Upping the ante in the South China Sea?

Australia’s security depends in part on how China and the US resolve their disagreements. Therefore, it’s well worth every Australian’s time to consider just what the stakes are in the South China Sea.

15/03/2016

India, US must collaborate on South China Sea

The Cold War between the US and China on the South China Sea dispute is becoming hot. Last month, it was reported that the US and India have held talks about conducting joint naval patrols that could include the disputed South China Sea. The US and India were quick to dismiss the report.

15/03/2016

China’s Growing Surface-to-Air Missile Threat

The HQ-9 missile launcher episode, which erupted barely a month ago, has somewhat subsided. But the long-term implications of this deployment should not be overlooked.

15/03/2016

A Malaysia ‘Pushback’ Against China in the South China Sea?

On Monday, Malaysia’s defense minister Hishammuddin Hussein suggested if reports that China is placing military assets in the Spratlys are true, it would force the Southeast Asian state into a “pushback” against China.

15/03/2016

Amid South China Sea spat, Japan foreign aid white paper stresses importance of sea lanes

The government renewed its commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in its annual report on foreign aid released Friday, with Tokyo stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of sea lanes in the region amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness.

14/03/2016

China able to project 'substantial offensive power' from Spratlys in months: U.S.

China will be able to project "substantial offensive military power" from artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea's disputed Spratly Islands within months, the director of U.S. national intelligence said.

14/03/2016

Chinese Militarization in S. China Sea Aimed at Rapid Power Projection

China’s military buildup on disputed islands in the South China Sea is nearly finished and supports Beijing’s plan to rapidly project power in the region, according to intelligence made public this week.

10/03/2016

Weekly Bulletin 29/02-06/03

China blames US escalating tension in South China Sea; Vietnam protests against China's plan to invite foreign oil bids in a disputed SCS; The Philippines called on China to respect the Hague ruling; The US warns China agaisnt militarization in the South China Sea

08/03/2016

Weekly News 07/03 - 13/03

-(JapanTimes 11/03)  Amid South China Sea spat, Japan foreign aid white paper stresses importance of sea lanes, the paper also listed strengthening the rule of law, maritime security, cybersecurity and peace-building measures, among others, as ways of boosting Japan’s ties with Southeast Asia. -(The Diplomat 11/03) How Chinese Analysts Understand Taiwan’s Geostrategic Significance: As the world...

07/03/2016

We Need Europe's Help In The South China Sea

Rather than reliance on a Code that will probably never come into being, and is in any event likely ineffective, a better way to place diplomatic pressure on China would be for Europe to lead a collective chorus against Beijing’s policies and actions.

06/03/2016