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Activities of the Claimants

China

China issues first white paper on military strategy

On May 26th, Beijing issued its first white paper on military strategy, ushering in greater military transparency by giving details of the direction of its military buildup to other nations. The document of about 9,000 Chinese characters revealed a list of new expressions that have never before appeared in Chinese white papers. In the preface it reaffirmed China's adherence to peaceful development and its "active defense" military strategy. It interpreted the policy as "We will not attack unless we are attacked, but we will surely counterattack if attacked". "China will never seek hegemony or expansion," it added. For the first time, the paper noted that "some offshore neighbors take provocative actions and reinforce their military presence on China's reefs and islands that they have illegally occupied". "It is thus a long-standing task for China to safeguard its maritime rights and interests." In response, U.S. State Department spokesman, Jeff Rathke, declined to make a specific comment on the Chinese strategy paper, but said Washington urged Beijing "to use its military capabilities in a manner that is conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region." He reiterated the U.S. view that China’s reclamation work had contributed to rising tensions and said building up of underwater features did not confer a right to a territorial sea or an exclusive economic zone. 

China to construct two large lighthouses in the South China Sea

China's Ministry of Transport on May 26th hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of two lighthouses on Gac Ma Reef (Johnson South Reef) and Chau Vien Reef (Cuarteron Reef) of Spratly islands in order to enhance the civil aids to navigation capacity. The two 50-meter-high lighthouses, with lanterns of 4.5 meters in diameter, are designed to have a light range of 22 nautical miles.

China deployed artillery in South China Sea: US officials

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China recently deployed two artillery pieces on one of its artificial islands in the contested South China Sea, US defence officials said on May 29th. The two motorized artillery pieces were spotted on a manmade island about a month ago in the Spratly Islands, this official who spoke on condition of anonymity told AFP, citing surveillance imagery. It is the first time that China has been accused of deploying artillery or other weaponry on their manmade islands in the area. "We can confirm we have identified some weapons on one of these reclaimed Chinese islands," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters. "The militarization of these islands is something we're opposed to."

China rejects US criticism of sea reclamations

China on May 31st rejected US demands to stop reclamation works in the South China Sea, saying it was exercising its sovereignty and using the controversial outposts to fulfil international responsibilities. Speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue, China’s Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the general staff department in the People's Liberation Army, said that "the situation in the South China Sea is on the whole peaceful and stable, and there has never been an issue with the freedom of navigation." "China has carried out construction on some islands and reefs in the South China Sea mainly for the purpose of improving the functions of the relevant islands and reefs, and the working and living conditions of personnel stationed there.” "In spite of the sufficient historical and legal evidence and its indisputable claims, rights and interests, China has exercised enormous restraint, making positive contributions to peace and stability of the region and the world at large."

Vietnam

China must immediately halt construction on Vietnamese islands

Vietnam demands China to immediately stop the construction currently underway on Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said with regard to China’s erection of two lighthouses on Truong Sa islands. The lighthouse building effort undertaken by China violates Vietnam’s sovereignty as well as the DOC in the East Sea (South China Sea), which the ASEAN member states and China signed in 2002. Vietnam requested China to adhere to internationally recognised principles, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and the DOC, and restrain from actions that complicate the East Sea situation, he said.

The Phillipines

PH will not yield to China’s airspace claim

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on May 25th said that the government would not yield to China’s claim on the airspace over contested territories in the South China Sea. “We will still fly the routes that we fly based on international law and the various agreements and treaties we have entered into through various decades,” Aquino said in an interview after his inspection of classrooms at the Marikina City Elementary School. “The disparity of force or available military force between our two countries is very clear. Will they not take that into consideration especially if they want to maintain a positive image with the rest of the world?” he added.

Philippines seeks stronger commitment from U.S. in South China Sea dispute

Speaking at a naval base south of Manila on May 25th, Philippine Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin said he would meet U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on May 27th in Hawaii to ask for a stronger commitment. "I will ask about the extent of the assistance they will give us, what they can do to help us because right now we are being oppressed," Gazmin told journalists. "We feel concerned about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Freedom of navigation, freedom of flight is disrupted so that even U.S. aircraft flying at the international territory are challenged." Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on May 26th said that the Philippine side was restless and rash on issues of the South China Sea. She added: “Here is a gentle reminder to the Philippines: China will not bully small countries, meanwhile, small countries shall not make trouble willfully and endlessly. We hope that the Philippine side would stop instigation and provocation and come back to the right track of resolving issues through negotiation and consultation.” 

