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Activities of the Claimants

China

Chinese Foreign Minister: 2014 in Review: A Successful Year for China's Diplomacy

On 24th December 2014, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony of the Symposium on the International Development and China's Diplomacy in 2014 co-hosted by China Institute of International Studies and China Foundation for International Studies and delivered an address titled 2014 in Review: A Successful Year for China's Diplomacy. In this address, Wang Yi stated that: “On the diplomatic front, we explored new theories and practices for conducting international relations, participated in global economic and financial governance, engaged in friendly exchanges with countries in all major regions, and worked for the peaceful resolution of hotspot issues in some regions.” According to the foreign minister, China achieved good start last year, namely: i) China have promoted the Chinese vision of building a new type of international relations: Taking a right approach to principles and interests, the building of a new model of major-country relations between China and the United States and the pursuit of neighborhood diplomacy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. ii) China have actively pursued China's diplomacy to boost ties with all other countries: In the short span of two years since the 18th CPC National Congress, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have made 17 foreign visits, covering over 50 countries across the five continents and meeting foreign heads of state and government close to 500 times. This has created a "Chinese whirlwind" in the world. iii) China have made our own contribution to common development in the world: As the world's second largest economy, China is fully aware of its responsibility and has done its utmost to promote development and prosperity of the world. iv) China have played our part in addressing global hotspot issues: The Chinese nation has been peace-loving throughout the ages. Not only are we committed to a path of peaceful development, we have also asked ourselves to stand for peace, make peace and keep peace in international affairs. We have been committed to dialogue, consultation and peacefully solving the disputes concerning sovereignty, territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests with some neighboring countries. While firmly safeguarding our sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, we have actively advocated a "dual track" approach in addressing the South China Sea issue, namely, the relevant disputes should be resolved peacefully through friendly negotiations by the countries directly concerned while peace and stability in the South China Sea be jointly maintained by China and the ASEAN countries.

Taiwan launches its largest-ever missile ship

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Taiwan on December 23rd launched its largest ever missile ship as the island strives to modernize its armed forces. Armed with 16 missiles including eight supersonic Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) anti-ship missiles, it will boost Taiwan's defense capabilities against its giant neighbor. "The completion of the new generation of naval warship is expected to ensure security in the Taiwan Strait and protect shipping lanes," defense minister Yen Ming said at a launch ceremony held in the port of Suao, in northeastern Yilan county.

Lighthouse to be built on Ba Binh Island

The Taiwanese government plans to add a lighthouse to Ba Binh Island, where it is expanding a runway and building a port. “The light it provides will launch the South China Sea Peace Initiative,” an official familiar with the government’s South China Sea policies said. The official added the design and construction of the lighthouse by CECI Engineering Consultants Inc Taiwan as commissioned by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which would verify that the work is on schedule in July next year, or in 2016, if construction is delayed. The project’s completion would be significant, the official said, and a ceremony would take place. The possibility of “President Ma Ying-jeou attending the ceremony on the island in person” is not excluded, the source said.

Vietnam

Vietnamese force rescues Chinese fishing boat in distress off Nha Trang

On December 23rd, the Vietnam Coastal Information Station released a message to the Vietnamese Coast Guard (VCG) asking for help for Ji Hang, a Chinese fishing boat, that was drifting due to an engine breakdown in an area belonging to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, about 74 nautical miles northeast off Nha Trang. Immediately after that, the VCG sent vessel CSB 9002 to the scene and after hours of search, it found out the drifting boat at 1:50 pm on that day in an area 28 nautical miles northeast of Khanh Hoa’s Van Phong Bay. The vessel tugged the broken-down foreign boat Ji Hang into the waters of the Bay of Nha Trang at 1:50 am on December 24th. The Nha Trang Port Authority and the Khanh Hoa Province High Command of Border Guard are carrying out necessary procedures to handle the case.

