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Activities of Related Parties

China

China rejects Indonesia's government accusation of infringement of its waters by a Chinese coastguard

Regarding to Indonesia’s accusation that Chinese coast guard vessel had infringed upon the Indonesian waters when being involved in a dispute between a Chinese fishing vessel and Indonesian coast guards, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, on Mar.  21, “This incident took place in traditional Chinese fishing grounds, and the Chinese fishing vessel was carrying out normal operations in this area. On Mar. 19, after the relevant fishing vessel was attacked and harassed by an armed Indonesian ship, a Chinese coast guard ship went to assist and did not enter the Indonesian territorial waters. The Chinese side has immediately asked the Indonesian side to release the detained Chinese fishermen and ensure their personal safety. It is hoped that the Indonesian side would bear in mind the general picture of bilateral relations and properly handle this incident.”

On Mar. 22, in a response to another incident happened in early March when a captain of a Philippine fishing vessel said that his ship was twice warned and driven away by Chinese coast guard vessels while fishing around Scarborough Shoal, Ms. Hua said, “Some Philippine fishing vessels have recently been engaged in illegal actions in waters off Scarborough Shoal. They intruded into lagoons without any permission, trawled illegally in relevant waters and illegally stayed for a very long time. Chinese official vessels, acting in line with law, persuaded illegal Philippine fishing vessels to leave this area. But the Philippine ships refused to obey, and some people aboard even waved around machetes and flung fire bombs, carried out deliberate provocation, and attacked the Chinese law enforcers and official boats.”

On Mar. 24, regarding to report saying that Taiwan authorities published a position paper on its South China Sea policy on Mar. 21, Ms. Hua said, the Spratly Islands including Itu Aba have been China's territory since ancient times..Chinese people across the Strait all have the responsibility to safeguard the property handed down from our ancestors. On the same day, when answering the question about the US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s comment that “China's self-isolation has pushed all allies to work increasingly with the US,” Ms. Hua said, “Talking about "isolation", doesn't it reveal the concealed intention to form cliques and seclude China held by some people in the US? If they do harbor such an intention, I suggest they give it up as soon as possible, because this is not constructive and shall never succeed.”

Taiwanese boats shot at in Strait of Malacca

The owner of the Sheng Te Tsai said he received a satellite telephone call from the skipper, Lin Nan-yang, shortly after 5am to say that his ship and the Lien I Hsing No. 116 were being shot at. Crew members said they believed the vessel belonged to the Indonesian military, because they saw “2804” on the vessel, which is used for official vessels of the Southeast Asian nation. The two Taiwanese ships were heading to Singapore to offload their catches and stock up on supplies. Lin said the 20 crew members of both ships were unharmed, but added that the Sheng Te Tsai had more than 10 bullet holes. Lin told Lee that the shots were mainly aimed at the cockpits of the two ships, which Lee said was unusual given that warning shots tend to target the back of a vessel or the water around it. However, according to Susi Pudjiastuti, Indonesia's minister of maritime affairs and fisheries, the two Taiwanese fishing boats were found poaching in Indonesian territorial waters and that they were shot at after they ignored warning shots by Indonesian patrol vessels and instead attempted to ram one of the vessels. She also showed a video lasting 1 minute and 32 seconds that showed an Indonesian patrol vessel trailing closely behind the "Sheng Te Tsai."

Taiwan organizes first visit to Itu Aba Island by local and foreign media

According to ROC’s media, on Mar. 23, members of the local and foreign media visited Itu Aba Island. The visiting journalists toured the forest, local farm, post office, and other facilities on the island. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Linghu discussed with the media the ROC government’s use of peaceful means to protect its legal rights and interests with regard to Itu Aba Island as well as its long-term policy of peaceful operations in the South China Sea.

Beijing sets up joint research centre on South China Sea issues

The China-South-east Asia Research Centre on the South China Sea (CSARC) was launched on Mar. 25 on the sidelines of the annual Boao Forum for Asia held in southern Hainan province. Founded by China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) and Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the centre will eventually include other influential think-tanks in China and South-east Asia, said Ms Yan Yan, NISCSS' deputy director of the research centre of ocean law and policy. "While we're just starting up with two founding organisations, we're definitely looking at inviting Singapore think-tanks and researchers to join us in the future because Singapore has many experts in this field," she said. Dr Wu Shicun, president of NISCSS, a national-level institute affiliated with China's Foreign Ministry and State Oceanic Administration, said the centre is meant to be a platform for discussing issues on South China Sea, and a model for maritime research cooperation among countries in the region.

