-(Japanetimes 23/11) Philippines, U.S. agree to reduce joint military drills, U.S. troop deployments, general says. The joint statement omitted mention of any reduced level of engagement between the two militaries.

-(Voanews 23/11) Oil Becoming Code for Sovereignty in Contested South China Sea: Analysts who follow the South China Sea disputes point to national sovereignty as a top reason that countries are exploring for oil and gas. Brunei, China, Malaysia and Vietnam do their own prospecting.

-(Thejakartapost 22/11) Experts urge progress on South China Sea dispute: Dialogue must proceed and maritime governance must be established as soon as possible

-(Freebeacon 22/11) Japanese Intelligence Tells Pentagon China Engaged in Multi-Year Takeover Attempt of Senkaku Islands: Tokyo spy agency warns Beijing also bolstering forces for military control of oil shipping routes.

-(Japanetimes 22/11) Japan to train Philippine naval pilots to fly TC-90 aircraft under lease deal: The move is believed to have been prompted by the view in the Abe government that helping the Philippines to bolster its maritime patrol capabilities will be beneficial in countering China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

-(Ibtimes 22/11) China woos Asian nations to join Beijing-led trade pact as Trans-Pacific Partnership falters: Chinese senior official said that a good trade deal is not about whether its standards are high or not, but whether it is workable for member countries.

-(FT 21/11) Duterte ‘bans’ all fishing in disputed area of South China Sea: Philippine president makes unilateral announcement over waters of Scarborough Shoal.

-(Koreaherald 22/11) THAAD in Korea will be first target in case of China-US conflict: A former Chinese diplomat warned that the US anti-missile system to be deployed in South Korea could be the first target for a Chinese attack if conflict breaks out between the two superpowers.

-(Reuters 21/11) Taiwan says it plans rescue drills in South China Sea this month: The exercises to be held around Itu Aba.

-(National Interest 21//11) China's 'One Belt One Road' Is a Big Deal. So What Is the Role for Beijing's Military? And how will Trump respond?

-(Nikkei 21//11) For China's fishermen, working South China Sea blends necessity, duty. meanwhile, in the South China Sea fishing vessels continue to fuel territorial squabbles between China and neighbors such as the Philippines.

-(Nikkei 21//11) US-China tensions will continue under Trump. Interview with Tsinghua Univ.'s Yan Xuetong