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Activities of the Claimants

China

China to set up two drone bases for marine surveillance

Two drone bases will be established in northeast China's Liaoning Province for real time surveillance on coastal waters, local authorities said Saturday (October 20th). One of the bases will be built on a land reclamation lot in the coastal city of Yingkou to cover the Bohai Sea area. The other will be constructed in Dalian city to cover parts of the Yellow Sea within the province's jurisdiction, according to the oceanic and fishing department of the provincial government.

China's expanding GPS protesting fishing

China's indigenous satellite navigation system and positioning network, the Beidou Satellite Navigation System, is helping to improve fishing safety and saves lives after being installed on all fishery patrol vessels. The Beidou system is currently able to track locations within 25 meters. The system will be able to track locations within an accuracy of 10 meters when it is upgraded by the end of 2012, at which point it could exceed the US Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chinese scholars to study South China Sea border line

A joint team of scholars from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will study borderlines and other related issues regarding the South China Sea, a leading expert has said. During a press conference on Tuesday (October 23rd) on release of the Report on the South China Sea-2011, Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), said, "The most important task is to start the theoretical research on the U-shape line." "We plan to give the international community a legal explanation of the U-shape line within one year, together with our advice and claims in response to international concerns," Wu Said.

Chinese marine troops hold drills

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A Chinese South China Sea Fleet marine brigade has conducted coordinated drills to practice disembarking from helicopters to ships. The exercise involved teams of landing ships, helicopters, tanks, warships, and assault vessels to transfer in difficult waters. The drill aims to speed up boarding for marine troops and strengthen their combat capability.

China to build first archaeological vessel

China plans to build its first vessel capable of retrieving archaeological findings from the sea by the end of 2013, a major step to strengthening the underwater search abilities of Chinese archaeologists who currently rely on rented shipping boats. The 4.8-metre wide and 56-metre long boat, to be powered by an integrated full electric propulsion system, will "basically" meet China's underwater archaeological needs.

Infrastructure boost planned for China's youngest city

Plans have been announced to speed up infrastructure construction in the so-called Sansha City in the South China Sea to fully tap into the island city's rich natural resources. "We will accelerate construction projects in Sansha in sectors including traffic, telecommunication, water and electricity supply, logistics and sewage treatment," said Jiang Dingzhi, governor of China's southernmost province of Hainan.

Vietnam

Vietnamese officials visit USS George Washington

A delegation of Vietnamese officials visited the supercarrier USS George Washington on October 20. The visit was made at the invitation of the US Embassy in Vietnam. The visit took place during the supercarrier’s passage through international waters near the country. The delegation of Vietnamese officials was introduced to the ship’s activities and the daily life of its crew members. The two sides held exchanges to increase their mutual understanding.

Viet Nam wishes ASEAN and China will soon be able to kick start official negotiations

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Speaking at a press conference on October 25th,  Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, Luong Thanh Nghi said: “ASEAN has been putting forward official consultation with China on the building of COC. Currently, ASEAN has completed basic documents on COC elements, which were approved by ASEAN Foreign Ministers last July. Recently, Indonesia introduced its version with more detailed elements. ASEAN countries will continue to debate this version. Viet Nam wishes ASEAN and China will soon be able to kick start official negotiations on COC, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.”

Vietnam’s Sea Law first introduced in Republic of Korea

The Law of the Sea of Vietnam was introduced for the first time at an international seminar held in the Republic of Korea on October 26. Prof. Dr. Vo Khanh Vinh from the Vietnam Institute of Social Sciences presented the law at the seminar, entitled “Law, Culture and History in East Asia ”. Vinh stated that Vietnam has joined the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) and some other sea-related international treaties.  The country has always abided by the provisions of UNCLOS 1982 in the exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction over its waters on the basis of Vietnamese law and related bilateral and regional agreements, he stressed.

The U.S.

US Navy to guard "freedom of navigation" in Asia

The captain of a US supercarrier said Thursday (October 25th) the US Navy's presence in Asia would help safeguard "freedom of navigation", amid China's claims to sovereignty over vast waters in the region. The commander of the USS George Washington, which is on a port call to the Philippine capital, said the United States was not taking sides in territorial disputes but stood firmly for keeping sea lanes open. "One of the reasons we deploy throughout the region is so we can carry forth the banner of freedom of navigation. It is very important to us given the trade that travels throughout the region on the seas," Captain Gregory Fenton said.

USS George Washington docked in Philippines

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Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington dropped anchor in Manila Bay on Wednesday (October 24th). The Philippine Navy has deployed 300 personnel to take part in the five-day goodwill visit in Manila and Cavite of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) (CVN-73) starting Thursday (October 25th), according to local media reports. “This port visit is envisioned to enhance and strengthen mutual relationship between the two nations and their naval forces as it offers an opportunity for the USN to foster personal and professional exchanges with their Philippine counterparts,” Philippine Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said.

