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Activities of Related Parties

China

China protests the U.S. FONOP in the South China Sea

In a regular press conference, on Feb.1, Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Lu Kang said, the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur transited in "innocent passage" within 12 nautical miles of Tri-ton island, on Jan. 30, violated the Chinese law. He added, “the ‘freedom of navigation plan’ or ‘freedom of navigation operation’ that the US has been advertising all these years does not conform to the well-recognized international law. It is conducted in disregard of sovereign security and maritime rights and interests of coastal states, causing severe damage to regional peace and stability. It is, in essence, the pursuit of maritime hegemony by the US under the cloak of "freedom of navigation" which has been met with firm opposition from members of the international community, developing countries in particular. It is highly dangerous and irresponsible for the US to do so. We are firmly opposed to any country's attempt to undermine China's sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests citing the freedom of navigation as an excuse. The flexing of military muscles and creating of tension by the US under the pretext of the freedom of navigation is the biggest cause of militarization in the South China Sea.”

As regards the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as per Vietnam's request, has revised the map of Sanya's Flight Information Area on its official website, Mr. Lu, Feb.2, said, “According to what we have learnt, the report is untrue. What I want to point out is that, markers on the relevant aeronautical chart are to facilitate effective air control and flight guidance and maintain security and order of international civil air transport. It is hoped that relevant party would not politicize the matter.”

In a response to the U.S. Defense Minister, Ashton Cater’s comment that “China's island construction has prompted other countries in the region to react”, Mr. Lu on Feb. 3, said “The building of a limited amount of military facilities is for the defense purpose only. It does not threaten anyone. We urge the US to be objective and impartial, and stop making misleading remarks that are not conducive to regional stability.”

Regarding to the U.S-ASEAN Summit to be held in California, Mr. Lu, on Feb. 4, said, “We hope that their relationship will be truly conducive to regional peace, stability and development. We also particularly hope that the US could render some tangible assistance to countries in the region to support their sustainable development. A senior official of the US government said publicly Feb. 3 that the meeting is not anti-China. We hope that when the meeting is concluded, messages from your media reports could tell us that this meeting is indeed not aimed at China.

Vietnam

Fifth Kilo submarine arrives at Cam Ranh Port

On Feb. 2, the heavy lift vessel Rolldock Storm, carrying the Kilo submarine Russia built for Vietnam , arrived at Cam Ranh Port in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa. The submarine, named HQ-186 Da Nang, is the fifth of the six Kilo-class submarines Vietnam purchased from Russia to modernise its navy, enhancing its capacity to defend the country’s territorial waters. With a displacement of 3,000-3,950 tonnes, the nearly 74m-long submarine can operate at a maximum depth of 300 metres and a range of 6,000-7,500 nautical miles for 45 days with 52 crew members.

Cambodia

Hun Sen ‘Fed Up’ With Criticism of Asean Meet

Speaking at a university graduation ceremony at the Koh Pich Convention Center in Phnom Penh on Feb. 5, Prime Minister. Hun Sen provided a glimpse into his private meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last month, Mr. Hun Sen expressed frustration at the widespread perception that Cambodia was in thrall to China during its 2012 Asean chairmanship, and attacked a critic who suggested that his government had attempted to placate Beijing, “it was time to give me justice about the issue of the South China Sea in 2012,” he said, “I told John Kerry that I’m very disappointed…because they said that Cambodia is too close to China, that’s why it failed to issue a CoC.” Mr. Hun Sen also reiterated that he shared China’s position that territorial disputes in the sea should be solved bilaterally.

The United States

The US would react against China’s action in the South China Sea

On Feb. 2, Defense Minister Ashton Carter hold a talk withEconomic Club of Washington, D.C. Regarding to the activity of land reclamation and its intension for the military purposes of China in the South China Sea, Mr. Carter said that, “What our reaction is, first of all, namely we're going to keep doing what we've always done, what we've done for 70 years. We're going to fly and sail and operate where international law permits, period. And we demonstrate that and that won't stop. Second, we're making all these investments that you see in our defense budget that are specifically oriented towards the checking the development of the Chinese military. Third, they're having the effect of causing widespread concern in the region, which makes others react, including others react by joining up with us.” He added, “all around the region, people are reacting. And the Chinese are, with this kind of stuff, going to get people to react and compensate. But more importantly, it's self-isolating behaviour.

