Weekly Bulletin 12/5-18/5

Activities of the Claimants

China

China responds to ASEAN’s call for speeded-up negotiations on the Code of Conduct

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying in a regular press conference on May 12^th stated that the issue of South China Sea is not one between China and ASEAN. “China stands with ASEAN countries to continue to work for a full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and steadily move forward the negotiation process of COC. China and ASEAN countries are in close communication on this point.” On the question of China's drilling activities in the waters off Hoang Sa islands are in response to the US's pivot to Asia and President Obama's recent visit to Asia, Hua said that “China has been carrying out these drilling operations for a decade, so the operation this time is just a routine continuation of what China has begun a decade ago.” Regarding the the encouter between the US naval vessel "Blue Ridge" with Chinese naval vessels in waters near the Scarborough/Huangyan Island, Spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that “China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea, including the Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal), as well as the adjacent waters. It is legal and legitimate for Chinese naval vessels to carry out routine patrols in relevant waters. There is no need to be surprised at something that is perfectly normal.” Also on May 12^th, Chinese Spokesperson added that India need not worry too much about South China Sea tensions. Previously, on May 9^th, India Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing concerns over the tension in the South China Sea.  In a regular press conference on May 13^th, regarding the phone conversation between the US Secretary of State John Kerry with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in which the US side asked China to stop taking provocative actions, Hua stated that “it is true that provocative actions have been seen in the South China Sea recently. But they are not taken by China. It is nothing but the wrong words and actions made by the US side on maritime issues that have emboldened some countries to take provocative actions. We would like the US side to think hard on this: if they really want the Pacific region to be pacific, what kind of role should they play? What actions should they take to truly contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region?” According to the Spokesperson, in the conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the US to treat these issues with objectivity and fairness, live up to its commitment, watch its words and actions. In a regular press conference on May 14^th, Hua revealed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had held a phone conversation over the South China Sea issue with the Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa. In the conversation, Marty said that China is an important pivot in maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity. Indonesia takes no side on the sovereignty issue of the South China Sea, and is willing to work with China to safeguard regional peace and stability of the South China Sea. Regarding the photos showing China's construction work in the Johnson South (Gac Ma) Reef in the South China Sea, Hua on May 15^th said that “whatever construction China carries out in the Chigua Reef (Gac Ma) Reef is completely within China's sovereignty.”

China, US have more common interests than disputes

There are far more common interests than disputes between China and the United States, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on May 13^th as he met with visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in Beijing. Li said China and the United States, as the largest developing and developed countries in the world respectively, are highly complementary in terms of economy and share far more common interests than disputes. China's market potential will provide the United States with great opportunities and the Chinese side stands ready to work together with the U.S. side to expand cooperation in trade and investment, energy and environmental conservation, and climate change among other areas, and push ahead with the negotiations on a bilateral investment deal, said the premier. Li said he hopes the United States will take substantial measures to relax its restrictions on high-tech exports to China and provide a fair environment for Chinese companies investing in the United States.

Mainland proposes cross-Strait cooperation on South China Sea issue

A spokesman from the Chinese mainland on May 14^th said the mainland has proposed cooperation with Taiwan regarding the South China Sea issue. The mainland has communicated the proposal via various channels to the Taiwan side, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular press conference. "We are looking forward to a reply from Taiwan," he said.

Taiwan will not cooperate with China on South China Sea

Taiwan will not cooperate with China on issues related to South China Sea territorial disputes, Foreign Minister David Lin said on May 15^th amid anti-China protests in Vietnam that have affected Taiwanese businessmen operating there. "There is no cooperation between China and us on South China Sea issues," Lin said during a hearing at the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee. On the same day, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) spokeswoman Wu Mei-hung stated that Taiwan does not think there is any possibility of joining forces with China in the territorial dispute in South China Sea.

