Why China May Have Made a Massive Mistake in the South China Sea

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s comment during his confirmation hearing that the United States would deny China access to its man-made island bases in the South China Sea caused a predictable furor.

08/02/2017

Donald Trump's Huge South China Sea Problem (And What To Do About It)

A critical and early Chinese test of U.S. resolve is likely to come in the South China Sea, where Washington has struggled to respond effectively to assertive Chinese behavior.

08/02/2017

US Policy on South China Sea Hasn’t Changed

U.S. Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis said in a Feb. 4 press conference in Japan that the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan applies to the Senkaku Islands, which China claims as its sovereign territory.

07/02/2017

Weekly News 6/2-12/2

-(Channel NewsAsia 10/2) US, China military planes come inadvertently close over South China Sea: The aircraft came within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of each other on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal. -(The New York Times 10/2) Trump tells Xi Jinping U.S. will honor ‘One China’ policy, reversing his earlier expressions of doubt about the longtime diplomatic understanding and removing...

06/02/2017

Weekly News 30/1-4/2

-(Atimes 3/2) What has Beijing achieved in the South China Sea: China has come close to establishing de facto control of the South China Sea and greatly expanded its position inside the entire so-called 1st Island Chain. -(The Guardian 2/2) Steve Bannon: 'We're going to war in the South China Sea ... no doubt': Only months ago Donald Trump’s chief strategist predicted military involvement in east...

03/02/2017

Weekly Bulletin 16/1-22/1

China refuted Philippine protest against its weapons deployment; Philippines defence minister says China arms on islands worrying; Abe says Japan will provide Vietnam patrol vessels…

24/01/2017

Weekly News 23/1-29/1

-(The Star 23/1) Malaysia's Defence Minister: Look beyond 'childish' notions to resolve South China Sea disputes for the simple fact that peace is a universal good and not a zero-sum game. -(Sydney Morning Herald 23/1) With Donald Trump in the White House, what now for the Asia-Pacific? We probably won't know until the incoming Trump administration confronts its first major crisis here.

23/01/2017

Can Donald Trump Avoid a Dangerous South China Sea Showdown?

Donald Trump’s election has raised questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy—and perhaps nowhere more consequentially than for Sino-U.S. relations.

18/01/2017

Weekly Bulletin 9/1-15/1

China launches new electronic intelligence naval ship; PetroVietnam, ExxonMobil sign gas purchase agreement; Tillerson says China should be barred from South China Sea islands…

17/01/2017

Weekly News 16/1-22/1

-(Nationalinterest 18/01) Trump was not likely to change the situation dramatically: Greater risks loom on the horizon. -(Sky 18/01) China's warning to Donald Trump over disputed islands in South China Sea: The editor of a state-run newspaper says her country will use military force if the US interferes in the South China Sea.

16/01/2017