News
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South China Sea: Fourth US FONOP in Five Months
Earlier this week, the United States carried out the fourth freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea so far this year, after resuming the operations after a seven-month break in May. A U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Chafee, challenged excessive Chinese maritime claims in the Paracel group in the South China Sea, according to…
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Anifah: South China Sea issues should be addressed though peaceful means
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Oct 12 ― Malaysia believes that the South China Sea issues are complex, multi-faceted and highly sensitive and therefore, overlapping claims in the South China Sea should be addressed through peaceful means and in accordance with the relevant principles of international law. Its Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Vietnam and the People’s…
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Challenge China in the South China Sea by Democratic Example
Australia and Timor-Leste will be finalizing their Timor Sea maritime-border agreement this month through the first time use of a compulsory conciliation clause that is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). Moreover, the reconciliation effort of Indonesia and Timor-Leste has led to, among other things, successful negotiations of their land border. Together…
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US guided-missile destroyer again checks Beijing in the South China Sea
An MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter passes the USS Chafee (DDG 90) while delivering supplies to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment mission with the USNS Bridge in the Pacific Ocean on Jan. 2, 2012. Petty Officer 2nd Class James R. Evans, US Navy WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China…
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Chinese frigate, jets drive away US warship from South China Sea
China sent a frigate and fighter jets to warn and drive away a US Navy destroyer, after the latter sailed near islands in the South China Sea on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday. The frigate Huangshan, two J-11B fighters and one helicopter were sent in response to the US Navy destroyer’s presence, a MND…
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Alejano insists presence of Chinese ships near Pag-asa island ‘dangerous’
MANILA- Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano on Friday insisted that the presence of Chinese ships near the Philippines’ Pag-asa island is “highly suspicious” and “dangerous” even after Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said it is only “quite natural.” Alejano said the real issues on the recent reported presence of Chinese ships near Pag-asa are the activities of the Chinese Navy, Chinese Coast…
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Despite Common Threat in Beijing, Other South China Sea Rivals Still Spar Among Selves
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Four Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan, all of which lay claims to the contested, resource-rich South China Sea, are still grappling with incidents among themselves despite a focus on their common rival, China. The suspected shooting deaths late last month of two Vietnamese fishermen in waters 34 nautical miles from the Philippines were a severe response to…
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Duterte Reaches out to U.S. Amid South China Sea Harassment
As reports that Chinese vessels are increasing in number near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the South China Sea, Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte has hinted at a possible reconciliation with the U.S. Duterte made a surprise announcement that he wanted to be “friendly” with the U.S., a view which contrasts to earlier statements. On several previous occasions, he called on U.S.…
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South China Sea: Philippines Plans Spratly Upgrades
The Philippines Armed Forces will upgrade the airstrip on Thitu Island, among other improvement. The Philippines will begin important upgrades to its primary outpost in the disputed Spratly group in the South China Sea. According to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program will finance the paving of the 1.3 kilometer-long airstrip on Thitu,…
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US carrier navigates crowded South China Sea waters as North Korea tensions mount
While maintaining operational readiness amid protracted tensions over North Korea, US navy is also keeping an eye on China. ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN, SOUTH CHINA SEA: As the commanders of the largest US warship in Asia seek to maintain operational readiness amid protracted tensions over North Korea, they find themselves keeping one eye on China, too. On Saturday, as…
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US carrier navigates crowded South China Sea waters as North Korea tensions mount
While maintaining operational readiness amid protracted tensions over North Korea, US navy is also keeping an eye on China. F-18 Super Hornet jet fighters were took-off USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier during routine drills deep in the South China Sea. ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN, SOUTH CHINA SEA: As the commanders of the largest US warship in Asia seek to…
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The South China Sea and China’s “Four Sha” Claim: New Legal Theory, Same Bad Argument
The Washington Free Beacon reports that China may be backing away from its most controversial legal justification in the South China Sea: the “Nine-Dash Line.” Officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs advanced a new legal theory at a closed-door meeting with U.S. State Department officials last month that would rely upon China’s sovereignty claims over the “Four…