24/05/2016
-(Theguardian 29/05) South China Sea fears grow before tribunal rules on disputed islands: China already says it will reject ruling, fanning west’s fears of construction surge in islands and reefs in busy trade route -(SCMP 29/05) US naval air manoeuvres become the ‘new normal’ in Asia-Pacific: US military moves in recent months have led to angry protests from China and Russia
-(Nationmultimedia 29/05) Sparring over South China Sea is a dangerous game: China must abandon its aggressive mindset and pursue talks with the US to prevent any aggravation
-(Nikkei 29/05) Laos urges bilateral talks on South China Sea rows: Thongloun said that he will "urge the countries concerned to hold dialogues toward the peaceful settlement" of territorial rows
-(ABS 29/05) Duterte says China must follow court ruling, even as his government sought to partner with the superpower for sorely-needed infrastructure projects.
-(WSWS 28/05) Indian warships enter South China Sea; (DNAindia 28/05) G-7 backs India's concern on South China Sea
-(Japan new 28/05) Carter voices concerns over South China Sea: China could be erecting “a Great Wall of self-isolation” with its increasingly provocative moves against its neighbors
-(Hindustantimes 28/05) G7 Leaders oppose ‘unilateral action’: “We affirm the importance of states making and clarifying their claims based on international law, refraining from unilateral actions which could increase tensions and not using force or coercion in trying to settle disputes,” the leaders said in their declaration.
-(UNmultimedia 27/05) Resolve South China Sea dispute through peaceful dialogue: "I have called on all concerned to resolve disputes through dialogue in a peaceful and amicable manner, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law," the UN Secretary-General said
-(Forbes 27/05) A President Trump Would Have Limited South China Sea Options: In order to further strengthen our negotiating leverage, the Trump plan will include among other things, “strengthen the U.S. military and deploying it appropriately in the East and South China Seas.”
-(Reuters 27/05) China says extremely dissatisfied with G7 statement on South China Sea: China has said that the South China Sea issue has nothing to do with G7 or its member countries
-(Dailymail 27/05) Satellite image reveals China has begun using drones with stealth capabilities in the South China Sea: The images show the deployment of the Chinese Harbin BZK-005 long-range reconnaissance drone.
-(USnews 27/05) Defense secretary discusses concerns in South China Sea: Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says China could be erecting "a great wall of self-isolation" with its increasingly provocative moves against its neighbors
-(SCMP 27/05) Beijing’s naval drill in South China Sea targeted no one: South Sea Fleet’s vice-commander dispels ‘misunderstandings’ about ‘regular, annual exercise’-(Forbes 27/05) Beijing Is Angering Its Only Friend In The Disputed South China Sea: Over the past four years the Indonesia has reluctantly stepped up its vigil against Chinese fishing vessels. Indonesia was already zooming in more on protection of marine resources.
-(Gmanetwork 27/05) China aircraft intercept over South China Sea violated 2015 agreement: The Pentagon findings contradict what the Chinese Defense Ministry said earlier in the day.
-(Morningnewsusa 26/05) Relentless Xi Jinping Will Make Sure China Wins War: China is trying to step its game in the military arena as tensions with other countries, particularly in the South China Sea, continue to rise.
-(SCMP 26/05) Philippine President Benigno Aquino attacks China for breaking deal on South China Sea: Beijing has denied ever making a deal with Manila and Washington, a Philippine diplomat who was involved in the negotiations said.
-(Defensetech 26/05) Admiral Sees Army Rockets, Artillery Backing Navy in South China Sea: In light of threats presented by China and other near-peer adversaries, Harris called on the Army to look at ways to use HIMARS, and Paladin 155mm artillery as coastal defense systems.
-(Foreignpolicy 26/05) Beijing Calls South China Sea Island Reclamation a ‘Green Project’: The evidence is strong that construction has devastated coral reefs. But Beijing claims no harm done.
-(ABC 26/05) G7 agrees on need for strong message on South China Sea maritime claims: "Prime Minister Abe led discussion on the current situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Other G7 leaders said it is necessary for G7 to issue a clear signal."
-(ibtimes 26/05)China to Send Nuclear Weapons To Disputed Region: Beijing is expected to send submarines equipped with nuclear missiles to patrol the region after working on the technology for ballistic missile submarines for nearly three decades.
-(Theguardian 25/05) China must abide by ruling on South China Sea: British PM says China will be expected to accept judgment in The Hague over territorial dispute with Philippines
-(MB 25/05) ASEAN defense ministers meet to discuss S. China Sea, security: The ministers will reiterate “the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security as well as upholding freedom of navigation in, and over-flight above, the South China Sea as provided for by universally recognized principles of international law.”
