China Fears Bring the U.S. Military Back to the Philippines

The Philippines booted the U.S. military out of the country 25 years ago, deriding the American troops as unwelcome guests and living symbols of colonialism. Now, fearful of a rising China, Manila is asking Washington to send them back.

12/01/2016

Japan Eyes Bigger South China Sea Presence in 2016

Japan has decided to boost its presence in the South China Sea in 2016 with patrol aircraft making transits in key locations along those waters, sources have told The Yomiuri Shimbun.

12/01/2016

Weekly News 11/01 - 17/01

-(Asia Nikkei 17/01) Abe rips G-2, says China's maritime moves 'cannot be tolerated', and the international community should raise its voice against this -(Reuters 17/01) South China Sea? For Beijing, Taiwan is the No. 1 security issue: After 8 years of calm in what had been one of Asia's powder kegs, the landslide election of an independence-leaning opposition leader has thrust Taiwan back into...

12/01/2016

China determined to project forces in the South China Sea

The 7 artificial islands occupied by China is the real game changer. Upon the completion of airfield, ports and necessary military equipment, it fully unleashes the threats. China could deny access between the southern part and the central part of Spratly islands.

12/01/2016

Weekly Bulletin 04/01 - 10/01

China continues conducting test flights at newly-built airfield in SCS; Vietnam protests China’s second test flight in SCS; The U.S expressed a serious concern with China’s test flight in the Spratly; The UK and the Philippines back navigation, overflight in SCS.

15/01/2016

South China Sea? For Beijing, Taiwan is the No. 1 security issue

For China, whose President Xi Jinping is already taking an increasingly muscular approach to claims in the East and South China Sea, the question of Taiwan trumps any other of its territorial assertions in terms of sensitivity and importance.

17/01/2016

Deterring Chinese Coercion in the South China Sea

Diplomatically, the U.S. needs to upgrade diplomatic ties with new Southeast Asian partners, especially Vietnam, to a strategic partnership. This is important for several reasons....

17/01/2016

South China Sea dispute: British ambassador steps into row over pilot 'intimidation'

The British ambassador to the Philippines has said Britain would oppose any attempt to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight in disputed areas of the South China Sea, after Filipino pilots said they were sent “intimidating” radio warnings while flying near artificial islands made by China.

19/01/2016

Weekly News 18/01 - 24/01

-(WSJ 25.01) John Kerry in Asia to Press China on North Korea Nuclear Test, South China Sea; (Reuters 24.01) Urging ASEAN unity over South China Sea -(NDTV 24/01) Countries Should Play By Same Rules In South China Sea: the U.S. President Barack Obama also said India and US will continue to expand their military exercises and maritime cooperation.

19/01/2016

Weekly Bulletin 11/01-17/01

China landed first tourist on artificial island in the Spratly; Vietnam demands China to stop test flight on artificial island; Philippine court allows military deal with U.S. as sides meet in Washington; Malaysia worry China’s provocation in the South China Sea

20/01/2016