US earmarks $66 M for 8 Philippine camps under EDCA

Speaking at the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on Feb. 5, U.S. Ambassador to Philippines, Philip Goldberg said, “we have about $66 million in foreign military funding in process for the Philippines and we expect that there will be additional sources of funds for both carrying out EDCA to military construction funds and also to increases in what we call the maritime security initiative.” Mr. Goldberg revealed that EDCA is designed to support what the Philippines is trying to do in terms of building a minimum credible defense, in terms of modernizing and equipping its armed forces. Earlier, on Feb. 3, Mr. Goldberg said the US open to patrols with Philippines in waters disputed with China, “We do discuss that principle (joint patrols) with the Philippines and so I am not discarding that possibility,” “it is our view that we have every right under international law to exercise freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and we will continue to do so.” He said.

Japan

Japan backs U.S. destroyer sailing into disputed S. China Sea area

Regarding to recent USS Curtis Wilbur’s FONOP in the Paracels, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga attends a press conference in Tokyo on Feb. 1, said that Japan supports a U.S. decision to send one of its destroyers through part of the South China Sea claimed by China to exercise "freedom of navigation."

Australia

RAAF patrols over disputed South China Sea facing more regular resistance from Chinese military

According to Defence Department figures a total of 30 RAAF "freedom of navigation" operations have taken place in the contested territory in the past 12 months, a small increase on recent years. RAAF Chief Air Marshal Leo Davies said because Beijing is increasing land reclamation activity in the area the People's Liberation Army has a much greater presence there. “What we're now finding is that there are of course multiple outposts now that are manned, so wherever we go on our normal Gateway patrol, we now find that there is an increasing number of locations where the challenge would occur," Air Marshal Davies said. Air Marshal Davies said "nearly all" recent Operation Gateway surveillance flights had been challenged. But he insisted they would continue because they are in line with international law.

Regional Snapshot

India, Brunei discuss South China Sea dispute

Brunei on Feb. 2 held discussion with an Indian delegation led by Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea which has the potential to affect free maritime traffic in Southeast Asia. On his part,Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East) said “Brunei briefed us on the negotiation under way for the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. India supports a negotiated settlement of Brunei’s maritime dispute with China.” On this occasion, the two sides also concluded a bilateral defence agreement which is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted energy lanes between India and Southeast Asia.

China claims their relationship with the Philippines remains stable.

In his speech at the reception in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Makati City Feb.2, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua saiddespite the challenges and difficulties the Philippines and China are facing, the overall relations of the two countries remained stable and developing in 2015.He cited latest data which showed that China remains as one of the top trading partners of the Philippines and that the trade volume in the first 11 months of 2015 reached 41.46 billion dollars, showing an increase of 2.3 percent.  Also, more than 400,000 Chinese tourists visited the Philippines last year. He stressed that “We are close neighbors, we cannot move away from each other.” “We do have some differences and disputes, but China is committed to peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiation with the Philippines.” he said.

China and Cambodia agree approach to South China Sea issue

The Chinese and Cambodian governments held the third meeting of the China-Cambodia Inter-Governmental Coordination Committee in Beijing on Feb. 4, co-hosted by State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong. Delivered to the press after the meeting, Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said the two governments confirmed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through the "dual track approach", an approach where parties directly involved in the dispute address the issue through negotiation. Liu said, “China will help Cambodia and other ASEAN countries to maintain peace in Southeast Asia and "make sure there is a peaceful and stable environment for China". On his part, Hor Namhong said that “China is Cambodia's most important friend, and his country will firmly consolidate and deepen its traditional friendship with China.

THE EAST SEA STUDIES