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Activities of the Claimants

China

China's second aircraft carrier will be "larger"

A senior officer with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy said on April 23rd that "China will have more than one aircraft carrier." Song Xue, deputy chief of staff of the PLA Navy, told foreign military attaches at a ceremony to celebrate the Navy's 64th founding anniversary in Beijing, "The next aircraft carrier we need will be larger and carry more fighters."

China slams Philippine bid to 'legalize' occupation of islands

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China accused the Philippines on April 26th of trying to legalize its occupation of islands in the disputed South China Sea, repeating that Beijing would never agree to international arbitration. "The Philippine side is trying to use this to negate China's territorial sovereignty and attach a veneer of 'legality' to its illegal occupation of Chinese islands and reefs," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said. "China's refusal to accept the Philippines' request for arbitration has full grounding in international law," she said.

China to start its illegal plan to bring tourists to Hoang Sa Island

The first group of Chinese tourists sailed to the Hoang Sa Islands on April 28th, as part of a illegal plan to develop tourism in the South China Sea. The local government says tourists will eat and sleep on the cruise ship, "Coconut Princess", and land on the islands for sightseeing.

Taiwan plans to open South China Sea park

Related Taiwanese government agencies and experts are currently conducting evaluations on whether to open an offshore island national park in the South China Sea for tourism and environmental education activities, the Taiwanese Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) said recently. “Experts are now in talks on whether to allow tourists to visit Dongsha Island located in the Dongsha Atoll National Par,” Lyu jhih-guang, deputy director of the MNPH told The China Post during a recent interview.nAccording to Lyu, the national park was officially founded in 2007.

Vietnam

China’s map, oceanic master plan valueless

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi has described a recently-released map of the People’s Republic of China and China’s 12th five-year-plan for national oceanic development as totally valueless. Nghi made the affirmation in Hanoi on April 24th while answering reporters’ queries on Vietnam’s response to the newly-released map and the five-year plan, which violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly), as well as its sovereignty and jurisdiction rights in the East Sea. “China’s circulation of the map and announcement of the aforementioned master plan seriously violate Vietnam ’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa and Vietnam ’s sovereignty and jurisdiction rights in the East Sea,” he said. 

Full statement

Vietnam affirms legitimate rights, interests in East Sea

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Vietnam will adopt every suitable and necessary peaceful measure to defend sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction as well as its legal and legitimate national interests in the East Sea in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement in Hanoi on April 26th while answering reporters’ questions on Vietnam ’s response to the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)’s appointment of arbitrators to the Ad hoc Arbitration Tribunal that was established pursuant to Annex VII of the 1982 UNCLOS. “As a coastal country with its legal and legitimate national rights and interests in the East Sea, Vietnam takes an interest in and keep a close watch on the process of the lawsuit”, he said.

Full statement

Vietnam exercises sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa

Vietnam has established and exercised its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in a peaceful and continuous manner in line with international law at least since the 17 th century. The fact was proved by legal and historical evidence which were presented to the delegates at an international seminar on Vietnam ’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos held in central Quang Ngai province. During their discussions, the delegates analysed these legal and historical evidence, agreeing that Vietnam possesses the legal documents affirming the states of Vietnam have established and exercised their sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos at least since the 17 th century.

Quang Ngai commemorates Hoang Sa sailors

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A traditional ceremony commemorating sailors of Hoang Sa (Paracel) Flotilla, took place in An Vinh communal temple, Ly Son island district, central Quang Ngai province on April 28th.  Also on the occasion, the district authorities received certificates recognizing “Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa” (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldier) as part of the national intangible heritage and the An Vinh communal temple as a national historical site.

The Philippines

Philippines satisfied with ASEAN talks on South China Sea

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said he believes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is moving "in the right direction" when its leaders spoke of the need for a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes in the South China Sea with no member-state objecting. The issue was discussed April 24th during the working dinner hosted by Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Prime Minister's Office who brought up the topic and spoke of the need to maintain "calm" in the region and "sober dialogue." "There might be a consensus reached that really pushes the matter forward to really define everybody's entitlements and obligations. It is one of the priority areas and nobody has objected and everybody was listening and discussing it. So that I think is a step in the right direction," Aquino said after the working dinner.