Beijing vows to continue drilling

China on May 15^th says its oil rig will continue drilling in contested waters in the South China Sea, despite deadly anti-Beijing riots in Vietnam. Top General Fang Fenghui said Beijing could not "afford to lose an inch" of territory, blaming Hanoi for stirring up trouble in the region. Speaking in the US, he also warned that America's efforts to increase its focus on Asia were fuelling tensions. 

Chinese President: There is no gene for invasion in our blood

There's no gene for invasion in Chinese people's blood, and Chinese people won't follow the logic that "might is right", said Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 15^th while addressing a conference marking the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a non-governmental organization. Xi added China will firmly stick to the path of peaceful development, and would like to boost the world peace with other countries.

Vietnam

Vietnam will continue to protect sovereignty

Vietnam will use every appropriate measure to safeguard its sovereignty in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh has said. Speaking at a regular press conference held in Hanoi on May 15^th, Binh stressed that Vietnam fiercely protests China’s illegal deployment of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 oil rig in Vietnam’s continental shelf, saying that this action seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction as regulated in the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Binh also informed the media of recent happenings in the East Sea. He said China continues deploying its ships to protect the rig, defying the loud protests of Vietnam and the international community. Vietnam has patiently and earnestly communicated with China through various channels at different levels to convey its opposition to the illegal deed, Binh said. The spokesman, however, added that responding to Vietnam’s goodwill, China is continuing its illegal behaviour by deploying more ships and aircraft to the area where the rig is placed. He said that up to now, China is still maintaining the operation of its ships, including military vessels, and aircraft in the area, which have overwhelmed and attacked Vietnam’s ships by water cannons while they were undertaking sovereignty defence tasks, causing material damage and injuring more staffers of the fisheries control force and the maritime police of Vietnam. Binh also answered several questions related to whether Vietnam will submit the issue to the UN. He said this is the right of each UN member nation and Vietnam has circulated a diplomatic note objecting to China’s deeds in the East Sea to the UN. In regards to extremist acts during protests in Vietnam against China’s illegal actions, Binh said it is legitimate and natural for people to show their patriotism and determination to protect the country’s sovereignty and independence. However, they need to respect the law and the friendship between nations in the world.

Vietnam, China FMs hold phone talks on East Sea issue

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on May 15^th held a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Deputy PM affirmed Vietnam’s strong objection to China’s recent actions and requested the latter to immediately remove the Haiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig and its escorts from Vietnam’s waters. He emphasised that China’s move has seriously affected the trust between the two countries and the friendship between the two peoples. China’s actions went against agreements between the leaders of both countries, fundamental principles on resolving maritime issues, international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), he added. On May 16^th, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talked on the phone with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Singaporean FM K. Shanmugam and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov. He informed the Foreign Ministers about the latest developments related to China’s rig Haiyang Shiyou 981, particularly China’s sending of a large number of vessels, including warships and missile-mounted escort ships, to Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. The official emphasised that Vietnam strongly requests China to withdraw its rig and ships out of Vietnam’s waters. He took the occasion to inform the partners of Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts to ease the tension. The Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Singapore and Russia said Vietnam and China should restrain themselves and deal with disputes by peaceful means.

HCM City external affairs office opposes China’s illegal act

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Affairs on May 12^th summoned the Chinese Consulate General’s representatives to protest against China’s illegal deployment of its drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 and a number of escort ships in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The office’s authorities described this act as illegal, saying it runs counter to international law and practices and seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago as well as its sovereign right and jurisdiction over the country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. It also negatively impacts political trust and cooperation between the two countries and hurts Vietnamese people, including those in HCM City, they said. They stressed Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence attesting its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago. The country will use all necessary and suitable measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interest.

