President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said China must clarify its intentions in the disputed South China Sea, in what could be an indication that the Filipino leader has adopted a stronger stance on Manila’s sea row with Beijing.
-(The New York Times 9/11) Philippines, Seeking to Appease Beijing, Halts Construction in SCS: This signals an effort to improve ties with China before a regional summit meeting in Vietnam this weekend. -(The Diplomat 8/11) Does Vietnam Have Trump’s Backing? Clarity sought in Hanoi ahead of President Donald Trump’s state visit.
US still plays critical role in security, but needs to clarify strategy.
-(Inquirer 23/10) Terrorism, SCS row high on agenda of ASEAN regional security forum: The JC reaffirmed “the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, saftey and freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the SCS.” -(AP 23/10) Recent developments surrounding the SCS
-(Manila Times 26/10) PH, Japan want rule of law to prevail in SCS: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will push for the enforcement of the rule of law in the SCS when the two leaders meet in Tokyo. -(Nikkei 25/10) Experts call for ASEAN unity on SCS: US still plays critical role in security, but needs to clarify strategy.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson rebuked China on Wednesday for subverting the global order, undermining the sovereignty of its neighbors and for being an irresponsible international actor prone to predatory economic policies.
-(CNN 18/10) Tillerson raps China as 'predatory' rule breaker: "China, while rising alongside India, has done so less responsibly, at times undermining the international rules-based order." -(AP 18/10) Xi urges stronger Chinese stand against 'grim' challenges: He called for the party not only to safeguard China's sovereignty but also to revitalize Chinese culture, oppose "erroneous" ideology and...
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, prompting anger in Beijing.
-(Reuters 11/10) U.S. warship sails near islands Beijing claims in SCS - U.S. officials: The guided-missile destroyer carried out normal maneuvering operations that challenged “excessive maritime claims” near the Paracel Islands. -(RT 11/10) Beijing sends frigate & jets to warn off US destroyer near SCS islands, accusing the US of damaging the country’s sovereignty and security interests in the region.
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Foundation for East Sea Studies (FESS) and the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association (VLA) are pleased to host the 9th South China Sea International Conference: “Cooperation for Regional Security and Development” on 27-28 November 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.