5-member UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal fully constituted with appointment by ITLOS President of remaining three judges

The Department of Foreign Affairs announced on April 25th that the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has appointed the remaining three members of the five-member UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal including the President that will hear the Statement of Claim filed by the Philippines against China on the South China Sea. The President transmitted a letter to Solicitor General Francis H. Jardeleza, Head of the Philippine Legal Team, dated 24 April 2013, informing the Philippines of the appointment to the Arbitral Tribunal of Mr. Jean-Pierre Cot (France), Mr. Chris Pinto (Sri Lanka) and Mr. Alfred Soons (The Netherlands). 

 

European Parliament adopts resolution supporting Philneippine arbitration on the South China Sea issue

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The European Parliament adopted a resolution on March 14th approving a report which included its support to the Philippines’ arbitration initiative, under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in clarifying the country’s maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. In the said resolution, a paragraph on the South China Sea was included, viz: “...underlines the global importance of the South China Sea through which one third of the world’s trade passes through it; is alarmed at the escalating tension and therefore urgently appeals to all parties involved to refrain from unilateral political and military actions, to tone down statements and to settle their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Seas by means of international arbitration in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in order to ensure regional stability.” “The European Parliament’s resolution is a milestone in the efforts of our country to generate awareness and support for our arbitration efforts,” PhilippineForeign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said.

Philippines accuses China of "de facto occupation"

The Philippines on April 26th accused Beijing of engaging in the "de facto occupation" of a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, following a face-off that began last year. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said three Chinese government ships remained in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, scaring off local fishermen. "The Chinese have tried to establish a de facto occupation," he told reporters. He said the Philippines tried to settle the matter through talks but when this failed, it was forced to ask a UN tribunal to strike down China's claims.

Indonesia

ASEAN to be on the same page in the South China Sea issue

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa emphasised ahead of the two-day summit beginning April 24th in Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan that ASEAN must put up a united front on the South China Sea. "ASEAN can only influence developments if we are strong... we need to be on the same page," Natalegawa told AFP. Natalegawa said earlier this month that foreign ministers from ASEAN and China will hold a special meeting to hasten progress on a code of conduct, but no further details have been announced.

Thailand

Ministers seek accord at 'retreat'

Asean foreign ministers have agreed to hold a "retreat" to flesh out a common position on South China Sea maritime disputes prior to a meeting with China. The retreat would be held ahead of a special China-Asean foreign ministers meeting in August, which will serve as a prelude to the full Asean-China Summit later in the year. Thai Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew said the proposal was raised by Thailand during the Asean Summit which ended on April 25th in Brunei.

The U.S.

U.S. Committed to Pacific Rebalance

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Even given fiscal constraints, the U.S. military still can carry out the strategic rebalance to the Pacific, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said at the Harvard Institute of Politics on April 23rd. Northeast Asia always has been the center of gravity for American forces, he added, but now, more forces will be in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean area. “This is a recognition of the importance of Southeast Asia and South Asia to the region as a whole,” he explained. 

Regional Snapshots

U.S. - China to boost military cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 23rd met with U.S. top military officer Martin Dempsey and called for deeper mutual trust between the two militaries as well as the two countries. Xi said both countries should take a strategic and long-term view of China-U.S. relations and enrich the framework of their cooperative partnership in quest of a new type of relations between major powers that features equality, mutual trust, tolerance, mutual learning and win-win cooperation. Dempsey said the U.S. side is ready to work with the Chinese side to strengthen mutual trust and overcome obstacles to boost the military-to-military relations in the direction set by the two presidents.

22nd ASEAN Summit takes place at Brunei

Themed “Our people, Our future”, the summit will discuss several topics, including ASEAN’s 2013 priorities; accelerating ASEAN community formation and future orientation; as well as expanding the bloc’s external relations and promoting ASEAN’s central role in the shaping of regional structure. ASEAN leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, particularly those that ensure peace, security and development cooperation in the region and East Sea issue, as well as cooperation in adapting to challenges such as environmental change, natural disasters, epidemics and other non-traditional security challenges. On April 25th, 22nd ASEAN Summit issued Chairman’s statement, emphasizing on the importance of peace, stability and maritime security in the South China Sea. 