China vows to seek peaceful settlement of the South China Sea disputes

Speaking at the sub-conference on the South China Sea during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2016 on Mar. 25, Vice Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Liu Zhenmin said, “The South China Sea issue has become a hard nut to crack. But it's not uncrackable. In fact, the key to overcome difficulties has always been in the hands of regional countries, that is, to settle disputes through negotiations and consultations between countries directly concerned.” He accused that some countries has initiated arbitration procedures against China without any good will to settle disputes, some countries from outside the region have stepped up political and military intervention in the South China Sea out of their own strategic interests, which has heightened tension in the region and made the situation even more complicated. According to Mr. Liu, China’s position is consistent and clear-cut. China continues to seek peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiations and consultations is a weighty commitment made by China and ASEAN countries in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). China remain committed to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea enjoyed by all countries in accordance with international law, and continue to uphold the rule of law and basic norms governing international relations through concrete actions.

China deploys oil-rig to the disputed South China Sea

According to the post on China’s Marine Safety Administration website, on Mar. 25, saying that China will deploy the oil-rig “HAI YANG SHI YOU 943” to the location of IN17-47.5N, 108-46.0E from 25 Mar to 31 Jul 16. China’s MSA cautioned vessels entering prohibited within 1 mile radius of the oil rig.

Chinese flotilla heads to Indonesia for joint drills

On Mar. 26, Chinese ships left the port of Qingdao to take part in naval exercises off the coast of Indonesia, a week after a dispute between the two countries over contested waters in the South China Sea. Chinese navy flotilla will hold joint blue-water training and conduct disaster relief exercises with 16 nations, including Indonesia, the United States and Russia. The exercises, run by the Indonesian navy, will begin at Padang and nearby islands on 12 to 15 of April.

Chinese harvesting coral arrested in Pratas Islands

According to Taiwan’s media on Mar. 26, a Chinese fishing boat has been caught illegally harvesting coral and endangered turtles in waters near Pratas Islands in the disputed South China Sea. After taking control of the ship, Taiwanese Coast Guard found 15,000kg of 21 species of coral, 400kg of shellfish and three endangered green sea turtles on board, as well as 40kg of toxic chemicals used to kill fish. The Taiwanese coast guard officials detained the fishing boat and its 41 crew members and transported them to Kaohsiung for questioning.

Vietnam

Vietnam demands Taiwan to respect its sovereignty

In a response to Taiwan’s launch of a media tour of Ba Binh island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on Mar. 23, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh on Mar 24 said, “Taiwan’s organisation of the tour, regardless of concerns and objections raised by Vietnam and the international community, has seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty, escalated tensions and threatened peace and stability in the East Sea (South China Sea) as well as relations between the two sides.” Vietnam vehemently objects to such deeds and demands Taiwan to make constructive contributions to joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the sea, Binh stated.

The Philippines

The Philippines created the national task force for the South China Sea

According to Memorandum Circular No. 94, s. 2016 issued by Office of the President of the Philippines on Mar. 17, the chairperson of this task force is National Security Adviser and its members from several departments including Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Energy, etc. This task force shall be responsible in orchestrating and synchronizing the employment of the different national government agencies’ capabilities to achieve the national objectives in the South China Sea and in submitting such reports and/or recommendations to the President through the Security Cluster.

The Philippines hailed the agreement on US access to bases

The Philippines, Mar. 18, hailed a new accord giving the US military access to five of its bases, saying this would strengthen its defensive capabilities and maritime security. Under the agreement, US forces would be able to rotate through five Philippine bases, including those close to the South China Sea. “The five agreed locations... reaffirms the shared commitment of the Philippines and US to strengthening their alliance in terms of ensuring both countries’ mutual defence and security,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement. Defense spokesman Peter Galvez said separately the agreement “would greatly enhance our capabilities” in maritime security and disaster relief. The agreement came under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which went into effect last January.

