Weekly News 12/10-18/10

-(The Diplomat 15/10) What 12 Nautical Miles Does and Doesn’t Mean: What the United States actually hope to accomplish by sailing within 12 nm of Chinese claims in the South China Sea?

-(SMH 15/10) Australia to increase cooperation with US navy in South China Sea: But Julie Bishop said such increased cooperation with the US was subject to further discussion between the two nations.

-(Focustaiwan 15/10) Taiwan still hoping for delivery of Perry-class frigates: It is unclear if the Obama administration's delay has been because of pressure from Beijing.

-(Radioaustralia14/10) China lashes Australia and US for 'adding fuel to the flames' on South China Sea: The Chinese Embassy to Australia said it was "seriously concerned" about Australia’s comments, adding they were "neither responsible nor constructive".

-(SMH 14/10) Australia in talks with United States over naval patrols in South China Sea: Sailing through the islands' 12-mile zone, which marks territorial waters under international law, would send a signal that the US and any allies that join the patrols do not accept China's claims.

-(Ndtv 14/10) US, Australia Warn China on Sea Access: "Australia and America both want to sustain and renew an Asia-Pacific regional security architecture where everyone rises and everyone prospers," Carter said.

-(Bloomberg 14/10) China's Island Moves Draw Neighbors Closer to U.S., Carter Says: Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the same point on Sept. 21, a week after becoming leader, as he pledged to continue Australia’s surveillance flights over the South China Sea.

-(Bloomberg 14/10) China's Island Moves Draw Neighbors Closer to U.S., Carter Says: Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the same point on Sept. 21, a week after becoming leader, as he pledged to continue Australia’s surveillance flights over the South China Sea.

-(Rediff 14/10) To allay China, US says it challenged India's 'excessive maritime claims' multiple times: "The fact is that the DoD regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations around the world. In 2014, the Department of Defense challenged the excessive maritime claims of 18 different nations," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said

-(Dnaindia 13/10) United States discusses South China Sea plans with Australia: "We do operate with the Australians in certain areas of the South China Sea," the official said. "And we're looking for ways of expanding the opportunities for us to operate together."

-(Dailycaller 13/10) The U.S. Must Call Out China For Its Aggression: The U.S. must begin accurately and firmly describing the China threat and backing up its tough talk if it wants to deter Chinese adventurism

-(Latimes 13/10) U.S. Navy readies patrols near man-made Chinese islands: U.S. warning that it will not accept Beijing’s vast territorial claims in the heavily traveled waters, officials said.

-(Worldaffairsjournal 13/10) Is a US-China Showdown in South China Sea Imminent?: The US needs to sail close to China’s features in the Spratlys, even if Beijing gets upset, because Washington has to protect the global commons.

-(Theguardian 13/10) Carter says US military will exercise its navigation rights in South China Sea: A joint statement said they “expressed strong concerns over recent Chinese land reclamation and construction activity in the South China Sea.

-(Voanews 13/10) US Asserts Right to South China Sea Presence: “It does not matter how big a country, the principle is clear,” said Secretary Kerry. “The rights of all nations are supposed to be respected with respect to maritime law.”

-(GMAnetwork 13/10) PHL backs planned sailing of US vessels near China’s artificial islands: If the US decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed LTE features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with international law and a rules-based order for the region

-(Thediplomat 13/10) Which South China Sea Island Holds the Greatest Military Significance?: China will continue to pursue its claim to the Spratly Islands, but we must not lose sight of the fact that for China, the two great pearls of its maritime frontier in military strategic terms are still, the islands of Taiwan and Hainan.

-(China Daily 13/10) China: US should change tack in South China Sea: There has no int’l law on innocent passage recognized by the entire int’l community, but it is undoubtedly necessary for all foreign warships to obey the relevant local rules and regulations should they attempt to cross other countries' territorial waters, regardless of innocent intentions.

-(GMAnetwork 13/10) PHL backs planned sailing of US vessels near China’s artificial islands: If the US decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed LTE features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with international law and a rules-based order for the region

-(Thediplomat 13/10) Which South China Sea Island Holds the Greatest Military Significance?: China will continue to pursue its claim to the Spratly Islands, but we must not lose sight of the fact that for China, the two great pearls of its maritime frontier in military strategic terms are still, the islands of Taiwan and Hainan.

-(China Daily 13/10) China: US should change tack in South China Sea: There has no int’l law on innocent passage recognized by the entire int’l community, but it is undoubtedly necessary for all foreign warships to obey the relevant local rules and regulations should they attempt to cross other countries' territorial waters, regardless of innocent intentions.

-(Rediff 12/10) Operation Malabar: A warning to China: China's South China Sea build-up and 'territorial sea' construct potentially affects 55 percent of Indian trade passing through the region. Hence, coordinating with the US and Japan could provide dividends to India in the longer run.

-(Voanews 12/10) N.Korea’s Restraint Could Signal Improving Relations with China: Pyongyang’s new emphasis on friendship and cooperation with Beijing may indicate the Kim Jong Un regime wants to reduce regional tensions and focus on improving its economy.

-(NewIndianExpress 12/10) China Reacts Sharply to Japan Joining India-US Naval Drills: "Everyday a lot of activities take place around the world. We cannot connect every activity with China,” “ we are not that fragile and we are having sound relationship with both India and the US. Chinese FM spokesperson, Hua Chunying shot back when asked for China's reaction to the joint exercises.

-(Reuters 12/10) India, U.S., Japan kick off naval drills likely to annoy China: The decision to expand the Malabar exercises that the U.S. and India conduct each year to include Japan comes days after a Pentagon official said it was considering sailing warships close to China's artificial islands in the South China Sea.

-(Thediplomat 12/10) For America, The Key to China Is Closer to Home: If the U.S. wants to challenge China’s increasing aggressiveness in the South China Sea, it will require sustained military investment long into the future.

-(Nytimes 12/10) U.S. Tells Asian Allies That Navy Will Patrol Near Islands in South China Sea: the Singaporean defense minister, said the United States had a right to protect its interests, but he urged caution.

-(Stripes 12/10)  Chinese training ship to visit Pearl Harbor: The US Navy said it is committed to “continued engagements (with China) to improve mutual understanding, build trust, enhance transparency, and reduce the risk of misperceptions and miscalculations.”