Singapore

Defence chiefs gather for Shangri-La Dialogue

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Defence chiefs from 26 nations gather in Singapore for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue amid worsening tensions over the South China Sea. In his keynote address, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reiterated the call for China and ASEAN to conclude a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea as soon as possible. He said this would break the "vicious cycle" and not let disputes sour the broader relationship. Mr Lee noted that the best outcome would be for all parties to adhere to international law. And while non-claimant states like Singapore cannot take sides, he said, they do have a stake in the maritime disputes and how these are handled. "If a physical clash occurs, which escalates into wider tension or conflict, either by design or more likely by accident, that would be very bad. But even if we avoid a physical clash, if the outcome is determined on the basis of might is right, it will set a bad precedent," Mr Lee said. "It may not lead immediately to a hot conflict, but it will be an unhappier and less sustainable position. Because in the long run, a stable regional order cannot be maintained by force alone, but requires consent and legitimacy in the international community, together with a balance of power."

Malaysia

South China Sea could be 'deadliest conflict of our time': Malaysia defence chief

Speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30th, Malaysia's Minister for Defence Hishammuddin Hussein said new global challenges are emerging from longstanding conflicts, and urging the rule of law be followed in the disputed territory. "If we are not careful it would escalate into one of the deadliest conflict of our time, if not our history," he said. "Just because a region appears to be peaceful and prosperous doesn't mean the prospects of conflict do not arise." Mr Hishammuddin said all parties must take responsibility to maintain peace and stability. "Inflamed rhetoric and mutual recrimination will do no country any good. It is perhaps too optimistic to believe that we can prevent conflict and its escalation all the time and every time."

India

India monitoring Chinese Navy's activities: Naval chief

After the Naval Commander's conference took place at New Dehli on May 28th , Indian Navy chief Admiral R K Dhowan told reporters that "Chinese naval activities are being closely monitored. Chinese Navy ships have been present in the Indian Ocean since 2008. Some submarines are also there." "Our belief is that the responsibility of protecting Indian Ocean and our coastline lies with the navy. Our ships, aircraft carriers are always on alert so that our security is maintained," he added. He asserted that the Indian Navy was capable of guarding national interests in the Indian Ocean.

India

Japan defense chief on land reclamation: China, others must behave responsibly on South China Sea

Speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30th, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani warned that land reclamation projects in the South China Sea risked plunging the region into disorder and urged nations, including China, to behave responsibly. “If we leave any unlawful situation unattended, order will soon turn to disorder, and peace and stability will collapse,” Nakatani said. “I hope and expect all the countries, including China, to behave as a responsible power,” he added. Nakatani proposed what he dubbed the “Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative” — three measures to bolster maritime and air safety in the region, including round-the-clock monitoring of airspace by members of ASEAN.

The U.S.

China land reclamation in South China Sea creates 'new facts' 

Speaking to reporters on May 28th at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia, U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter said the scale of Beijing's activities, not the United States, was altering the status quo in the region. He added the United States was trying to maintain a shared regional security structure that has advanced "prosperity for everyone" over the past 70 years. "We’ve been flying over the South China Sea for years and years and years, and ... will continue to do that: fly, navigate, operate. So that’s not a new fact," Carter said. "The new facts are the reclamation and the scale on which it is being done, and that's not an American fact, that's a Chinese fact," Carter said. Earlier on May 27th, speaking in a military ceremony in Hawai, Secretary Carter said China's island-building efforts were "out of step" with the regional consensus and that U.S. military aircraft and warships would continue to operate in the area as permitted under international law. "China’s actions are bringing countries in the region together in new ways," he said. "They're increasing demand for American engagement in the Asia-Pacific. We’re going to meet it."

McCain seeks defense funding to help Asia against China challenges

On May 29th, Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee proposed that the United States provide hundreds of millions of dollars to help train and equip the armed forces of Southeast Asian countries faced with Chinese territorial challenges. He made the proposal in an amendment to the 2016 U.S. Defense Authorization Act expected to be passed later this year, entitled the South China Sea Initiative. It allows for the provision of up to $425 million over five years to countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam for "equipment, supplies, training and small-scale military construction."