New DFA chief vows diplomatic action over Scarborough harassment

Interim Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Almendras on Mar. 21 vowed that the Philippines will take appropriate action on China's reported harassment of Filipino fishermen at the Panatag or Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. He said, "When and if our Armed Forces does validate it, then we will be launching our official course of action -– to express our opinions according to the diplomatic channels," Almendras said in a press conference. According to reports, Chinese government vessels have been blockading the shoal and drove Filipino fishermen away on March 5 and 6 when they tried to get close.

Indonesia

Indonesia protests against China in South China Sea fishing dispute

Speaking on the press conference on Mar. 21, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said he Indonesian government has conveyed a note of protest to the Chinese government over the recent move of China-flagged fishing vessel MV Kwang Fey 10078 and a Chinese coast guard vessel, which entered into Indonesian waters in Natuna, Riau Islands. In the absence of the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng, Retno summoned Sun Weide, minister counsellor of China's embassy in Jakarta, to her office following the incident to provide an explanation about the dispute. At the same time, speaking to the press after the meeting with Chinese embassy officials, Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said that "We feel interrupted and sabotaged in our efforts, we may take it to the international tribunal of the law of the sea." House of Representatives deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah, on the other hand, called on President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to show firm leadership amid the fishing dispute between Indonesia and China. President Jokowi should not underestimate the complexity of the dispute and just leave the problem to Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti because she is responsible only in the handling of technical matters related to maritime affairs,”he said. On Mar. 24, Mr Mahfudz Siddiq,chairman of a House committee on defence and foreign affairs said, "The development of a military base on Natuna Islands is important for the defence system in the central region of Indonesia, which shares its borders with many countries in the South China Sea."

Indonesia has no conflict with China in South China Sea

Presidential spokesman Johan Budi made the statement on Mar. 23 after eight Chinese crew members were detained for allegedly fishing illegally in the Natuna Sea. "This is purely the enforcement of law by Indonesia, and we have already conveyed our letter of protest," he said. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said on Mar. 23 that eight crew members will be prosecuted, however, affirmed that "Indonesia and China are good friends, but our territorial integrity must be upheld.” About the internal affair of right after the incident, Bloomberg on Mar. 23 said that just hours after the incident a top Chinese diplomat called an Indonesian government official with a plea: “Don’t tell the media, we are friends after all.” That request was rebuffed as officials in Jakarta called a press conference to complain about China’s actions.

Indonesia urges all parties to maintain security in South China Sea

In his remarks at the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in Hainan, China, on Mar.24 Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated, “Indonesia is not a claimant in South China Sea territorial disputes; however, we are aware of the real risks of these problems in which the territorial disputes can turn into an open conflict, which will eventually stir up troubles in the region.” The Vice President further said that if the South China Sea territorial disputes were allowed to continue, the possible resulting open conflict would have negative economic impacts, which would in turn inflict losses on all parties in the region. Kalla added that the Indonesian government strongly believed that mutual respect and restraint were key to maintaining peace and security in the South China Sea area.€

Malaysia

100 China-registered boats, ships encroaching into Malaysian waters

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim on Mar. 25 revealed that there were about 100 China-registered boats and vessels have been detected encroaching into Malaysia's waters near Beting Patinggi Ali in the South China Sea. The government had instructed the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to deploy its assets to monitor the situation. He said appropriate law enforcement action would be taken if the boats and ships were found to have entered the exclusive economic zone of the country. On the next day, the MMEA director-general Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar saidonly 82 foreign fishing boats were seen in Malaysia's waters in the South China Sea near Miri, Sarawak. However, he also told that the agency could not yet determine who the boats belonged to due to the lack of identification such as flags, or panel numbers on the boats.

The United States

Ohio Gold Visits Subic Bay During Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment

Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN-726) arrived at Subic Bay, Mar. 22, for the conclusion of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment. Capt. Michael Lewis, commanding officer said, "Our presence in the region provides a stabilizing force and through engagements with our partners, such as this port visit to Subic Bay, we aid in maintaining that stability. Our mission was to support the 7th Fleet commander in a multitude of operations and the crew of 165 came to the region fully ready to accomplish any and all missions." Ohio is one of the largest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

Australia

Australia’s PM criticized China’s assertive actions on the South China Sea

In his speech delivered in 2016 LOWY LECTURE, Sydney, on Mar. 23, Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull said, “it undeniable that China’s actions in the South China Sea are creating anxieties and raising tensions among its neighbours. They are therefore counterproductive - regardless of the legal merits on which, of course, we do not express a view nor make a claim. Disputes of the  ownership of the various reefs of the South China Sea, should be settled by international law, not by creating facts on the ground or in this case land in the water.” He stressed “the extraordinary economic growth of our region, especially China’s, has depended on a long period of more than forty years of relative tranquility. There is too much at stake to risk disturbing it.”

