Issues and Interests in the South China Sea, by Rodolfo C. Severino

The issues involved in the South China Sea disputes and clashes of interests in it are extremely complex. They include legal, technical, domestic political, international political, strategic, and economic considerations. Unfortunately, in their effort to make things understandable to their readers, viewers or listeners, or out of their own ignorance, or both, the mass media contribute to the confusion,...

25/11/2011

Will the Guidelines to Implement the DOC Lessen Tensions in the South China Sea? An Assessment of Developments Before and After Their Adoption, by Carlyle A. Thayer

This paper looks at developments affecting security in the South China Sea prior to and after the adoption of the Guidelines to Implement the Declaration on Conduct in the South China Sea on July 20, 2011. The first part of the paper provides a comparative assessment of China’s aggressive assertiveness in relations with the Philippines and Vietnam and their responses prior to the adoption of the Guidelines....

25/11/2011

Weekly News 21 - 28/11

- (Foreign Policy 28/11) Not just one pivot: Time to acknowledge Obama’s broad redefinition of U.S. national security policy. - (Financial Times 27/11) America is back in the Pacific and will uphold the rules: - ( Reuters 30/11 )  China military denounces U.S.-Australia defense upgrade, warning that such moves could erode trust and fan Cold War-era antagonism. - ( Arirang News 1/12 )  South...

22/11/2011

Weekly News 14 - 21/11

- ( Financial Times 18/11 )  Obama declares Asia a ‘top priority’ : planned cuts in defence spending will not affect America’s military presence in east Asia, as the US seeks to play a  larger role  in shaping the region’s future. - ( New York Times 17/11 )  Beijing Is Wary of Obama's Assertive China Policy:  While Beijing's public response to President Barack Obama's more muscular China policy...

14/11/2011

Weekly News 14 - 21/11

  - (Economic Times 13/11) China tensions stoke Vietnam naval ambitions: Facing an emboldened and heavily armed China in a territorial stand-off, Vietnam is looking to swell its naval reputation with enhanced firepower and renewed pride in its maritime past.  - (New York Times 12/11) Obama Sees an Opening on China Trade: “We’re going to be going through some tough fiscal positions back home,”...

14/11/2011

Weekly News 7 - 14/11

- (The Hindu 9/11) Vietnam's plea puts South Block in a predicament: It had requested for military aid from India, particularly in the naval field; India's military modernisation 'to contain China': PLA Daily: India's decision to boost its military capabilities near the border with China was a political move aimed at “containing” China's rise, the official newspaper of China's People's Liberation Army...

07/11/2011

Vietnam seeks no outside help over China issues

The Vietnamese deputy minister of defense told Tuoi Tre the Vietnamese government does not want to internationalize sea issues between Vietnam and China and that Vietnam does not seek third-party help over such issues.

31/10/2011

Weekly News 31/10 - 7/11

- Programme for the Third International Workshop on South China Sea in Hanoi, by DAV, Nov. 3-4, 2011. - (Guampdn 2/11) China sovereignty vs. international law: back to China's "indisputable sovereignty" claims vs. international law and principles prescribed in 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a miscalculation can be dangerous for all. - (Foreign Policy 1/11) The Top 10...

31/10/2011

Official Programme of the 3rd International Workshop on the South China Sea, Hanoi, 4-5 November 2011

  Programme of the Third International Workshop on "The South China Sea: Cooperation for the Regional Security and Development", co-organized by Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam anh The Vietnam Lawyers Association, Hanoi, 4-5 November 2011.         OFFICIAL PROGRAMME     (Venue: Melia Hanoi Hotel,...

29/10/2011

Weekly News 24 - 31/10

- (ABS-CBN 27/10) DFA hits China over 'cannons' statement: It sounds like a grossly irresponsible sabre-rattling statement in contrast with the Philippines position which seeks an Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea) rules- based solution to the West Philippine Sea issue,” - (Mainichi 28/10) Vietnam to stick with plan to introduce Japanese nuclear technology: deputy PM:  -...

24/10/2011