-(The Diplomat 6/2) Japan wades into South China Sea issue: Japanese officials are closely monitoring how China handles these island disputes to try to discern how China might try to deal with Japan in their ongoing dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
-(Jamestown 5/2) U.S. suggestion for Japanese patrols in South China Sea prompts ADIZ threat: The Global Times argued that China could respond to this rare open declaration of U.S. balancing against China by declaring a South China Sea ADIZ, quickening or expanding land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea or strengthening military cooperation with Russia in Northeast Asia.
-(Eastasia Forum 5/2) Vietnam to continue playing the diplomatic field: Hanoi’s dance with the major powers is set to continue.
-(National Interest 4/2) Crowded Waters: The South China Sea's Next Big Flashpoint? U.S. policy makers should recognize that the next crisis in the South China Sea could inadvertently start in the waters between a fishing trawler and a zealous coast-guard cutter.
-(Reuters 5/2) China defends ship's actions against Philippines in South China Sea: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that the Chinese ship that was sailing in the waters of the Scarborough Shoal was maintaining "normal order" to safeguard the waters in accordance with the law.
-(PhilStar 4/2) Philippines says Chinese ship rammed fishing boats in Scarborough Shoal: The Philippine government says it has protested to Beijing after the incident.
-(Reuters 4/2) Japan says South China Sea security impacts national interests: Security in the South China Sea could warrant a rethink of military patrol aircraft deployments, the Japanese defense minister. –(Nikkei 4/2) Japan, US may jointly monitor South China Sea
-(Channel NewsAsia 3/2) Philippines, Vietnam mull alliance in face of rising China: Discussions are still ongoing but both sides agreed to elevate the relations to a higher level.
-(National Interest 3/2) Made in China: A Vietnam-Philippines Axis: China has pushed its neighbors closer together and driven them into the arms of the United States.
-(Indian Express 2/2) Barack Obama: China’s growth shouldn’t be at the expense of other folks: China shouldn’t bully small countries like Vietnam or Philippines around maritime issues. –(Thanhnien News 2/2) Obama’s tough talk on China sparks jubilation in Vietnam
-(Thanhnien News 2/2) China is 'quietly' consolidating presence in South China Sea through land reclamation, an increased presence of fishing fleets and larger mother ships, larger Coast Guard vessels and more military exercises.
-(South China Morning Post 2/2) More news leaks point to China's plans for second aircraft carrier: One aircraft carrier was "far from enough" for China's needs and that "at least three were necessary to maintain China's naval presence", said a Chinese expert.
-(Xinhua 1/2) China asks other countries not to create tension in South China Sea: Chinese comment came after a senior U.S. Navy officer expressed welcome to an extension of Japanese air patrols into the south China Sea as a counterweight to Chinese vessels. –(PhilStar 1/2) Situation in South China Sea stable, says Beijing
-(Reuters 30/1) Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties in show of unity against China: The two countries to build a strategic partnership and strengthen security, trade and cultural ties. –(Vietnamplus 30/1) Vietnam, Philippines discuss strategic partnership establishment
-(Janes 29/1) Australia to donate heavy landing craft to Philippines: While Australia emphasised the humanitarian value of its donation of the these ships o the Philippines, the military capabilities they bring will of course be welcomed by Manila.
