alt

 

Activities of Related Parties

China

China, Japan hold fourth round of high-level political dialogue

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi co-chaired the fourth round of high-level political dialogue between the two countries on May 29 . At the meeting, Yang Jiechi called upon Japan to speak and act cautiously regarding the South China Sea issue and to play a constructive role as relevant countries in the region are making their efforts to solve the issue properly. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concerns.

Beijing plans underwater observation system in South China Sea

China is planning to build a massive underwater observation system across the disputed East and South China seas, that experts say could be used to detect the movement of foreign ships and diminish the stealth capabilities of US submarines. According to state-run broadcaster CCTV, the monitoring networks will cost two billion yuan ($290 million) and "serve as a platform to provide long-term observation data and support experiments in the research of the maritime environments of the two seas."

Malaysia

Malaysia stressess the need of pecefully resolving South China Sea disputes

Speaking at the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3, Malaysia Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said :”While the progress made on the “framework” for a South China Sea Code of Conduct (CoC) between China and ASEAN is heartening, it is only prudent for our optimism to be guarded. The chance for a “black swan” event or unforeseen, unintended and accidental incidents at sea or in the air remain very great. Malaysia’s position is quite clear and will not shift: the South China Sea issue must be resolved peacefully and via multilateral platforms, especially a platform that involves direct stakeholders like ASEAN.” On the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue, he said Malaysia is maintaining its stand of opposing any militarisation of islands in the South China Sea. Asked on the outlook of South China Sea, the Minister considered it as ‘manageable”.

The U.S.

US Senator critcizes China’s behaviour in the South China Sea

Delivering an event at Sydney on May 30, U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated: “The challenge is that as China has grown wealthier and stronger, it seems to be acting more and more like a bully. It is refusing to open more of its economy so that foreign businesses can compete fairly. It is stealing other peoples’ intellectual property. It is asserting vast territorial claims that have no basis in international law. And it is using its trade and investment as tools to coerce its neighbors.”

US Defense Minister criticizes China’s militarization activities in the South China Sea

Speaking at the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3, US Defense Minister Jim Mattis stated: “The United States remains committed to protecting the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea, and the ability of countries to exercise those rights in the strategically important East and South China Seas.” He stressed that the scope and effect of China's construction activities in the South China Sea differ from those in other countries in several key ways.  This includes the nature of its militarization, China's disregard for international law, its contempt for other nations' interests, and its efforts to dismiss non-adversarial resolution of issues. 

Australia

Australia warns over China’s coercion in the South China Sea

Speaking at the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2, Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stressed: “If we are to maintain the dynamism of our region, then we must preserve the rules-based structure that has enabled it thus far. This means cooperation, not unilateral actions to seize or create territory or militarise disputed areas. This means competing within the framework of international law, not winning through corruption, interference or coercion.” “A coercive China would find its neighbours resenting demands they cede their autonomy and strategic space and look to counterweight Beijing’s power by bolstering alliances and partnerships between themselves and especially with the United States.”

Japan

Japan expressed concerns over South China Sea disputes

Speaking at the 16th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3, Japan’s Defense Minister Tomomi Inada stressed: “In the East and South China seas, we continue to witness unprovoked, unilateral attempts to alter the status quo based on assertions incompatible with existing traditional norms. Regarding the South China Se, despite the fact that the arbitration award rendered in 2016 is binding, the construction of outposts in the South China Sea and their use for military purposes continues. I am deeply concerned about the situation. In short, the rules-based regional order is under challenge. International rules and the order they underpin are not self-sustaining. f we are to seek peace and prosperity, we need to summon our resolve. We should not allow parochial pursuit of short-term gain to prevail at the expense of our long-term shared interest.”

Regional Snapshots

US, Vietnam call for adhering international laws in the South China Sea

On the occasion of a state visit by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the U.S., the two sides issued a Joint Statement for enhancing the comprehensive Partnership. Regarding the South China Sea, the joint statement stressed: “The two leaders underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas, and noted with concern the destabilizing impacts that unlawful restrictions to the freedom of the seas have on peace and prosperity in the Asia–Pacific region.  The two sides also affirmed full support for the peaceful resolution of disputes without the threat or use of force or coercion, in accordance with international law, including full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, and called upon all parties concerned to implement their international legal obligations in good faith in any resolution to these disputes. They highlighted the importance that parties refrain from actions that would escalate tensions, such as the militarization of disputed features. President Trump stressed that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.”

Detained fisheries official released by Vietnam

Vietnam released on May 29 an Indonesian fisheries official who was recently detained by the Vietnamese coast guard after intercepting five Vietnamese fishing boats in waters allegedly claimed by both countries. Danang Gunawan Wibisono, an officer from the Marine and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) who was taken into custody by Vietnamese coast guard officials last week.