-(PhilStar 20/12) ‘Deal on US troops’ rotational presence unlikely this year’: Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin remains upbeat on talks regarding the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country but admitted that an agreement may not be signed this year. AFP commissions 3 new Navy helicopters
-(Manila Bulletin 19/12) Aquino, Kerry affirm PH-US partnership: Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and United States Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday affirmed the two nations’ partnership in preserving freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. –(PhilStar 19/12) US statement vs China to help reduce tension over sea row
-(GMA Network 18/12) Philippines hopes China will rethink air defense zone policy: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday expressed hope that the United States' statement against China's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea would lead China to rethink its policy.
-(ABS-CBN News 18/12) China urges US caution amid maritime disputes: China on Wednesday urged the United States to be "cautious about its words and actions" and not take sides over maritime disputes involving Beijing and its neighbors.
-(Reuters 18/12) China, U.S. need ‘Cold War rulebook' to avoid air, sea mishap: A lack of detailed operational guidelines between the Chinese military and the United States and its allies is heightening fears that a miscalculation or mishap across Asia's crowded seas and skies could get out of control. China confirms near miss with U.S. ship in South China Sea
-(Taipei Times 18/12) US tries to avoid Taiwan in S China Sea dispute: A senior US Department of State official has been jumping through hoops to avoid commenting on Taiwan’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
-(The Diplomat 18/12) Vietnam, the US, and China: A Love Triangle? As part of the rebalance to Asia, the U.S. continues to woo Vietnam while China looks on.
-(Channel NewsAsia 17/12) US warns China against imposing South China Sea air zone: US Secretary of State John Kerry warned China Tuesday against imposing an air defence zone over the South China Sea, similar to one it declared over disputed islands in the East China Sea. –(The Jakarta Post 17/12) The turbulent South China Sea
-(Foxnews 17/12) US boosts support for Philippine security forces amid South China Sea tension: The United States will provide the Philippines' security forces with $40 million in new assistance in part to help the country protect its territorial waters amid rising tensions with China over disputes in the South China Sea, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday while urging all the nations involved to "lower the intensity." –(InterAksyon 17/12) Kerry backs Philippines, warns China vs declaring air defense zone in South China Sea
-(Reuters 17/12) Kerry plays down tension with China in maritime disputes: Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday played down tension with China over the East China Sea, saying U.S. efforts to strengthen maritime security in South East Asia were part of a normal process to help allies defend themselves better.
-(VOV World 17/12) Vietnamese Prime Minister welcomes US State Secretary: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and US State Secretary John Kerry have expressed satisfaction with the positive development of Vietnam-US relations at Monday’s meeting in Hanoi. –(Vietnamplus 16/12) Deputy PM: Vietnam treasures ties with US
-(Channel NewsAsia 16/12) US offers new support for Vietnam maritime security: Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday the United States would help Vietnam and other countries police their seas better amid territorial disputes with China, as he met top leaders in Hanoi.
-(Bloomberg 17/12) Kerry Rejects China Zone, Urges South China Sea Stability: Secretary of State John Kerry said U.S. military operations won’t be deterred by China’s air defense identification zone in the East China Sea and said there should be no moves to replicate the zone farther south. -(Foreign Policy 16/12) Kerry’s Return to Vietnam Is All About Blocking China
-(Xinhua 16/12) Chinese FM outlines diplomatic priorities for 2014: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday outlined China's diplomatic priorities for 2014, including enhanced ties with major powers and closer relations with neighbors.
-(GMA Network 16/12) Pinoys need to be more aware of how ASEAN affects their daily lives: Amid apprehension in the ASEAN region due to territorial disputes and other security concerns, Philippine Ambassador to the ASEAN Elizabeth Buensuceso said Filipinos need to be better informed about the advantages of residing in an ASEAN member-country. -(ABS-CBN News 16/12) JICA boosts PH maritime safety with P8-B loan
-(The Diplomat 16/12) China’s Contradictory Foreign Policy: Why does China undermine its patient diplomacy with sudden announcements like the ADIZ? -(Nationalinterest 16/12) Deterrence by Denial: How to Prevent China From Using Force
–(Philippine Daily Inquirer 16/12) Disputes with China won’t stop bloc: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will forge ahead with efforts to integrate into a community similar to the European Union despite the South China Sea disputes, a regional official has said. -(The Jakarta Post 15/12) Asian nations call for freedom of air, seas
-(Kyodo 15/12) Japan eyes providing patrol ships to Vietnam: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Sunday Japan will begin discussing with Vietnam providing patrol ships to its coast guard in light of China's growing assertiveness over contested reefs and islands in the South China Sea.
-(The Asahi Shimbun 15/12) China condemns Abe for criticizing air defense zone: China has condemned Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for "maliciously slandering" its air defense zone in an escalating war of words between the neighbors. –(Want China Times 15/12) US softens on Chinese ADIZ after South China Sea incident
-(GMA Network 15/12) Philippines maintains rules-based approach to territorial disputes with China: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Friday maintained his commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing territorial disputes with China, despite Beijing's growing aggression.
-(VOV 15/12) Vietnam, Japan eager to promote stronger strategic partnership: Vietnamese Prime Minster Nguyen Tan Dung and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe have reached high consensus on orientations and specific measures to deepen the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership. -(VOV World 15/12) Maps and documents of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa exhibited