The Philippines

Philippine military eyes 2 more naval bases in Palawan

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Aside from the Ulungan Bay naval base in Palawan, Philippine defense and military officials are eyeing construction of two more naval bases that could accommodate various types of vessels to help secure the South China Sea. The planned naval base is expected to be the home of new warships that would arrive starting next year from defense contractors abroad. Aside from the guided missile boat Pohang Class corvette that South Korea is giving to the Philippine Navy for free, the government is also expecting delivery of two brand new frigates from the South Korean government and two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) and other vessels it procured from Indonesia. At present the Navy is developing the Ulugan Bay Naval Base that would be home to its Naval Forces West (Navforwest) and transform the nearby Oyster Bay into a modern naval facility. 

Phl looks into China’s offshore observation network

The Philippines will look into reports that China is setting up an offshore observation network, including satellite and radar stations, to strengthen its maritime power. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said on December 20th the Palace has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to verify the reports. “And they (DFA) will be the ones responsible for discussing this matter or issue any statement to that effect,” Lacierda said. He said the DFA is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure the country’s interests are protected and an escalation of tension with China is avoided.

Indonesia

Indonesia mulls Be-200 amphibious aircraft for maritime patrols

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has submitted a request to President Joko Widodo to acquire at least one amphibious jet for the service, Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia told local reporters on December 22nd. Upon acquisition, the TNI-AU plans to deploy the aircraft at areas along the country's maritime borders that are prone to foreign vessel incursions.

The U.S.

White House responds to South China Sea petition vs China

In an undated statement published on December 26th, the White House responded to the petition related to the South China Sea dispute filed through its online We the People platform. "The United States has long called for China and all claimants to pursue their territorial claims and accompanying rights to maritime space peacefully, without resorting to coercion, and in accordance with international law," it said. The petition asked the United States government to take measures against China for "invading" Vietnam in the deployment of an oil rig, which Beijing ordered removed in July this year. The White House noted the Obama administration's stance against activities to pursue territorial and maritime claims over the South China Sea. "We have expressed our concerns over China's actions, including its deployment of the HD-981 drilling operation, to Chinese leaders at the highest levels," it said. 

Regional Snapshots

China, Thailand pledge closer relationship

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha on December 22nd and they pledged to further boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries. As 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, Li said he hopes the two sides will cement their traditional friendship and boost cooperation in pursuit of win-win reciprocity and improve the comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting the target of increasing bilateral trade to 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2015. Hailing Thailand's role in promoting the China-ASEAN relationship, Li said China is willing to work together with Thailand regarding the signing of a China-ASEAN treaty for friendly cooperation, the upgrading of the current China-ASEAN free trade zone as well as boosting maritime cooperation. For his part, Prayut said China plays an important part in promoting peace, stability and development in the region and that Thailand will cooperate closely with China to step up the ASEAN-China ties as well as regional cooperation.

Vietnam’s President visits Cambodia

President Truong Tan Sang’s State visit to Cambodia on December 23rd-24th holds a significant importance to the development of the two countries’ relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son told the press after the visit.  The official noted that during the visit, the two countries’ leaders exchanged in-depth opinions on the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two sides affirmed they will continue developing bilateral relations in line with the motto of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive and sustainable cooperation”. They will fully comply with agreed principles, including not allowing any hostile forces to use their respective territories to threaten the other’s security, Son added.

China, Vietnam agree to properly settle maritime disputes

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The consensus was reached in a meeting between China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. "The maritime issue is highly complicated and sensitive, which requires negotiations to manage and control differences," said Yu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "Magaphone diplomacy can only trigger volatility of public opinion, which should be avoided by both sides," said Yu, who is in Hanoi for a three-day official visit. He proposed both countries to enhance political trust and build consensus, strengthen guidance in public opinion, and promote substantial cooperation in various areas. Nguyen Tan Dung, for his part, said Vietnam expects joint efforts with China to properly settle maritime disputes in a candid and friendly spirit, and especially promote substantial progress in their negotiations regarding the maritime demarcation of the bay mouth of Beibu Gulf. He agreed to treat China in an honest and candid manner, and further facilitate bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, culture, education and youth exchanges.

East Sea (South China Sea) Studies