Regional Cooperation in the South China Sea, by Jon M. Van Dyke

The Duty to Cooperate in Semi-Enclosed Seas             The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed sea governed by Part IX of the Law of the Sea Convention,[1] which says in Article 123 that countries bordering such seas “should co-operate with each other in the exercise of their rights and the performance of their duties under this Convention”  More specifically, they are instructed to “endeavor,...

02/02/2012

Resolution to Fishery Disputes in the South China Sea through Regional Cooperation and Management, by Kuan-Hsiung Wang

The disputes in the South China Sea could be categorized into two parts: one is on the sovereignty of those island features, and the other is the maritime zones that could be claimed. It is understandable that the best way to solve the disputes might be delimiting boundaries so that the areas of sovereignty and jurisdiction could be decided. However, such situation is not always possible. It is mainly...

02/02/2012

The South China Sea: Cooperation for Regional Security and Development, by Hasjim Djalal

The efforts to develop cooperation for regional security and development, so far, has involved some formal approach of ASEAN and some informal approach by academic institutions and some informal unofficial approach by some South China Sea officials in their personal capacities. The formal approach has resulted in the Declaration of Conduct by the Foreign Minister of ASEAN and China in 2002 as well...

02/02/2012

Weekly News 30/1 – 6/2

-(The-diplomat 4/2) Beijing’s South China Sea Gamble: If China is right, then there is enough oil under the South China Sea to feed global consumption for several years. But Beijing may be making an aggressive bet on the wrong horse -(Scmp 4/2) A tale of two unequal treaties: The Philippines' recent talks with US officials were aimed at securing a firm defence commitment, which has been reaffirmed...

30/01/2012

“Bull tongue-shaped line” causes complexity in the East Sea

The Vietnam National Boundary Commission comments that the “bull tongue-shaped line” claimed by China is the cause that gives rise to tension and complexity in the East Sea, and that China demands other countries to seek its permit for oil and gas exploitation in the East Sea is irrational.

18/01/2012

PetroVietnam says oil activities normal in East Sea

The state-owned Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) said despite "complications" last year, it was business as usual for it in the East Sea. Phung Dinh Thuc, the chief executive of PetroVietnam, which explores and drills oil in the sea, said at a press conference Monday that thanks to assistance from the ministries of public security, defense, and foreign affairs, its activities in the East...

18/01/2012

Vietnam manufactures its first warship

Vietnam already boasts a thriving merchant ship construction sector, and has also built some coastal paramilitary craft in recent years. Now, the country is emerging as a warship builder.

17/01/2012

The Internationalization of the South China Sea: Conflict prevention and management, by Leszek Buszynski

Introduction The South China Sea issue began as a territorial dispute over the sovereignty of the islands and sea territory involving China and five ASEAN countries, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.  Both China and Vietnam claim the entire area and the islands within while the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have laid claims to contiguous areas based on EEZs and continental...

17/01/2012

Hoang Sa, Truong Sa belong to Vietnam

Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, which the country occupied peacefully in the 17th century and has since exercised its jurisdiction over them.

17/01/2012

ASEAN-China senior officials meet on DOC implementation

Senior officials of ASEAN member countries and China gathered in Beijing on Jan. 14 for their fourth meeting (SOM) on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

16/01/2012