US calls for legally binding code of conduct in South China Sea

The US, Australia and Japan have promised to continue "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea and called on Beijing to endorse a legally binding code of conduct over the disputed region.

08/08/2017

Weekly Bulletin 31/7-6/8

China responds to Britain’s intent to conduct FONOP; Vietnam objects to China’s opening of cinema on Phu Lam island; ASEAN, China approve framework for code of conduct in S. China Sea…

08/08/2017

ASEAN overcomes communique impasse, urges non-militarisation in South China Sea

Southeast Asian foreign ministers ended an impasse on Sunday over how to address disputes with China in the South China Sea, issuing a communique that called for militarization to be avoided and noting concern about island-building.

07/08/2017

Weekly News 7/8 - 13/8

-(Reuters 10/8) U.S. destroyer challenges China's claims in South China Sea: USS John S. McCain carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday, coming within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef. -(The Guardian 10/8) Chinese military tells US ship to turn around 10 times: Beijing ‘displeased’ after USS McCain sails close to the disputed Spratly Islands in a ‘freedom of navigation’ operation.

07/08/2017

Oil exploration in East Sea down to Vietnam and Spanish partner

Once again, Vietnam affirms its right to drill for oil in its waters, calling it a 'normal business practice'.

04/08/2017

Vietnam objects to China’s opening of cinema on Phu Lam island

China’s construction and opening of a cinema on Phu Lam island in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelago, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.

02/08/2017

Weekly News 31/7-6/8

-(VNExpress 3/8) Oil exploration in East Sea (SCS) down to Vietnam and Spanish partner: Vietnam affirms its right to drill for oil in its waters, calling it a 'normal business practice' -(Reuters 3/8) China set for easy ride from ASEAN on disputed SCS: ASEAN) has omitted references to China's most controversial activities in its joint communique, a draft reviewed by Reuters shows.

01/08/2017

Weekly Bulletin 24/7-30/7

Xi personally behind island-building in the South China Sea; Vietnam’s oil, gas activities in waters completely under its sovereignty; Singapore and Brunei may join sea patrols…

01/08/2017

Vietnam’s oil, gas activities in waters completely under its sovereignty

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on July 28 clarified Vietnam’s oil and gas activities are conducted in the waters completely within the country’s sovereignty.

29/07/2017

Weekly Bulletin 17/7-23/7

US asks countries in East and South China Sea to exercise restraint;  Australia opposes militarisation of South China Sea; India for freedom of navigation in South China Sea…

25/07/2017