President clarifies Vietnam’s East Sea stance with voters

President Truong Tan Sang made clear Vietnam’s stance on China’s illegal placement of an oil rig in the East Sea while meeting with voters for National Assembly deputies in Ho Chi Minh City’s districts 1 and 3 on May 16^th. Vietnam has asked China to withdraw its rig Haiyang Shiyou - 981 and escort ships from the country’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, meeting the aspiration of the Vietnamese people and the world community as a whole, the President said. He elaborated that both sides have contacted each other on the issue on over 10 occasions, during which Vietnam reiterated its national sovereignty.

The Philippines

Aquino: PH-US pact a deterrent to China

China might think twice about deploying an oil rig in the South China Sea because of a new security agreement between the Philippines and the United States, Philippine President Aquino said on May 13^th.  Aquino said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), signed hours before Obama’s arrival in Manila on April 28^th, could deter China from bringing an oil rig to the South China Sea.

Philippines to charge "poachers" despite China warning

Philippine prosecutors said May 12^th they would charge nine Chinese fishermen arrested in disputed South China Sea waters with environmental crimes, despite Beijing's warning of a dire effect on relations. The decision, announced by prosecutors in Puerto Princesa on Palawan island, is set to further stoke the simmering territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Prosecutor Allan Ross Rodriguez told AFP he would file charges in court later Monday, rejecting the appeals of two Chinese diplomats who met him earlier in the day about the case. "It is clear: there was a fishing vessel, Chinese fishermen, a catch of (protected) sea turtles. It is clear from what the apprehending officers said," Rodriguez said, explaining the basis for his decision. However, two were found to be minors and would be repatriated without charges, Rodriguez said. The remaining nine would be charged with violating laws against poaching and catching protected species.

China's reclamation on Johnson South Reef

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on May 12^th released photos of China's construction efforts on Johnson South Reef (Vietnam calls it Gac Ma Reef, the Philippines calls it Mabini Reef, China calls it Chigua Reef) in the disputed South China Sea. DFA said the photographs showing China's "extensive reclamation" were gathered from Philippine intelligence sources. "These actions are considered destabilizing and in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and international law. Mabini Reef (Gac Ma Reef) is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) which is part of Philippine territory," DFA said in a statement. Previously on April 4^th 2014, the Philippines protested Chinese reclamation on Johnson South Reef. Philippine Foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose told that China had been moving earth and materials to Johnson South Reef, in recent weeks. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also told that the Philippines had filed a diplomatic protest against China’s reclamation works on the reef last month, but Beijing rejected it on grounds the reef is part of Chinese territory.

Indonesia

Indonesia against use of military power in South China Sea

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all countries involved in or concerned with the problems in South China Sea to refrain from using military power to settle them. "The key is no party must be tempted to use military power. If this is agreed upon any problem in South China will have its solution," he said at a press conference before leaving home to Jakarta after attending an ASEAN Summit here on May 12^th. He said one of the topics of discussions in the meeting was whether the rise of China was a threat or not. Indonesia, he said, would see it from various angles. Based on it the rise of China could be made positive and responded without worries through mutually beneficial cooperation among countries in the region.

Jakarta calls for diplomatic solution to South China Sea conflict

Indonesia called for all parties involved in the South China Sea conflict to refrain from conducting violent acts and prioritize a diplomatic solution, according to Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s press statement May 16^th. "Once again, Indonesia calls for both China and Vietnam to refrain themselves and respect the commitment that has been made in the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) of the parties in the South China Sea," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa noted in the statement. Indonesia also called on the related parties to communicate intensively in order to stabilize the situation. "There is only one solution to the conflict, it is a peaceful solution. The use of violence and violation of international law have no place in this region," emphasized Marty.

Malaysia

Malaysia Cautious In Dealing With Dispute In South China Sea

Malaysia has always been cautious in dealing with maritime dispute in the South China Sea to reduce tension and to maintain peace in this region. Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said to this end, Malaysia and the other Asean countries need to work as one entity to preserve the security. "It is important for the Asean leadership to ensure that there is no miscalculation involved in the geo-political powers. We must decide our destiny so that it will be easier for us to avoid interference by any third party," he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from the Australian Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs at Wisma Pertahanan on May 12^th.