-(Nationalinterest 25/05) Should Duterte Step Back on the South China Sea?: This means that the Philippines must be ready to work with China— preferably alongside ASEAN, the United States, and middle powers — to positively reinforce good behavior.
-(Channelnewsasia 25/05) Vietnam not joining arms race in South China Sea: “Vietnam has no policy of militarisation, but we have necessary measures together with other countries, and international friends like Japan to maintain peace, freedom of navigation, over-flight and trade in the South China Sea.”
-(Thediplomat 25/05) US Senator: US Navy Should Help Vietnam in South China Sea: Senator John McCain is pushing for more cooperation on maritime security issues between the United States and Vietnam.
-(Gmanetwork 25/05) Japan, Canada share ‘serious concerns’ on South China Sea: “It is a significant achievement that we have agreed to cooperate to secure rule-based, free, safe seas,” Abe said
-(The Diplomat 24/05) Why Does China Want to Control the South China Sea? China’s possible motives for trying to secure control over the South China Sea.
-(Asiasentinel 24/05) Japan Enters South China Sea Dispute: Boosting and training coast guards is a civilian-power solution to tensions in the East and South China Seas
-(Nationalinterest 24/05) China's March Towards Military Dominance in the South China Sea: Obama, meanwhile, has had little to say about developments in the region. One can only hope that he will clarify what American policy is, in the face of Chinese assertiveness and growing regional tension.
-(Japantimes 24/05) G-7 to express ‘strong opposition’ to militarization of South China Sea: The leaders will express opposition to “intimidation, coercion or use of force” in asserting territorial claims, and call for peaceful management and settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.
-(Reuters 24/05) Obama says will ensure freedom of navigation in South China Sea: Washington would stand with partners to ensure freedom of navigation and flight in the South China Sea.
-(CNBC 24/05) Chinese oil exploration, tankers in East China Sea killing marine life, fishermen warn: Fishermen are paying the price as Asia's superpowers vie for control of the resource-rich waters and islands of the East China Sea.
-(Theconversation 24/05) Conflict in the South China Sea: What is the background to these tensions and what are their likely implications and consequences?
-(USnews 23/05) SOUTH CHINA SEA WATCH: China OK, but Not Really, With Vietnam Arms: Beijing is likely less than pleased to see warming relations between its southern neighbor and chief regional rival.
-(QZ 23/05) China’s latest weapon in the battle for the South China Sea is newspaper advertising: The ad, which likely cost less than $10,000 Canadian, argues that “the Philippines, by initiating the arbitration, has violated international law.”
-(Sky 23/05) Why Is There A Dispute In The South China Sea? The Chinese have been increasing their presence in the contested waters - building runways, ports and possibly a radar system.
-(Sky 23/05) Unseen Battle For South China Sea: Sky News visits the front line as China imposes itself on areas of the South China Sea claimed by five other countries.
-(Telegraph 23/05) Obama lifts arms embargo on old enemy Vietnam amid tensions over South China Sea: "The decision to lift the ban was not based on China or any other considerations, it's based on our desire to complete what has been a lengthy process of moving towards normalisation with Vietnam."
-(Inquisitor 23/05) Duterte To Obama In Historic Phone Chat: Hoping For Favorable U.N. Arbitration On South China Sea. President-elect Duterte maintains that he will “do what is best for our country” in dealing with the South China Sea dilemma.
-(Aspistrategist 23/05) Tsai Ing-wen and Taiwan’s stake in the South China Sea: Although Taiwan has made it clear that its claim over Itu Aba is incompatible with that of China, its submission to the PCA could paradoxically benefit China and damage the new government’s goal of increased engagement with ASEAN
-(AFR 23/05) Why is Labor more hawkish on the South China sea than Coalition's so-called hawks
-(SCMP 23/05) Chinese official rings alarm bells about ecological threats to South China Sea: a Chinese official made a rare acknowledgement of the ecological problem, without specifying causes.
-(SCMP 23/05) China to base rescue ship in disputed area of South China Sea, boosting civilian presence – and territorial claims: The rescue ship, which will carry drones and underwater robots, is to be deployed in the second half of the year in the disputed Spratly Islands.
-(ABC 22/05) Barack Obama in Vietnam to advance trade and ties in shadow of South China Sea: The Obama administration now sees the country as a vital plank in America's much-vaunted pivot to the Asia-Pacific region.
-(Gmanetwork 22/05) Chinese navy's South China Sea fleet conducts shooting exercises in West Pacific Ocean: The training formation is made up of the guided missile destroyers "Hefei" and "Lanzhou," and one guided-missile frigate "Sanya."
