News
-
Drone War: China, Vietnam, And Philippines Turn To Unmanned Flights In South China Sea ‘Mexican Standoff’
“Drone war” appears to be building up in the South China Sea as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines jostle for advantage in their “Mexican standoff.” According to an expert, their turning to unmanned aerial vehicle technology reflects new terms of global competition changing the rules of the game for many long-simmering conflicts and rivalries. Drone expert Michael Boyle, a senior…
-
Foreign vessels ‘not welcomed’ in Malaysian waters: Minister
Malaysia announced on Tuesday that all foreign vessels are banned from fishing in its waters, following reports that some 100 fishing vessels were spotted off the Luconia Shoals. KUALA LUMPUR: All foreign vessels are not allowed to fish in Malaysian waters, National Security Minister Shahidan Kassim told reporters on Tuesday (Mar 29) after last week’s reports that some 100 Chinese…
-
Did Chinese boats encroach into Malaysian waters?
KUALA LUMPUR: Contradictory statements on the encroachment or otherwise of Chinese vessels in Malaysian waters is very puzzling. The Diplomat reports that it could simply be a further illustration of Malaysia’s policy of playing it safe when it comes to the South China Sea dispute. The report said Shahidan Kassim, minister in the prime minister’s department, had said last week…
-
Chinese fishing boats ‘did enter Malaysian waters’
While Malaysia’s navy has insisted that no foreign fishing vessels were spotted in its waters in the South China Sea in the past week, its maritime authorities are adamant that up to 100 Chinese boats had entered waters off Sarawak since March 24 before leaving on Sunday. The head of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab…
-
US hopes to see ‘diplomacy wins out’ in South China Sea: official
A China Coast Guard ship in a stand off with a Philippine supply boat. Photo: Jay Directo/AFP via Getty Images The US is very concerned about China’s attempted restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight amid the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a senior official said Tuesday, urging claimants to push for peaceful and diplomatic solutions. There…
-
PHL inks contract for purchase of two anti-submarine helicopters
The Department of National Defense (DND) has signed a P5.36-billion contract with an Anglo-Italian firm for the procurement of two anti-submarine helicopters, which would be the first of its kind in the Philippine military’s armament. “This will definitely enhance the capability of the Philippine Navy,” said Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo. “For the first time, we’ll be having anti-submarine helicopters.” The…
-
Chinese coast guard ships escorted poachers into Malaysia waters — official
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s maritime authority said Tuesday Chinese Coast Guard vessels escorted about a hundred Chinese fishing trawlers into Malaysia’s territorial waters near Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea last week. “It is unprecedented. This is the first time,” Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Admiral Ahmad Puzi Abdul Kahar told reporters of the huge fleet of fishing…
-
Pentagon appeals for peace in South China Sea
Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in a speech at a World Affairs Council gala in Washington, said five evolving challenges now driving the Pentagon’s planning and budgeting were Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and international terrorism. AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on Tuesday reaffirmed its call to all countries with conflicting claims to parts of the South China Sea…
-
US says China risks confrontation with neighbors if it ignores tribunal ruling
China would face more conflicts with its Asian neighbors if it ignores an upcoming ruling of an international tribunal on the South China Sea disputes, a senior US State Department official said Tuesday. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Colin Willett, in a telephone press conference with Southeast Asian journalists, said China should view the arbitration result as an opportunity to…
-
The Next South China Sea Crisis: China vs. Indonesia?
Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s strategy for reinforcing state sovereignty and strengthening maritime integrity is being tested with the latest incursion by Chinese fishing boats into Indonesian waters off the Natuna islands. Indonesian Minister for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Susi Pudjiastuti’s public criticism of China’s activities is the first step in what’s likely to become a series of reluctantly enacted but…
-
US: No valid reason for China to restrict navigation in disputed sea
Chinese dredging ships in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in an image from a surveillance video. US Navy, file MANILA, Philippines – The United States (US) on Tuesday stressed that China does not have a valid reason in its attempt to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight in the disputed South China Sea. US Department of State…
-
100 China boats seen encroaching in Malaysia
The Luconia Shoals, divided into the North and South Luconia Shoals, and sometimes known as the Luconia Reefs, are one of the largest and least-known reef complexes in the South China Sea. Bing Maps KUALA LUMPUR – About 100 Chinese-registered boats have been detected encroaching in Malaysian waters near the Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea, a Malaysian minister…