ASEAN to talk East Sea with China

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Answering reporters’ queries on the sidelines of the 22nd ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh stressed that the East Sea is an important shipping lane for the region and the world, so maritime security should be protected. "ASEAN is open and willing to engage with China on this issue; we've done so already at the 19th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation. We've also agreed with the Chinese side to hold a ministerial level meeting later this year," he added.

4th China-Philippines consultation on defense and security held

China and Philippines launched their 4th national defense consultation on defense and security in Beijing on April 27th. Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and Honorio S. Azcueta, the visiting undersecretary of Philippines’ national defense attended the consultation. Qi Jianguo told the Filipino guests that China consistently adheres to the neighboring diplomatic policy of “being a good neighbor and partner” and hopes the Filipino side to join China’s efforts to push forward the improvement and development of the relations between the two countries and jointly safeguard the regional peace and stability. Azcueta said that Philippines attaches great importance to the relations with China and is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to enhance the communication and dialogue as well as to promote the cooperation and exchanges between the defense departments of the two countries.

Commentaries & Analyses

Japan’s Growing Angst over the South China Sea

By Ian Storey

Japan is not a claimant, but as a major maritime trading nation it is a significant stakeholder in the dispute. It has two major concerns over the South China Sea. First, that instability has the potential to disrupt the free flow of maritime trade on which the country’s economic prosperity depends. Second, that if China is able to persuade or coerce other Asian nations into accepting its claimed “historic rights” in the South China Sea, existing international legal norms would be undermined. Japan is paying particular attention to the Philippines. Tokyo was perturbed by the Scarborough Shoal standoff in April-May 2012, in which the Philippines was forced to back down and China essentially seized control of the reef. Japan is concerned that China is pursuing a similar strategy in the East China Sea, i.e. using its maritime law enforcement agency vessels to achieve de facto control of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. To mitigate its concerns, Japan is pursuing a number of strategies: it raises the problem at regional security forums; it tries to encourage ASEAN unity on issues of maritime security; it discusses the problem bilaterally with Southeast Asian countries and provides capacity building support to selected claimants (principally the Philippines); and it seeks closer ties with other external stakeholders which share its concerns. In the future, the Abe government seems certain to continue its push to ensure that the South China Sea never becomes “Lake Beijing”.

China Consolidates Claim In South China Sea

By Mandip Singh

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Having buttressed its claims with legitimacy of its sovereign rights, China is now moving towards slowly consolidating its claims. Significantly, in early April China hosted the 12th annual Boao Forum for Asia (BFA)—a congregation of 2,500 industrialists and business community from over 30 countries—at Sanya, in Hainan Province. It must be noted here that Hainan also administers the Xisha (Paracel), Zhongsha (Pratas), and Nansha (Spratlys) islands in the South China Sea. The significance of the venue would not have escaped the attention of the international community. While the conference was in progress, China announced that the Xisha islands, disputed between China, Taiwan and Vietnam, would be open to tourism from May this year. On March 19th, a flotilla consisting of four principal warships and other auxiliaries led by the Jinggangshan, an amphibious Landing Platform Dock (LPD) warship of the South China fleet, carried out a 5,000 nautical mile voyage in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific Ocean. The flotilla followed the general alignment of the “nine-dash” line in a demonstration of China’s claims in the region. The most symbolic of all was Xi Jinping’s visit to Sanya naval base. The base is home to China’s submarines, particularly the nuclear submarines, which are moored in tunnels drilled inland from the sea. Sanya is “key to asserting China’s claims and is home to some of the Navy’s most modern vessels and an extensive submarine base”, according to the Washington Post, and is the southern-most base of the PLAN. This was Xi’s first visit to the PLA as President and an indication of the Party’s concerns on the importance of the South China Sea. The trend is unmistakable. In all his visits to military establishments, Xi has been asking the military to be prepared, indicating that sooner or later there would be a need to flex muscle. Earlier in December 2012, immediately on taking over as the Party General Secretary, he had made his first visit to Guangdong Military region, the military region which is responsible of prosecuting operations in the South China Sea.In short, China continues to pursue its agenda on the South China Sea, employing its political, diplomatic and military departments in a well-coordinated and planned manner. More importantly, the new dispensation has shown no let-down in its support to press on with the issue, and continues to pursue its policy of “non-negotiation” on the issue of sovereignty of the territory within the “nine-dash” line. This policy will only get more aggressive with the passage of time as the Party has raised the decibel level and any compromise or come down could only be construed as weakness and ineptitude, something that would be disastrous for the Party’s image even as it begins to consolidate itself for the next decade.