Others

Singapore hopeful for discussions on South China Sea code at ASEAN Summit

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the region needs to work towards a code of conduct for the South China Sea and hopes to see informal discussions on this started at next month's ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh. Speaking to Singapore reporters after he met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on Sunday, Mr Lee said ASEAN has to work towards managing a dispute which is inherently very difficult to solve. Asked by reporters if he saw any progress on the South China Sea issue, Mr Lee acknowledged that it would take some time, especially when it involves the issue of sovereignty.

Indonesia asked to stabilize conflict in South China Sea

Indonesia has been asked to serve as a mediator and to take actions to stabilize the conflict in the South China Sea, Navy Deputy Chief Vice Admiral Marsetio said. "To help redress conflicts in the South China Sea, we have established cooperation with China and Vietnam in conducting coordinated patrols. Indonesia also has the same cooperation with Malaysia, the Philippines and all members of ASEAN. Indonesia is even being asked to serve as a mediator and stabilizer," Vice Admiral Marsetio said.

Regional Snapshots

Philippines, Australia to hold joint maritime training exercise 

Navy forces of the Philippines and Australia will formally start Maritime Training Activity dubbed as "LUMBAS 2012" in Manila Bay on Monday (October 22nd), the Philippine military said.  About 200 Australian soldiers and a similar number of Filipino sailors are due to join the five-day exercise. "It is focused on anti-terrorism, illegal human and drug trafficking, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, involving the Philippine Navy and Australian Border Protection Command”, Navy spokesman Omar Tonsay said.

US, Cambodia navies join joint naval exercise

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The USS Vandegrift destroyer and two diving and salvage ships of the US docked in Cambodia 's Sihanoukville Port on October 22 for the third CARAT joint exercise. Approximately 500 US Navy and 300 Royal Cambodian Navy personnel are participating in the five-day joint exercise. The exercise focuses on enhancing maritime security skills through activities such as maritime interdiction, diving and salvage operations, maneuvering, and disaster response.

ASEAN, Chinese officials to discuss East Sea

Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong met with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Marty M. Natalegawa in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on October 23 to discuss a number of issues related to the East Sea. The implementation of the Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the creation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) were also tabled for discussion at the meeting. Talking to the media afterwards, Hor Namhong said that senior officials from ASEAN and China will discuss several issues surrounding the COC at a meeting in Phuket in Thailand in the near future.

Australia, Philippines to boost bilateral relationship

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard met with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III on 24 October 2012 as part of his State Visit to Australia.  Their meeting was followed by discussions between Australian Ministers and Philippine Cabinet Secretaries. In relation to the South China Sea, Australian Prime Minister Gillard noted that Australia did not take a position on competing territorial claims, but called on claimant governments to clarify and pursue their territorial claims in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both Leaders recognised the need for governments to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further increase tensions.  The two Leaders encouraged ASEAN countries and China to conclude a regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at an early date. 

Seoul seminar discusses sovereignty in East Sea (South China Sea)

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ChosunUniversity in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Vietnam’s Hanoi National University hosted an international seminar in Seoul on October 23 to discuss sovereignty in the East Sea.  Addressing the event, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the RoK, Tran Trong Toan said that as a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to confirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel islands) and Truong Sa (Spratly islands) archipelagoes.

U.S., China hold 4th consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs

The United States and China held their fourth Asia-Pacific consultation here on Tuesday (October 23rd), with both sides agreed to continue using the platform to keep close contacts and coordination on major issues in the region. The latest round of consultation was co-chaired by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai. The two sides exchanged views on issues including bilateral relations, interaction in the region, as well as how to push forward regional cooperation, Chinese diplomats said.

Commentaries & Analyses

A regional code of conduct is needed to defuse maritime claims

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is displaying a sense of urgency to get the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea off the ground. The latest manifestation is a joint statement by Singaporean and Vietnamese leaders. The same urgency has been expressed in other regional capitals since Asean restored some of its dented credibility with a joint statement of principles on July 26 following the failure of the 45th Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) in Phnom Penh to issue a joint communique on the South China Sea disputes. But China, as a principal actor in the territorial disputes in both bodies of water, and a key party to the regional COC with Asean, appears to be in no hurry. In other words, whatever Asean comes up with to resolve the South China Sea disputes will not fly without the concurrence of China. As a confidence-building measure, a regional COC actually fits in with China's geo-strategy. It was the late Deng Xiaoping who came up with a formula to resolve competing claims over territory: disputing parties should shelve their claims pending a resolution and in the meanwhile jointly develop the disputed areas. If Beijing does go for the so-called "Deng Xiaoping solution", joint development will be one of the key elements in China's version of the COC. This, however, does not mean it will be accepted by the Asean claimants. While the Deng formula is pragmatic, the underlying dispute over sovereignty will still be in the way. In fact, some of the Asean claimant states may have reservations about the "develop now, resolve later" approach. Acceptance, they fear, might imply recognition of China's claim to the disputed areas. Regardless, moving from the DOC to the COC phase is critical if the region is to contain and defuse the current tensions in the South China Sea.

