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Activities of Related Parties

China

China’s submarine to conduct 1st South China Sea dive

China's manned submersible Jiaolong with her crew of scientists arrived in the location aboard the mother ship Xiangyanghong 09.  he submersible is expected to conduct its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26.

China maintains a near-constant presence off the Malaysian coast

According to Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), in the first two months of 2017, three Chinese coast guard vessels Zhongguo Haijing 3306, Zhongguo Haijing 3402, and hongguo Haijing 3501have maintained near-constant presence at Luconia Shoals. In September 2013, a CCG vessel dropped anchor at South Luconia Shoals and reportedly did not leave until late November 2015, just before Malaysia hosted that year’s ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Since that time, at least 11 CCG vessels have patrolled the shoals.

China launches first domestically built aircraft carrier

China's second aircraft carrier is transferred from dry dock into the water at a launch ceremony in Dalian shipyard of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 26, 2017. The new carrier, the first domestically-built one, came after the Liaoning, a refitted former Soviet Union-made carrier that was put into commission in the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in 2012.

Vietnam

Vietnam protests violations of its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracels)

In response to the media’s questions regarding China’s organization of the 5th Sinan yacht race in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa archipelago and establishment of an office of the Hainan entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau in Phu Lam (Woody) island in Hoang Sa (Paracels), Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang on April 29 said that  “Vietnam has sufficient legal ground and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes. Vietnam demands that China not to make similar moves.”

The Philippines

Manila to push for code of conduct in the South China Sea

In an interview with South China Morning Post on April 24, Philippine Acting Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo said the maritime disputes would be raised during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila from April 26-29. Asean summit would focus on crafting a framework for a code of conduct to contain maritime tensions, he added. A new bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between the two nations would also be launched in May, with the first meeting to be held in Beijing, Manalo said. “It’s a very good opportunity for us and China to raise issues. We can now talk face to face in an atmosphere that we can solve differences peacefully.”

Philippines' Duterte says pointless discussing South China Sea woes at summit

In response to reporters’ question about whether China's rapid reclamation of uninhabited reefs or enforcement of an international arbitration ruling last year would be brought up with leaders of ASEAN on April 29, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on April 27 it was pointless discussing Beijing's contentious activities in the South China Sea. "Who will dare pressure?" he said. "Who can pressure China? Us?" Asked how ASEAN should deal with China, Duterte said dialogue was the only option. "The way we're doing, talking - that's the only luxury we have," he said. Duterte added he would not raise the ruling as “it's only between China and the Philippines.”

Indonesia

Indonesia steps against 'any power projection' in South China Sea

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on April 25, Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Indonesia opposes power projection by any major nation in the South China Sea but also wants to maintain good relations with Beijing. Pandjaitan said Indonesia continued to negotiate with Beijing to solve problems of illegal fishing, but sought to maintain a friendly tone with China throughout the negotiations.

Widodo: ASEAN must solve South China Sea row 'immediately'

In an interview with ANC that aired on April 27, Indonesian President Joko Widodo must solve disputes in the South China Sea "immediately". He added ASEAN must forge a "mutual agreement" on the sea row before talking with China. In the previous meetings, there were still differences between ASEAN member states. I think we need to have a common stand," Widodo said in Bahasa. "What is most important is that ASEAN, internally, should have a mutual agreement on this issue, then and only then, can we communicate with China," he said.

Indonesia ratifies agreement on Indonesia-Philippines EEZs

The Indonesia House of Representatives ratified a maritime agreement demarcating the exclusive economic zones of Indonesia and the Philippines on April 27, concluding 20 years of negotiations between the two Southeast Asian countries. The agreement, signed in 2014 by Retno and her Philippine counterpart Albert del Rosario, was ratified after rounds of discussions in April at House Commission I, which oversees foreign affairs. This is the first maritime agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines. It officially draws a clear boundary of more than 1,000 kilometers between the two countries, where the Indonesian and the Philippine exclusive economic zones (EEZ) overlap.

The U.S.

US Admiral criticizes China’s activities in the South China Sea

Speaking before the House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Pacific Command commander Adm. Harry Harris called China “aggressive” and said the country does not “seem to respect the international agreements they’ve signed.” Not only is China building up artificial islands, it is also militarizing them despite previous assurances it wouldn’t do so. These islands can now support long-range missiles, aircraft hangars, radar towers and barracks for troops, the PACOM commander said, adding “China’s militarization of the South China Sea is real.” The U.S. does not officially take sides in territorial disputes, but Harris said the U.S. military would be taking steps to push back against Chinese actions in the South China Sea and would be urging other regional partners to do the same.

U.S. Navy chief seeks more partners in freedom of navigation operations

Speaking at an event on April 27, US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said he would like to see more international participation in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. "I think greater international participation there would be something to look forward to as sort of a strategic approach to that."

Regional Snapshots

Malaysia detains 8 Vietnamese fishermen off Gaya island for illegal fishing

Sabah Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained eight Vietnamese crew members onboard a fishing boat near Pulau Gaya on April 24. “The crew are aged between 20 to 35. Upon checking, the team found that all their work permits had expired since end of last year. “Further checks showed that the boat's licence too had expired. The team then seized various types of fresh fish weighing about 200kg, and dried fish of about 50kg on the boat,” Sabah Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Kota Kinabalu director First Admiral Adam Aziz said in a statement.

South Korea gives anti-submarine warship to Philippines, for $100

According to Philippine defense ministry, South Korea will transfer an ageing Pohang-class anti-submarine warship to the Philippines this year in return for just $100. "We are hoping to receive the vessel within the year," defence spokesman Arsenio Andolong said of the warship. Andolong said the Philippines may acquire up to three such warships, which Seoul is replacing with newer and faster vessels.

ASEAN Summit calls for peaceful resolution for South China Sea disputes

Chairman’s statement for the 30th ASEAN issued on April 30 read: “We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and over-flight in and above the South China Sea. We took note of concerns expressed by some Leaders over recent developments in the area. We reaffirmed the importance of the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoiding actions that may further complicate the situation, and pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes, without resorting to the threat or use of force. We

Chinese naval fleet starts friendly visit to Philippines

A Chinese naval fleet has begun a three-day friendly visit after arriving on April 30 at Davao City in the southeastern region of The Philippines. It is the first time for a Chinese naval fleet to visit Davao, the country's third largest city. The Philippine side held a grand welcome ceremony at the Port of Davao. During the visit, the two sides will hold a series of activities such as open day to naval vessels, deck reception and cultural and sports competitions.