 

In Brunei, a Softer Tone on China

By Martin Vaughan

Southeast Asian leaders meeting in Brunei for an annual summit are toning down their rhetoric on regional differences over China’s incursions in the South China Sea that in the past have soured these kinds of meetings. The goal, officials here say, is to avoid a breakdown like the one last summer at which Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers failed to issue a closing statement — a rare event for ASEAN — because of differences over how aggressive a tone to take on the South China Sea. In order to keep emotions from rising too high, Brunei, which holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN this year, had a clear strategy: let countries with territorial claims to the sea, like the Philippines and Vietnam, air their feelings early, and make it clear that the dispute is on the agenda and will be addressed in the formal communique. That is in contrast with the approach taken by the 2012 ASEAN chair Cambodia, which started out insisting that South China Sea issues were outside of the scope of the ASEAN agenda. This time, Brunei aims to steer clear of deadlines or any confrontational language that might ruffle China’s allies in the regional bloc, like Cambodia and Thailand. So far, ASEAN officials seem to be sticking to the script, calling for progress toward a binding code of conduct that would govern activities in disputed territories by China and Southeast Asian rival claimants. “It’s a good thing that at the first meeting the issue has already become part of the topic. So we should really be thankful that the whole of the ASEAN is willing to discuss this instead of putting it on the backburner,” Philippine President Benigno Aquino said in a briefing with reporters late Wednesday evening. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand’s permanent secretary for foreign affairs, said the focus for this ASEAN summit is smoothing over disagreements so parties can move forward on a binding code of conduct, without setting a firm timeline for that to happen. “The overlapping claims have been there for a long time, and I think what we need to do is de-escalate the tensions,” he said in an interview.

China and Asean: Ways to boost a good relationship

By Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

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The relationship between China-ASEAN has entered its third decade, and we need to redouble efforts to ensure its robust and sustainable growth in the new era. To this end, both sides should take the following steps: First, we should maintain close contact. The new Chinese government and leadership attach great importance to Asean and hope to have stronger ties and more exchanges with Asean. It is important to increase dialogue, mutual understanding and trust when problems arise. Second, we should continue to advance result-oriented cooperation. There are three priorities for us. First, building of the CAFTA should be promoted. We should fully unleash the potential of CAFTA and actively promote negotiations on the RCEP. Opening-up boosts productivity and provides inexhaustible power driving the growth of East Asia. We must maintain the momentum and be eager to break new ground. Second, connectivity should be enhanced, including infrastructure and industrial layout, software such as institutional arrangements, and people-to-people exchanges. At the same time, we need to discuss establishing a regional financing platform so as to remove bottlenecks in financing. Third, maritime cooperation should be advanced. We should make good use of the China-Asean Maritime Cooperation Fund and actively explore ways to boost pragmatic maritime cooperation. Maritime diplomacy is a common agenda. We must resolve maritime disputes by expanding cooperation and make such cooperation a new pillar underpinning the China-Asean strategic partnership. Third, we should properly handle the South China Sea issue. With peace and stability in mind, China and Asean signed the DOC 11 years ago. It is explicitly stated in the DOC that disputes in the South China Sea shall be resolved by peaceful means through consultations and negotiations by sovereign states concerned. The South China Sea issue should not affect the larger interests of China-Asean friendship and cooperation. We should fully implement the DOC, and make full use of senior officials' meetings and working groups. To adopt a code of conduct in the South China Sea is part of the efforts to implement the DOC. At present, we should maintain dialogue, increase mutual trust and build consensus so as to create conditions for formal consultation. In this process, all parties should exercise restraint and refrain from doing anything that is incompatible with the DOC.  Upholding peace and stability, promoting development and prosperity, and achieving win-win cooperation in Asia are not only the common aspirations of countries in the region, but also the irresistible trends of the times. The China-Asean relationship has made great strides. We have every reason to believe that with our joint efforts, the relationship will have a great future.