France

France voices concern over China’s act in East Sea

France’s Foreign Ministry has voiced concern over tensions in the East Sea after China illegally positioned its oil rig – Haiyang Shiyou 981- in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam. Paris is concerned about the current tensions in the East Sea, the French Foreign Ministry spokesperson at the May 14^th press conference in Paris, calling on parties to exercise restraint and settle disputes through peaceful measures and dialogues. Earlier on May 8^th, the European Union raised voice about China’s deployment of its drilling rig in Vietnam ’s waters.

Japan

Japan backs ASEAN's call for exercise of restraint

Japan expressed support on May 12^th for ASEAN leaders' calls for restraint and a de-escalation of tensions between China and Vietnam following Beijing's commencement of oil drilling in a disputed area of the South China Sea. "We hope that countries concerned will refrain from taking unilateral actions that will heighten the tensions, and act calmly in accordance with relevant international law," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference.

Australia

Canberra wary of conflict in the South China Sea

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on May 14^th issued a statement expressing “serious concerns” about the growing potential for conflict in the South China Sea. The strife had “served to raise tensions in the region”, the department said, welcoming statements issued by leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries at last weekend’s summit in Myanmar, which reiterated concerns and called for a code of conduct.

The U.S.

US responds to Chinese accusations of East Sea tension issue

The US Department of State has affirmed that any member of the global community has the right to express concern over China’s provocative acts, which have triggered tensions in the East Sea. At the department’s daily press briefing in Washington on May 13, spokesperson Jen Psaki denounced China’s accusation that the US has emboldened some countries to take provocative actions. “The unilateral action that appears to be part of a broader pattern of Chinese behaviour to advance its claims over disputed areas in a matter that, in our view, undermines peace and stability in the region”, she said. Psake also informed that US Secretary of State John Kerry had a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on May 11^th, during which he shared his view that China’s acts were provocative. About Kerry’s call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Qi, she said Kerry urged both sides to de-escalate tensions, to engage in high-level dialogue, to ensure safe conduct by their vessels at sea, and to resolve the dispute through peaceful means. In a press conference on May 15^th, U.S. Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf also stated that “China’s decision to introduce an oil rig accompanied by numerous government vessels in waters that are disputed with Vietnam is provocative and raises tensions. We are very concerned about dangerous conduct and intimidation of this kind.”

White House urges dialogue, not intimidation in China rig dispute

The White House said on May 14^th that a dispute between China and Vietnam that erupted within days of President Barack Obama's visit to Asia to address regional tensions needs to be resolved with dialogue, not intimidation. While the United States was not a party to the dispute, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Obama had repeatedly stressed on his trip last month the need for peaceful dialogue on various disputes involving China and the South China Sea. Such disputes "need to be resolved through dialogue, not through intimidation," Carney told a regular briefing. "We again urge dialogue in their resolution."

U.S. warns China against isolation over sea disputes with Vietnam

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice warned China on May 14^th against isolation amid growing concerns among other Asian nations over a tense standoff with Vietnam in a disputed area in the South China Sea. Rice told an event in Washington that China "is becoming more isolated and the subject of concern." She also said countries that want good and constructive relationships with China "are increasingly unnerved and put off by what they view as provocative and aggressive actions by China."

Biden Tells Chinese General to Stop 'Dangerous' Actions in Disputed Territory

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has told a top Chinese military official that Beijing's actions the South China Sea are dangerous and provocative. Biden met in Washington on May 15^th with the Chinese military's chief of staff, General Fang Fenghui. Biden told Fang that China cannot undermine security and peace. Also on May 15^th, Nina Hachigian, the Ambassador-designate to ASEAN told that the U.S. has a national interest in the unfettered flow of this commerce and in freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

U.S. Congressman responds expressed concerns over escalations in the South China Sea

