China warns BBC plane away from artificial SCS island

A small plane chartered by a BBC news crew drew a warning from the Chinese navy after it flew near a Chinese-built artificial island in the South China Sea, according to a recent report.

15/12/2015

China’s Sinopec to build service station on Woody Island in disputed South China Sea

Chinese oil major Sinopec is building a service station on an island in the South China Sea, as China continues to expand its civilian infrastructure in the disputed waterway, entrenching its reach in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.

15/12/2015

Weekly News 14/12 - 20/12

-(Thejakartapost 18/12) ASEAN vs. China over South China Sea: Under the present circumstances, it is important for ASEAN to tie up with other major powers of the region  for stronger strategic, diplomatic and defense cooperation. -(Heritage 17/12) China’s Pivot to the Sea: Washington must make clear that China cannot use them to intimidate key partners or to dominate the vital East Asian region.

15/12/2015

Weekly Bulletin 07/12 - 13/12

China expresses concerns over US P-8 deployment in Singapore; Taiwan urged to end violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty; Vietnam welcomes all actions contributing to regional peace; India, Japan opposed unilateral activities in the SCS. 

15/12/2015

China may pay 'international price' in South China Sea legal case, experts say

When an international court ruled in late October that it had jurisdiction to hear a case filed by the Philippines against China over the disputed South China Sea, Beijing dismissed the decision, saying it would "lead to nothing".

11/12/2015

China’s Dangerous Ambiguity in the South China Sea

Since China’s maritime claims are not clarified, it is impossible for others to determine where and when China is willing to use force, thus increasing the chance of conflict.

11/12/2015

Could this Court Case Strip China of Its South China Sea Claims?

From November 24 to 30, the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) convened in The Hague to hear oral arguments on merit in the The Republic of Philippines v The People’s Republic of China case over competing claims in the South China Sea.

09/12/2015

Weekly News 07/12 - 13/12

-(Nytimes 11/12) China’s Dangerous Ambiguity in the South China Sea: Since China’s maritime claims are not clarified, it is impossible for others to determine where and when China is willing to use force, thus increasing the chance of conflict. -(CNNPhilippines 11/12) EDCA helpful to PH in S. China Sea row: Aside from increased rotational presence of U.S. forces, EDCA also help to upgrade existing...

08/12/2015

US to deploy​ Poseidon spy plane amid South China Sea territory tensions

The United States has agreed with Singapore on a first deployment of the US P8 Poseidon spy plane in Singapore this month, in a fresh response to China over its pursuit of territorial claims in the South China Sea.

08/12/2015

China’s Puzzling Defense Agreement With Australia

Last Thursday, the Australian newspaper ran an editorial, "Strengthening links with China." This followed its front-page coverage of the visit to Canberra by China's Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui, for annual talks with Chief of Defence Force Mark Binskin and Department of Defence Secretary Dennis Richardson. 

08/12/2015