-(The Diplomat 22/05) Lords of Navigation: Grotius, Freitas, and the South China Sea: The debate over maritime jurisdiction is an old one.
-(Reuters 22/05) China plans base station for rescue operations in South China Sea: China continues its push to develop civilian and military infrastructure in the contentious region.
-(Foreignpolicy 22/05) In the East China Sea, Beijing’s Big Ships Push the Envelope: With Obama headed to Asia, China’s suspiciously large Coast Guard vessels sure look a lot like a navy.
-(CSmonitor 22/05) With eye on South China Sea, China's neighbors weave new security web: The US approach to security in the region is shifting as its friends in the region forge new ties among themselves.
-(Time 22/05) What’s New on China’s Artificial Islands in the South China Sea? the reclaimed reefs are being enhanced with military surveillance, communications and logistics infrastructure.
-(CNN 22/05) Vietnam fishermen on the front lines of South China Sea fray: Political analysts say China's assertiveness in the South China Sea has threatened regional players and opened up new opportunities for the United States to build ties in countries like Vietnam.
-(Dnaindia 22/05) Indian navy ships in South China Sea; China sees red: The Indian ships will make port calls at Cam Ranh Bay (Vietnam), Subic Bay (Philippines), Sasebo (Japan), Busan (South Korea), Vladivostok (Russia) and Port Klang (Malaysia).
-(Kyodonews 21/05) Vietnam's president calls for peace and stability in S. China Sea: "We propose countries in the world, including Japan, continue to make practical and constructive contributions to maintaining peace, stability."
-(MB 21/05) Putin backs Code of Conduct in S. China Sea. Aside from this, Putin hailed the proposal for expanding cooperation far beyond the state boundaries of Russia and the ASEAN member-states.
-(Eastasiaforum 21/05) China divides ASEAN in the South China Sea: China is likely be more assertive in pushing its dispute resolution agenda in the region.
-(Reuters 21/05) War College podcast: Will there be war in the South China Sea? War College podcast, looking at this global sore spot and asking just how heated is the situation likely to get.
-(Gmanetwork 21/05) Envoy to UK elaborates China's stance on South China Sea issue: The Chinese ambassador to the UK has reiterated his country's stance of not following the arbitration on the South China Sea issue.
-(Nationalinterest 21/05) The U.S. Army’s Big Guns go to the South China Sea: Senior Army and Pentagon strategists and planners are considering ways to fire existing weapons platforms in new ways around the globe – including the possible placement of mobile artillery units in areas of the South China Sea.
-(Washingtonpost 20/05) Japan is building tiny islands in the Philippine Sea. Here’s why.
-(Indiatimes 20/05) China objects to presence of Indian ships in South China Sea
-(Reuters 20/05) China says more than 40 countries support its stance on South China Sea dispute: Beijing has stepped up its rhetoric ahead of an expected ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on the Philippines case.
-(Nytimes 20/05) Playing Chicken in the South China Sea: Mr. Obama is under increasing pressure from some regional allies as well as his own military to push back harder against China, and he has begun to do so.
-(Diplomaticourier 20/05) Will The Philippines Hedge, Balance, or Bandwagon? Previewing Duterte’s South China Sea Policy: Washington and Tokyo should be quick to develop consensus and cooperative mechanisms with the new government and should be ready to provide the Duterte Administration with diplomatic, military, and paramilitary assistance
-(Inquirer 20/05) US strike group patrolling in South China Sea visits PH: The visit comes after two Chinese fighter jets intercepted a US military reconnaissance aircraft in a routine patrol in the international airspace over the South China Sea this week.
-(Vnexpress 6/6) Vietnam urges countries to abide by laws as US proposes sanctions in South China Sea: All sides need to make positive contributions to the maintenance of peace, security, safety, maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Thursday. -(Straitstimes...
-(VNExpress 5/5) Vietnam rejects China's fishing ban in SCS: The foreign ministry has condemned China for violating Vietnam's sovereignty by imposing a unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea. -(Strait Times 4/5) Philippine court orders government to protect SCS: This was prompted by a petition...
-(AP 22/4) Recent Developments Surrounding the SCS -(Reuters 20/4) China to show new warships as Beijing flexes military muscle on navy anniversary: The PLA Navy ship and aircraft to be revealed at Tuesday’s naval parade are the Liaoning aircraft carrier, new types of nuclear submarines, new types...
-(SCMP 5/4) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tells China to ‘lay off’ island in disputed SCS: This follows a statement made by the foreign affairs ministry calling the presence of Chinese boats near Thitu Island illegal. -(Nikkei 4/4) Philippines hits out at China's 'swarming' SCS ships: The...