New U.S. Security Strategy Doesn’t Go Far Enough on South China Sea

The Pentagon just released an “Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy.” The document articulates three regional maritime objectives heretofore insufficiently stressed and linked: “to safeguard the freedom of the seas; deter conflict and coercion; and promote adherence to international law and standards.”

24/08/2015

Weekly News 24/08-30/08

-(IBT 30/08) South China Sea tensions threaten Australia's interests; Australia seeks tighter alliance with the U.S. -(Thevoicetimes 30/08) US Unveils New South China Sea Strategy: no singular state establishes complete control over an international water body or asserts its jurisdiction outside of its designated territorial waters.

25/08/2015

Weekly Bulletin 10/8-16/8

PLA to conduct live-fire shooting training from Aug. 12 to 13; Philippines to China: Ensure freedom of navigation, halt construction; Seoul's Position on the South China Sea Issue; Chinese Surveillance Ship Parks Near Contested Shoal

25/08/2015

Changing Tides in South China Sea

China’s rapid effort to build artificial islands in the South China Sea is far more than a diplomatic challenge. For China’s neighbors and the United States, it could soon become a serious military problem as well.

26/08/2015

Weekly News 31/08 - 06/09

-(AsianReview 06/09)  US warships might make a pass by China's man-made islets, the government is leaning that way in the wake of Chinese navy vessels' recent passage through U.S. territorial waters off Alaska. -(Inquirer 06/09) DND urges China to practice ‘commitment to peace’: “We call on China’s government to show its sincerity by, at the least, stopping all ongoing construction and militarization...

03/09/2015

Australia alarmed by strategic rivalry in South China Sea

Australia expressed alarm on September 2 at escalating strategic rivalry in the South China Sea, saying it puts Asia at the risk of a military blunder with potentially serious consequences.

03/09/2015

America Must Take a Stand in the South China Sea

If we are not prepared to back our principles with strength, then we should not be surprised when an opportunistic and increasingly capable China takes full advantage of a vacuum of power.

05/09/2015

Weekly Bulletin 17/08-23/08

Vietnam concerned about Indonesia’s sinking of fishing boats; Malaysia lodges diplomatic protest against Beting Patinggi Ali intrusion; US vows to upgrade PH military; The US reiterated the right of flying, sailing and operating in the South China Sea.

08/09/2015

Weekly News 07/09-13/09

-(NewsWeek 13/09) What Will The Obama-Xi Summit Achieve? …The U.S will not get agreement by China to stop pushing forward on claims in the South China Sea…China claims that is not the business of the United States. -(Bostonherald 12/09) China Just Sent a Message to America: Don’t Mess With Us: Despite talk of peace, Beijing was sending a message to the region and to the world, especially the United...

09/09/2015

Asia’s arms race to control the sea

Asia’s weapons acquisition statistics show a sustained build-up. In 2012, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported that the volume of arms transfers into Southeast Asia had grown by 200 per cent.

09/09/2015