt One Road' Is a Big Deal. So What Is the Role for Beijing's Military?

President-elect Donald Trump is set to make his mark on U.S. foreign policy. As a sign of the great anxiety that has taken hold across the Asia-Pacific, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has scurried across the Pacific to be the very first foreign leader to meet the president-elect.

21/11/2016

Weekly Bulletin 14/11-20/11

Xi tells Duterte that Scarborough Shoal will stay open to Philippine fishermen; China to begin building two research vessels; USPACOM chief eyes coastal defence artillery for South China Sea; Japan announces plans to enhance defence cooperation with ASEAN…

22/11/2016

China's Shiny New Air Bases in the South China Sea

A colorful graphic insert from the June 2016 Chinese naval magazine Naval and Merchant Ships [舰船知识] offers a troubling glimpse of one possible future for the South China Sea.

28/11/2016

Weekly Bulletin 21/11-27/11

Vietnam, Italy share views abouth the South China Sea disputes; Philippines, U.S. agree to reduce joint military drills; Japan to train Philippine naval pilots; Vietnam’s President calls for peaceful resolutions for the SCS disputes…

29/11/2016

The Hague's South China Sea Ruling: Implications for East Asian Security

The South China Sea is one of the most important waterways in the world. Every year, $5 trillion worth of goods pass through it, including almost all of the oil imported by China, Japan, and South Korea. Tens of millions of people depend upon its fisheries for either food or livelihood. It is the strategic gateway between the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

29/11/2016

Weekly News 28/11 - 04/12

-(Nikkei 31/11) Trump should get tough in the South China Sea: Smart diplomacy could produce stronger, more self-reliant Asian allies -(Bloomberg 30/11) China-Singapore Tensions Spill Into Open After Customs Spat: The seizure “kills two birds with one stone by demonstrating China’s displeasure with Taiwan’s military engagement with other countries.”

29/11/2016

Weekly News 05/12 - 11/12

-(The Diplomat 05/12) Donald Trump Just Gave Chinese Hawks a Great Talking Point on the South China Sea: Donald Trump’s brief remark on the South China Sea may be more significant than you think. -(Reuters 05/11) Who collects costs for Trump's Taiwan call? The Global Times said punishing Taiwan was the best way to convey a message to Trump.

05/12/2016

Weekly Bulletin 28/11-4/12

Vietnam opposes Taiwan’s drill in Spratlys; China to make documentary on South China Sea ecology; Trump takes on China in tweets on South China Sea; US Coast Guard chief seeks expanded Asia-Pacific role…

06/12/2016

Rubio Calls for Sanctions on Beijing for South China Sea Antics

One-time presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio (R.-Fla.) introduced a billTuesday that would slap sanctions on China for its destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas, where Beijing has built artificial islands and airfields and warned neighboring countries to stay out.  

07/12/2016

Weekly News 12/12-18/12

- (Dailymail 12/12) China 'sends message to Trump' by flying nuclear-capable bomber over South China Sea for the first time since The Donald's controversial phone call with Taiwan's leader. -(Reuters 12/12) Trump says U.S. not necessarily bound by 'one China' policy, questioning nearly four decades of policy in a move likely to antagonize Beijing.

12/12/2016