-(Reuters 14/3) China waits to hear why Japanese warship going to SCS: The Izumo helicopter carrier, commissioned only two years ago, will make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka before joining a naval exercise with Indian and U.S. naval vessels in the Indian Ocean in July.

-(Reuters 14/3) Philippines to strengthen military facilities in South China Sea and announces initial plans to build a new port and pave an existing rough airstrip.

-(Stripes 14/3) Trump administration rejects ‘pivot’ to Asia – at least in name, its plans for a new strategy toward the Asia-Pacific is still unknown.

-(Channel NewsAsia 13/3) Vietnam demands China stop cruises in South China Sea in a response to one of Beijing's latest steps to bolster its claims in the strategic waterway.

-(ABC News 13/3)Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea: A weekly look at the latest developments in the South China Sea.

alt-(The National Interest 12/3) A new Washington naval conference could prevent a deadly South China Sea showdown: A blueprint for how Washington can reduce tension in the South China Sea.

-(Inquirer 12/3) Taiwan seeks seat in dialogues on South China sea disputes, even if it is not set to take any position on the increasing militarization in the South China Sea.