U.S. Congressman Jason Chaffetz released a statement on May 16^th regarding recent escalations by China in the South China Sea, saying “China’s unilateral deployment of a state-owned oil rig in the waters of the South China/East Asia Sea off the Paracel Islands is deeply concerning. These waters are subject to an ongoing territorial dispute between China and Vietnam which must be resolved through peaceful negotiation in the appropriate bilateral and multilateral forums. This incident is the latest in a series of actions taken by Beijing that have contributed to a growing sense of uneasiness in the region. Upon traveling to the region recently I learned that the Vietnamese people desire what most people fundamentally desire – to live in peace and prosperity, with the respect of their neighbors. I believe the U.S. should strive to live up to its historic role of responsible leadership in the region in order to secure these blessings for both the American people and the people of the Asia-Pacific.”

U.S. navy renews call for ship visits to Vietnam as tensions worsen

The U.S. navy renewed calls on May 15^th for more ship visits to Vietnam against the backdrop of a dramatic breakdown in relations between Vietnam and its giant neighbor, China. The Seventh Fleet, which guards U.S. interests in the Pacific, restated its desire for stronger naval ties with Vietnam in a statement sent to Reuters, just as Hanoi looked to be running out of options in its territorial row with Beijing. "We are interested in engaging with all our partners in the South China Sea and would welcome increased port visits with Vietnam," fleet spokesman Commander William Marks said in an emailed response to questions about U.S. naval relations with Vietnam.

Russia

Russia responds to China’s acts in the South China Sea

In a press conference on May 15^th, The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexander Lukashevich stated that Russie is following the situation in the South China Sea closely. “We expect that the parties involved in the territorial dispute will show restraint and will be able to overcome their disagreements through negotiations,” he said.

Regional Snapshots

The U.S. – Singapore urges peaceful resolution for maritime disputes

Speaking before the meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned China’s acts in the South China Sea, saying “we (the U.S.) are particularly concerned – all nations that are engaged in navigation and traffic within the South China Sea, the East China Sea, are deeply concerned about this aggressive act. We want to see a code of conduct created; we want to see this resolved peacefully through the Law of the Sea, through arbitration, through any other means, but not direct confrontation and aggressive action.” On his part, Singaporean Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam shared the same idea with the U.S. counterpart John Kerry.

Sino-Russian naval drill set for May 20^th-26^th

China and Russia will hold a joint naval drill in the northern part of the East China Sea between May 20^th and 26^th, a spokesman for the Chinese navy announced on May 13^th. Liang Yang told a press conference that the "Joint Sea-2014" drill will focus on defense and attack, escorts, search and rescue and the freeing of hijacked ships, among other actions. Liang revealed that the two sides will dispatch a total of 14 vessels, two submarines, nine fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters and special forces for the exercise. According to the spokesman, the event is a key measure for China and Russia to strengthen mutual political trust and for the two armies to deepen cooperation. The drill aims to boost their capabilities to jointly cope with maritime security threats and will not target any third party, he added.

Philippines, US troops hold live fire exercise

Around 3,000 Filipino soldiers and 2,500 from the US showcased their rapid response capabilities during a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) held in the Philippines’ Tarlac province on May 15^th. The exercise involved troops from the Philippines’ Army Infantry Battalion, Marine Battalion Landing Team, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Artillery Company and the Air Force Support Units. They were joined by the US Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Detachment. The exercise also included a helicopter raid and ground forces manoeuvres.

Chinese president meets Cambodian PM on ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Shanghai on May 18^th. Xi hailed the China-Cambodia friendship, calling on the two countries to boost their partnership despite changes in international situation. China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Cambodia, enhance contacts between the two ruling parties and share governance experience, Xi said. Hun Sen, in his turn, said that the important consensus he reached with Xi during the meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia in April last year had been implemented by both sides, citing smooth progress in bilateral cooperation in various fields. The Cambodian government and people appreciate China's long-term support, and cherish this friendship, according to Hun Sen.