U.S. says China's island-building erodes security

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Speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30th, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that China's island-building in the South China Sea was undermining security in the Asia-Pacific, drawing a scathing response from the foreign ministry in Beijing. He acknowledged that several countries had created outposts in the region's disputed islands, but he said the scope of China's activity created uncertainty about its future plans. "China has reclaimed over 2,000 acres, more than all other claimants combined ... and China did so in only the last 18 months," Carter told the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. "It is unclear how much farther China will go." He said the United States was "deeply concerned" about the scale of China's land reclamation and the prospect of further militarization of the islands, saying it would boost "the risk of miscalculation or conflict."

US opposes assertive actions of China in the South China Sea

On the new reports that say that China is putting weapons on the artificial reefs in the South China Sea, U.S. State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke reiterated: “First, we want a peaceful resolution of all disputes and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant. We also oppose any further militarization of disputed features. And second, I think it’s clear that the United States will operate, will fly, will sail where international law allows. And I think lastly, as the Secretary pointed out, with its actions in the South China Sea, China is out of step with the regional consensus in favor of a non-coercive approach to this and to other longstanding disputes.”

Australia

Australia calls for a halt to China's land grab

Speaking at Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31st, Australian Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said that "(South China Sea) Disputes must be resolved peacefully and Australia urges all parties to  exercise restraint, halt all land reclamation activities, refrain from provocative actions and take steps to ease tensions.” Mr Andrews told the conference the sea lanes must remain open, as billions of dollars of vital trade passed through the region. "The shared dependence of most east Asian countries upon the Indo-Pacific's maritime corridors, combined with the inability of any state to unilaterally secure its shipments, should be a powerful incentive to manage conflicting interests and ensure freedom of navigation and trade for all," he said. "Australia has made clear its opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions to change the status quo in the South and East China Sea.

Regional Snapshots

Malaysia, Japan to elevate ties to strategic partnership

At a joint-press conference with his counterpart Shinzo Abe after their bilateral meeting on May 25th, Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said “We have decided to raise the relationship to a Strategic Partnership that we believe can lift the bilateral ties to a greater height”. Prime Minister Najib said the ties between both countries had progressed well over the years, and cooperation in various fields like economy, tourism and people-to-people, had grown steadily. Meanwhile, Abe said both leaders shared the view that the implementation of cooperation in the areas including advanced industrial technologies, services and managerial skills, should be expedited. He said Japan would launch the LEP 2.0 Training Programme, a new cost-sharing training programme with the goal of accepting 500 trainees from Malaysia over the next five years. On the South China Sea disputes, in the joint statement, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation in and over-flight over the South China Sea.  Both leaders emphasized the importance of the full and effective implementation of the DOC in enhancing mutual trust and confidence amongst all parties, and underscored the importance for the early establishment of an effective COC on the basis of consensus.  

EU concerned about land reclamation in South China Sea

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On May 29th, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker expressed their concerns about China’s activities at sea. The joint statement issued after summit talks said that “We continue to observe the situation in the East and South China Sea and are concerned by any unilateral actions that change the status quo and increase tensions." Japan an EU urged parties to refrain from using force or coercion in settling their conflicting territorial issues.

Japan, U.S., Australia air concern over South China Sea

Following talks on the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue 2015, Japan, the United States and Australia released a joint statement expressing “serious concern” over China’s ongoing land reclamation activities in the South China Sea. The statement by Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews also urged China to “exercise self-restraint” regarding its unilateral action to conduct land reclamation on reefs in the Spratly Islands and build various facilities there, apparently aiming to use them as a military base.

Vietnam, U.S. discuss land reclamation in South China Sea

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed his call for an end to island-building in the South China Sea in talks on June 1st with his Vietnamese counterpart, who said Vietnam had not expanded its islands but had done work to prevent wave erosion. Carter told a joint news conference with Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh that he and the general had discussed his proposal for a permanent halt to reclamation and militarization of the islands and that Vietnam was considering the idea. "Vietnam has recently conducted consolidation on the islands under Vietnam's sovereignty," Thanh told reporters, noting that Vietnamese troops were stationed on nine "floating islands" and 12 "submerged islands" in the region. "On the floating islands, we conducted embankment (consolidation) to prevent them from waves and erosion, to ensure safety for the people and the soldiers stationed on the islands," he said. "On the submerged islands, we only built small houses, which can accommodate a few people and we are not expanding. The scope and characteristic of our work is purely civilian."