-(Channel NewsAsia 10/4) Philippines using "moral suasion" vs China: The Philippines is using "moral suasion" in its conflict with Asian giant China over their claims to parts of the South China Sea, a government spokesman said Thursday. -(PhilStar 10/4) UN tribunal cannot enforce ruling on China sea row

-(PhilStar 10/4) China told to be careful in hinting use of force in sea row: The Philippine Defense Department on Thursday called on China to be circumspect in issuing statements after Beijing had warned that its military could be assembled quickly to win any battle.-(The Australian 10/4) China dangerous, says commander of US Pacific fleet Harry Harris: The Commander of the US Pacific fleet has slammed China’s military growth in the region as “aggressive” and its behaviour as “dangerous”, warning that Beijing’s actions are creating a “witches’ brew for miscalculation”. –(Sydney Morning Herald 9/4) US navy commander warns of naval standoff over Chinese aggression

-(The Malay Mail Online 10/4) Philippine, Vietnamese navies to unite against China over beers and volleyball: The Philippine navy will soon return to a South China Sea island it lost to Vietnam 40 years ago to drink beer and play volleyball with Vietnamese sailors, symbolising how once-suspicious neighbours are cooperating in the face of China's assertiveness in disputed waters. –(The Malaysia Insider 10/4) Indonesia’s role in South China Sea dispute

-(The Nation 10/4) Philippines throws rocks at China: Beijing's bid to grab South China Sea from regional rivals faces first major challenge at international tribunal. –(National Interest 9/4) China Not Full of Raging Nationalists

-(Brookings 10/4) Obama's Visit to Asia and the U.S.-Philippine Alliance: The unusual prominence of non-traditional security concerns presents both opportunities and challenges for the U.S.-Philippine alliance. -(Sydney Morning Herarl 9/4) US-Vietnam naval exercises begin

-(Thanhnien News 9/4) Vietnam memorial for troops who died in Paracel battle, boat people: A memorial service will be held at Truong Sa (Spratly) to honor the soldiers who died in the Battle of the Paracel Islands, a naval skirmish between China and the Republic of Vietnam in 1974, and boat people. -(Vietnamplus 9/4) Vietnam attends ASEAN-EU defence officials’ dialogue

-(New Strait Times 9/4) Philippines pays tribute to Marines in China standoff: Philippine President Benigno Aquino paid tribute today to nine Marines who stood guard over a disputed outpost in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with Beijing. -(PhilStar 10/4) Defense expert: China to face energy insecurity

-(Reuters 9/4) China fires shot across U.S. bow ahead of Obama's Asia trip: In one of the many frank exchanges U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel had in China this week, General Fan Changlong told him how one of his uncles died as a slave in a Japanese mine during World War Two.-(Bloomberg 7/4) Indonesia Seeks China Clarity on South China Sea Intentions: Indonesia is seeking clarity on China’s intent behind its maritime claims in the South China Sea to avoid the risk of miscalculations in a zone rich in natural gas, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said. -(The Diplomat 7/4) Indonesia Beefs Up Air Force in South China Sea

-(Reuters 7/4) U.S. defense chief, in first, visits China's aircraft carrier: U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel took a two-hour tour around China's sole aircraft carrier on Monday, in an unprecedented opening by Beijing to a potent symbol of its military power. –(BBC 7/4) China media: Hagel's visit

-(Philippine Daily Inquirer 7/4) PCG suspends 8 coast guards tagged in killing of Taiwanese fisher: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed under indefinite suspension the eight PCG personnel facing homicide charges for the fatal shooting of a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman on May 9, 2013.

-(Channel NewsAsia 7/4) China shows off new aircraft carrier to US defence chief: China will show off its new aircraft carrier to US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday, allowing the Pentagon chief a first-hand look at a symbol of the country's growing military prowess. -(LA Times 7/4) ASEAN's challenge: A swaggering China

-(Channel NewsAsia 6/4) US defence chief warns China, drawing parallel with Crimea: Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel on Sunday warned China against unilateral action to resolve territorial disputes with its neighbours, drawing a parallel with Russia's incursion in Ukraine as he announced two more warships would be sent to Japan. –(Reuters 6/4) U.S., in nod to Tokyo, to send more ships to Japan, prods China

alt-(PhilStar 6/4) PH welcomes US support: Malacañang welcomed yesterday the United States’ expression of support for the Philippines’ peaceful moves to settle the dispute in the South China Sea.