Understanding Recent Developments in US-China-ASEAN Relations: A US Perspective, by Bonnie S. Glaser

Relations among the United States, ASEAN and China have undergone significant changes in the past decade.  Some of the salient factors behind these changes are: 1) increasing assertiveness by China in pressing its claims in the South China Sea; 2) resurgence of ASEAN’s concerns about Chinese intentions and ambitions that has prompted support for increased US involvement and presence in the region;...

21/01/2013

Flashpoint South China Seas: Policy options and Implications for India, by Probal Ghosh

The South China sea region has emerged as one of the areas of intense global focus with claims and counter claims of contending countries flooding the region in an atmosphere of mistrust and animosity. The debate and  actions by maritime para military forces, fishing fleets , agencies behaving like maritime militia  have underscored the shrill  cry for establishing/ reasserting sovereignty over disparate...

21/01/2013

The Growth of Chinese Military power and its implications for military modernization in Southeast Asia, by Richard A. Bitzinger

As China emerges as a leading, modern military power in the Asia-Pacific region, the countries of Southeast Asia are increasingly hedging against possible Chinese military adventurism by rearming themselves. At the same time, China is hardly the only reason for the ASEAN states’ current military modernization efforts. Other external and internal factors – such as new regional security requirements,...

21/01/2013

China Debates South China Sea Policy: Implications for Future Developments of the Dispute, by Li Mingjiang

The past few years have been an eventful period for the South China Sea dispute, which has always been a crucial issue for peace and stability in East Asia. In 2009, the submissions of extended continental shelf claims to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf by various parties in the dispute created the first round of diplomatic tussles. China’s action of submitting...

21/01/2013

The Choice of Fundamental National Interests and the Position of South China Sea Issues, by Su Hao and Ruan Yuan-zhe

The foundation of national strategy is the national interest, that could be the strategic starting point and its ultimate end. The judgment of national interest is the basis of national strategic decision-making, which determines national strategic orientation and direction of strategic actions.[1]

21/01/2013

Charm and Harm Offensives: Impacts of Geopolitical Considerations by China and the United States on the South China Sea Region, by Ngo Vinh Long

The South China Sea connects the western Pacific with the Indian Ocean and hence with the rest of the world. Historically its sea lanes have perhaps been most vital to global sea-borne commercial activities. And partly because of its position straddling the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, most of Southeast Asia was embroiled in the  commercial  streams  that  swept  through  the  region  during ...

21/01/2013

Weekly Bulletin (7 January - 13 January)

China urges Philippines not to complicate the South China Sea issue, publishes new maps,  launchs survey on territorial islands; Vietnam assumes post of ASEAN Secretary General; Philippines cautious on China oil offer…

18/01/2013

Weekly News 14/1-20/1

-(Asia sentinel 16/1) South China Sea 2013: Betting on the American Horse: As the New Year rolls in, tensions in the South China Sea remain as high as ever -(Reuters 16/1) Chevron expands in South China Sea despite dry holes: Chevron Corp has signed production-sharing contracts with CNOOC Ltd for two exploration blocks in the South China Sea; Japan's Abe turns to South East Asia to counter China

14/01/2013

Weekly Bulletin (31 December - 6 January)

Chinese Surface combat frigate enters China's South Sea Fleet; China adds destroyers to marine surveillance; Rescue centre built in Ly Son island; Indian warship docks at Da Nang; Philippines welcomes new ASEAN Secretary General…

11/01/2013

Weekly News 7/1-13/1

-(Scmp 11/1) Japan offers Philippines 10 ships to patrol South China Sea: Japan will provide the Philippines with 10 coastguard vessels as the two nations deepen their strategic partnership to counter what they said were threats from China in the disputed South China Sea. -(Crisis group 10/1) A Sea of Tensions: China heads into 2013 with a new set of leaders under Xi Jinping and much talk about...

07/01/2013