South China Sea Tensions: How Do We Know What's Really Happening?

Here is the problem, simply put: there are not enough analysts to make sense of every ship or activity at sea; nor enough government assets to persistently monitor them all.

30/05/2016

The South China Sea: Next Stop the UN Security Council?

All the signs indicate that China is preparing to reject the anticipated adverse judgment of the PCA on the South China Sea. What options would then be available to the international community?   

30/05/2016

Should Duterte Step Back on the South China Sea?

Some countries have become wary of China’s aspiration to become a maritime power because the means pursued by the Xi Jinping government — as seen in the disputed South China Sea — appear to ignore the legitimate interests of its smaller neighbors, flout existing international norms and pose risks to regional peace and stability.

25/05/2016

Weekly Bulletin 16/05 - 22/05

China’s response to the annual report of the US Department of Defense to Congress; Vietnam’s Trade union slams China’s fishing ban; Benigno Aquino Says U.S. Must Act if China Moves on Reef in South China Sea; 4-star vows to continue U.S. operations in South China Sea; India’s Eastern Fleet Ships on deployment to South China and North West Pacific

25/05/2016

Weekly News 23/05 - 29/05

-(Theguardian 29/05) South China Sea fears grow before tribunal rules on disputed islands: China already says it will reject ruling, fanning west’s fears of construction surge in islands and reefs in busy trade route -(SCMP 29/05) US naval air manoeuvres become the ‘new normal’ in Asia-Pacific: US military moves in recent months have led to angry protests from China and Russia

24/05/2016

Troubled waters: conflict in the South China Sea explained

A United Nations arbitration court will soon rule over the sovereignty of islands in the South China Sea, a territorial dispute between China and the Philippines with global implications.

24/05/2016

Japan Enters South China Sea Dispute

In the coming months, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague is set to issue its judgment on the case brought by the Philippines that challenges China’s claims in the South China Sea. Beijing appears to be anticipating an unfavorable ruling and is reaffirming its stance on the illegitimacy of the UN tribunal.

24/05/2016

Lords of Navigation: Grotius, Freitas, and the South China Sea

The debate between Grotius and Freitas reminds us that the development of maritime principles has not followed a linear progression. Each side has espoused principle and accepted political expediency.

22/05/2016

China divides ASEAN in the South China Sea

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s whirlwind tour of Brunei, Cambodia and Laos during 22–24 April 2016 courted support for his country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

21/05/2016

The U.S. Army’s Big Guns go to the South China Sea

Senior Army and Pentagon strategists and planners are considering ways to fire existing weapons platforms in new ways around the globe – including the possible placement of mobile artillery units in areas of the South China Sea to, if necessary.

20/05/2016