US Embassy in Manila: Controversy over Spratly Islands territorial

The underlying controversy over the Spratlys strikes a chord in Philippine national pride, both because of the awareness that the Philippine armed forces cannot defend the Philippines' claim to the islands, and because of concern over growing Chinese influence in the region. In addition, there is widespread suspicion that corruption may influence Philippine policy.

10/03/2012

Weekly News 12/3-18/3

-(Nytimes 15/3) Six Monks vs. One Warship: Asia has seen varying displays of hard power and soft power in recent days; Party Ousts Chinese Regional Chief, Halting His Rise -(Channelnewsasia 15/3) Pacific big enough for all of us, says China: The Chinese ambassador to the Philippines on Wednesday moved to calm growing fears of armed confrontation in the Pacific

13/03/2012

AIT In Taiwan: Coast guard asks for USG intervention over South China sea dispute

Taiwan coast guard minister Syu Huei-You met with AIT director June 3 to request USG assistance over recent suspected PRC incursions around the disputed Pratas island. Syu noting that PRC exploration in the disputed East China Sea has effectively marginalized Taiwan's ability to enforce its EEZ claims there. The Director registered concern over the lack of prior U.S.-Taiwan coordination over the incident,...

19/03/2012

Weekly News 19/3-25/3

-(Economist 24/3) Full unclosure? As oil-and-gas exploration intensifies, so does the bickering -(Foreignaffairs 22/3) All Quiet in the South China Sea: Beijing is also unlikely to be more assertive if that sustains Southeast Asian countries' desires to further deepen ties with the United States.

19/03/2012

Weekly News 26/3-1/4

(-Scmp 27/3) Territorial claims set out in map of South China Sea: Mainland authorities will publish a map of the South China Sea this year to strengthen their claim to the disputed region

27/03/2012

Weekly News 26/3-1/4

-(The-diplomat 31/3)Will ASEAN Tackle South China Sea? Burma is likely to be the main talking point at next week’s ASEAN summit. But will they dare tackle China’s territorial claims? -(Philstar 31/3) 'US should provide Phl with military hardware': in light of heightening tensions in the South China Sea, Robert Warshaw of the Heritage Foundation said.

27/03/2012

Weekly News 2/4-8/4

-(Economist 6/4) China’s military rise: There are ways to reduce the threat to stability that an emerging superpower poses -(Thehindu 5/4) South China Sea projects ‘risky for India' if its companies continue exploring for oil in blocks off the coast of Vietnam in the disputed South China Sea

03/04/2012

Weekly News 9/4-15/4

-(ND 13/4) Vietnam welcomes oil related partnerships with foreigners: Vietnam welcomes oil-related partnerships with foreigners in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Foreign Ministry spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi said -(Tuoitrenews 13/4) Khanh Hoa monks set sail for Truong Sa: A delegation, including five out of six monks who have volunteered to practice Buddhism in Truong Sa (Spratly)...

09/04/2012

Weekly News 16/4-22/4

-(Atimes 20/4) China tests the will of the Philippines: David met Goliath on a tiny spit of rock and sand off the western coast of Luzon in the Philippines earlier this month. -(Inquirer 20/4) China deploys gunboat: China has dispatched a powerful military vessel in the South China Sea after rejecting a Philippine proposal to submit the Panatag Shoal dispute to international arbitration

17/04/2012

Weekly News 23/4-29/4

-(Chinadaily 27/4) Military makes solemn vow on territory: The armed forces have vowed to "fulfill their duty" to safeguard China's territory in the South China Sea, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday -(Washingtontimes 26/4) China OKs supply dock in disputed islands: China's government said Thursday that it had approved a provincial proposal to build a supply dock in the South China...

24/04/2012