Philippines says China has agreed no new expansion in South China Sea

China has assured the Philippines it will not occupy new features or territory in the South China Sea, under a new status quo brokered by Manila as both sides try to strengthen their relations, the Philippine defence minister said on Tuesday (Aug 15).

18/08/2017

Weekly Bulletin 7/8 - 13/8

U.S. destroyer challenges China's claims in South China Sea; AMTI refutes China’s statements that the country stopped its reclamation; Philippine foreign minister hails ASEAN Joint communique...

17/08/2017

Weekly News 14/8-20/8

-(Lowy 18/8) South China Sea: Beijing raises the temperature again: A flotilla of Chinese fishing vessels, accompanied by PLA Navy frigates and Chinese Coast Guard vessels, have maintained a presence very close to Thitu island. -(SCMP 17/8) China has agreed to no new expansion in South China Sea, Philippines says: Nations also working on deal to exploit oil and gas resources after finding ‘way...

15/08/2017

U.S. destroyer challenges China's claims in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a "freedom of navigation operation" on Thursday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters.

11/08/2017

Vietnam wins U.S. defense pledges as tension with China grows

Vietnam has won the promise of a visit from a U.S. aircraft carrier and deeper defense cooperation from the United States as strains show with China over the disputed South China Sea.

09/08/2017

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