-(Forbes 19/6) After A Break, Beijing Must Fear The U.S. Again Over SCS Expansion: The leeway that has allowed China and the United States to work together on containing North Korea shows signs of expiring.

–(Lawfareblog 19/6) Why the U.S. Can’t Take Sides in SCS: Completely abandoning neutrality on sovereignty is going to lead to difficult diplomatic and legal consequences.

alt-(Financial Times 18/6) US Navy adopts lower-key approach in South China Sea: Operations in contested waters continue but are no longer publicised, admiral says.