-(Reuters 21/2) China finishing SCS buildings that could house missiles - U.S. officials: It is not like the Chinese to build anything in the SCS just to build it, and these structures resemble others that house SAM batteries, so the logical conclusion is that's what they are for.

-(The Guardian 21/2) Australia should not join US in SCS operations, says retired defence chief: Angus Houston warns blockade of China’s artificial islands would invite a ‘sharp response’ from Beijing.

-(ABS-CBN 19/02) ASEAN starts high-level South China Sea talks: Southeast Asian diplomats began Sunday top-level discussions on a code of conduct framework.

-(Straitstimes 20/02) How China, US engage key to stability: Singapore’s Defence Minister urges Washington, Beijing to make clear their objectives in Asia-Pacific

-(Indiatimes 20/02) As US-China ties run into trouble, India eyes bigger ASEAN role to build alliances, hedging and projecting itself as a "leading power" in the region.

-(SCMP 19/02) Beijing expected to test Trump’s threshold for provocation in South China Sea; -(Ibtimes 20/02) Will China Go To War With US?

-(Reuters 18/02) U.S. carrier group patrols in tense South China Sea: "We are looking forward to demonstrating those capabilities while building upon existing strong relationships with our allies, partners and friends in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Rear Admiral James Kilby