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Activities of Claimants

China

China against Philippines’ comment on its Massive Military Parade to Commemorate the End of World War II.

On September 7, in a response to the question of reporter regarding to the comment of Spokesperson of the Philippine Defense Department, saying that the “Chinese government should go beyond deceitful rhetoric claiming peaceful efforts and show sincerity”, Chinese Spokesperson Hong Lei said that “the international community speaks highly of China's sacrifices as the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War and its firm attitude to defend world peace. The Philippine side made such kind of remarks in total disregard of China's resolve and commitment, confusing right and wrong and misleading the public. It is not worth any comment.”

The United States is not part of the South China Sea disputes

On September 11, in an interview with China Daily, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said that “the disputes are those between China and some countries in the South China Sea region. The United States is not part of these disputes, and we do hope that the United States does not get involved in these disputes as it has promised. It is important for both countries to stay in close touch even if they have different perceptions and views. China has made its views on these issues very clear. China wants to have the situation handled and ultimately resolved in a peaceful manner.”

Vietnam

Vietnam protests China’s installing 4G coverage in the Hoang Sa archipelago

In a regular press conference on September 10, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh responsed to China installing 4G coverage in the Hoang Sa archipelago, saying that “we have asserted repeatedly that Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagoes. That other countries conduct activities there without permission and agreement from Vietnam is illegal and completely worthless.”

Philippines

Philippines Says South China Sea Not on APEC Agenda

In an interview with Inquirer on September 8, President Benigno S. Aquino said that the South China Sea dispute will not be raised in APEC scheduled in Manila this November. He put it “I think it will be more prudent for us to await the decision of the Arbitral [Tribunal] rather than engage them in this dialogue, which… I think we have already stated our positions through various fora. So, again, we will stress on the economyeconomic issues and, specifically, China’s major role in the world economy and things that are happening in the domestic scene as it impacts the rest of the world’s economy.”

Indonesia

RI anticipates risk of dispute in South China

On September 7, the Jakarta Post posted that Indonesia will strengthen its weaponry systems on Natuna Island in order to anticipate future threats from the South China Sea dispute. Speaking to journalists Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that “we will equip Natuna with a port and extend its military air base runway. The runway should be enough to accommodate four jet fighters.” He added that more jet fighters would be stationed at the Ranai military air base in Natuna. According to the Defense Minister, this upgrade is necessary to prevent possible threats to Indonesia’s territory, he said “we are not in a war situation, but the South China Sea is very close to us. We have to be prepared. Our weaponry systems are good, but we need to add more [weapons], so that we don’t need to worry all the time.” Natuna is the island is on the border of Indonesia that is nearest to the South China Sea.

Regional Snapshot

Three Japan warships, US destroyer in Manila

On September 7, three Japanese warships, composed of JS Bungo (MST 464), JS Aishima (MSC 688) and JS Shishijima (MSC 691), previously operating just within confines of Japan’s maritime domain, arrived in Manila in what the Philippine Navy (PN) described as a goodwill visit. The presence of the Sugashima-class minesweepers and the US guided-missile destroyer also came amid the mounting regional tension spawned by China’s aggressive behavior in imposing its maritime and territorial claim to almost the entire South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Japan has started to loosen its military non-aggression restrictions in what observers described as a bold move, along with the other countries, to include the US to counter China’s military domination plan for the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan, U.S. running undersea listening post to detect Chinese subs

Posted on Japan Time, September 10, the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy are jointly operating an undersea submarine detection system on the floor of the Pacific side of the Nansei Island chain, including Okinawa, as part of efforts to counter China’s rising maritime activities, according to source from the Defense Ministry and the MSDF said. The latest model of the sound surveillance system, or SOSUS, allows Tokyo and Washington to detect Chinese submarines traveling from the East China Sea and Yellow Sea to the Pacific. According to the sources, the latest SOSUS involves two cables with extensive networks of hydrophones - one stretching from Okinawa to southern Kyushu and the other from Okinawa to off Taiwan.

Military sources said China also ran an undersea system to monitor Japanese and U.S. submarines traveling in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea from naval bases and key port facilities in Qingdao and Shanghai.

India Air Force Chief visits Vietnam to boost ties

The official visit to Vietnam by Indian Air Force Chief and Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) Arup Raha from September 9-11 is expected to bolster the traditional friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries and peoples, particularly in defence relations. Speaking about Vietnam and India’s relationship, Minister of National Defence General Phung Quang Thanh said Vietnam continually bears in mind the valuable assistance from India in the cause of national liberation and construction, adding that the bilateral strategic partnership in recent years has reaped positive outcomes across the board, including in defence. For his part, Arup Raha said India attaches great importance to its relations with Vietnam and is impressed with the Southeast Asian country’s achievements in national liberation and construction.

 

THE EAST SEA STUDIES