Regional Snapshots

Vietnam, Russia hold second deputy ministerial defence strategy dialog

The Bilateral talk took place on Mar. 12, co-chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov to discuss strengthening bilateral defence ties. During the talk, the two sides examined possible risks to the two countries and Asia-Pacific security, including terrorism. They shared the view that in order to maintain regional peace and stability, bilateral and regional cooperation mechanism should be strengthened, especially those for dialogue, strategic trust building, preventive diplomacy as well as conflict prevention and management measures.

Australia’s Minister for Defence and Malaysia’s Minister of Defence discussed about the South China Sea disputes

Speaking in a joint press conference with her Malaysia counterpart Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, on Mar. 21, on the occasion of his visit to Australia, Ms. Marise Payne said that “the importance to the region of ensuring that we have freedom of movement, freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight through the South China Sea for all nations who are prepared to operate under the auspices of international law.” Australia, in releasing our White Paper, did not necessarily please our colleagues in China with some of the observations that we made. But we’ve been extremely consistent in saying that our activities will continue, that we will send our ships and our planes through that part of the world as and when we require necessary in accordance with international law.” On his part, Mr. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said “Malaysia cannot face the complexities of South China Sea on its own,” he highlighted that platforms that already exist like the FPDA, ADMM-Plus, bilaterally with Australia, and personal relationships between leaders is something that is important as we navigate very difficult waters. He vowed to engage our nations in ASEAN and indicated that after this visit he would be meeting with his counterpart in Vietnam and also in the Philippines.

Vietnam, Indonesia discuss EEZ delimitation

Vietnam and Indonesia held their eighth technical meeting on the delimitation of the EEZ in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Mar. 22-24. At this meeting, the two countries have continued their discussions on issues relating to the delimitation of the two countries’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundary based on the principles of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Prime Minister meets Chinese Premier

The Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is in China to attend the first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Leaders' Meeting and the Boao Forum for Asia’s annual conference in the Chinese province of Hainan, met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Mar. 23. On the East Sea (South China Sea) issue Mr. Minhexpressed concern over the recent developments in the East Sea and asked China to realise high-level agreements and common perception, manage and settle disputes in line with international law, effectively utilise the mechanism of bilateral talks on sea issues, join the ASEAN countries in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and working towards formulating a Code of Conduct in the East Sea soon; refrain from acts that exacerbate the situation and properly deal with fisheries issues. 

China, Russia should work to settle hotspot issues

Speaking in a meeting with Russian Presidential Administration chief Sergei Ivanov on Mar. 25, China’s President Xi Jinping said China and Russia should strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs to promote the political settlement of major hotspot issues. "China-Russia strategic cooperation plays a key role in safeguarding peace and stability in the region and the world at large," Xi said. On his part, Ivanov said close high-level exchanges guide the development of bilateral relations, and the two countries have maintained rapid development in cooperation in various fields and close communication and coordination in international affairs. Ivanov said the Russian Presidential Administration is willing to work with the General Office of the CPC Central Committee to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state and contribute to the bilateral relationship.

Vietnam, China defence ministers hold talks

On Mar. 27, Minister of National Defence General Phung Quang Thanh and his Chinese counterpart Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chang Wanquan candidly discussed the sea dispute that has affected relations between Vietnam and China during their talks in Hanoi. The two ministers stressed that the two sides will continue to handle the issue through peaceful and friendly dialogues and on the basis of regulations and mechanisms defined by international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). The two defence ministers shared the view that the two armies should keep calm, restrain themselves, well control the situation, avoid conflicts and not threaten to use force in order to protect peace, stability, collaboration and the interests of the two countries, the region and the world as a whole.

THE EAST SEA STUDIES