Japan’s Three Options in the East China Sea

Tensions between Japan and China are both a Sino-Japanese issue and a part of a broader confrontation between China on one side and the United States and its allies on the other. Now, Tokyo has three options: i) Do nothing: Regardless of the legitimacy of conflicting claims over the islands, the responsibility for the escalation lies mostly with China. Chinese actions so far are not a grave threat.   Japan has an overriding interest in not making the situation worse, and in making sure that if it does it will be crystal clear that Beijing is at fault. ii) Seek a compromise: Giving up control of the islands is not in the cards.  However, Japan could seek to accept some Chinese demands. If it turned out that no amount of Japanese concessions bought peace, then we would all know that Chinese Communist Party's intent. iii) Go on the offensive: A strategic offensive would have two prongs. The diplomatic part would be Japanese support for a territorial status quo to end once and for all territorial disputes.  Japan would acknowledge the full sovereignty of South Korea over Takeshima (Dokto) and of Russia over the Northern Territories (the southern Kuriles). In terms of economy, Japanese customs would slow down the processing of Chinese imports, focusing on those which can easily be sourced from other locations. Such an ambitious strategy could signal Beijing that there are costs to aggressive behavior.  In particular, it would have the advantage of preventing future miscalculations on China’s part by deterring the Communist Party from further escalation with Japan.

The Senkaku/Diaoyu islands dispute: Risk to U.S. rebalancing in the Asia-Pacific?

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Five major conclusions may be drawn from the dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in 2012. First, domestic Chinese nationalism has entered a jingoistic phase and is a potent independent force driving Chinese foreign and security policy. Second, China’s current power shift has created a political environment in which factions vying for power have attempted to manipulate China’s territorial disputes with its neighbors for their own ends. Third, the Senkaku dispute reveals that territorial disputes in East Asia pose a risk for U.S. alliance management and the U.S. strategy of rebalancing in the Asia-Pacific. the Senkaku dispute created difficulties for U.S. attempts to engage with China while reaffirming U.S. treaty commitments to Japan. Taiwan’s activism over the Diaoyutai adds an additional complication. U.S. attempts to forge better triangular relations with Japan and South Korea are undermined by the dispute over Dokdo/Takeshima island. China can be expected to take note that of and play on those tensions within the U.S. alliance system. Fourth, the Senkaku islands dispute reveals that China is toying with the idea of using its economic strength as an additional means to pressure U.S. allies. Fifth, China’s territorial dispute with Japan is unlikely to result in military conflict. China has quite deliberately used civilian agencies, such as the China Marine Surveillance force, and private Chinese fishermen, to assert its sovereignty claims.

Can China be a World Leader?

the events of the past few weeks suggest that at this moment China is not yet ready to be a leader in its own neighborhood. In response to an undeniably provocative move by the Japanese government to purchase several of the contested Diaoyu/Senkaku islands, Beijing acted not with measured words and deeds but rashly by: allowing Chinese citizens to trash Japanese stores and factories and attack people who own Japanese products; condemning Japan at the UN General Assembly; sending marine surveillance ships to continue patrolling in the waters off of the islands; cancelling diplomatic functions with Japanese counterparts; and barring Chinese banks and other officials from participating in the annual World Bank IMF conference, which is being held in Tokyo this month. China Reform editor Zhang Jianjing offers a slightly different perspective. He asserts that in the face of Japanese provocation, “It’s time for China to reciprocate in a calm manner, and to maintain the balance of power within the region. …taking this position means the eventual support of the international community… China’s greatest challenge is a growing group of people that are stalling domestic reforms. By comparison, managing the geostrategic realm is a low stakes game.” I don’t have the answer to the question of whether and how China will lead, but I hope at least part of the answer may rest with Chinese thinkers and leaders like Zhang.

 

Beware the Chinese Sea-Dragon

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Since the early 2000s, China has pursued an unwavering campaign to claim ownership of the sea's two disputed archipegalos – the Paracels and the Spratlys – that has embroiled it in countless diplomatic stalemates with the seven Southeast Asia states that also claim to hold sovereignty over the disputed reefs. Combine this with its intense naval modernisation programme and alarm bells begin to ring. To some, it’s a harbinger of things to come; that China is increasingly working off a more imperial playbook. All across East Asia, from Tokyo to the Jakarta, the notion that Beijing is carving out its own Monroe Doctrine is taking on a new degree of salience. The net result of such assertiveness has led to sharp deteriorations in Beijing's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and almost all of its individual member states. Furthermore, China’s routine reference to the infamous “nine-dashed-line” – which covers 90 per cent of the sea’s waters and all its islands – as the basis for its claims has sparked a spiralling arms race in Southeast Asia. Even though confrontations have so far been limited to standoffs between paramilitary ships and fishing vessels, China’s inexorable naval spending and the vehemence of its sovereignty claims undoubtedly cast a long shadow over its neighbours in the near seas. And as the spectre of an expansionist China puts the wind in the sails of America’s “return” to East-Asia, Beijing may soon feel the pinch of its increasing regional isolation. If it responds negatively to this, or if pushed, it will undoubtedly deal profound blows to the foundations of East-Asian stability, whilst putting the future of global security under thick clouds of uncertainty.