News
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The South China Sea and US-China Trade Policy: Are They Becoming Linked?
On October 2, the Navy destroyer Decatur narrowly avoided a collision with a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship in the South China Sea. The Decatur was conducting a Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) adjacent to an artificial island constructed by China on the Gaven and Johnson reefs. According to the Pentagon, the PLAN ship, a Luyang-class warship, approached…
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China built the world’s biggest amphibious plane, and its latest test could give Beijing an edge in the South China Sea
China’s AG600 amphibious plane carried out its first waterborne takeoff and landing on Saturday. The plane, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, is designed primarily for civil aviation. But its capabilities suggest to some that it could be used to further China’s territorial ambitions in disputed areas like the South China Sea. On Saturday, the AG600, the world’s largest amphibious airplane,…
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UK to sail more ships in South China Sea amid China’s defiance
MANILA, Philippines — In an act of defiance against Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, London has suggested that more British ships will sail near the contested waterway. Adm. Sir Philip Jones, the British Royal Navy’s top official, said the United Kingdom has an obligation to showcase military support for its allies in the region. “If you are…
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Taiwan Announces Live-Fire Drills in Disputed South China Sea
Taiwan-begins-F-16-upgrade-programTaiwan China air force The government of Taiwan announced a new live-fire drill next month in Taiping Island, a territory disputed by China and Vietnam, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. Taiwan’s drill shortly follows the passage of U.S. warships through international waters in the region, angering China. The drill may also incense neighboring Vietnam, the Post suggests,…
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China won’t give up territory: minister
China’s defence minister has warned his country won’t give up an inch of its territory, including Taiwan and disputed waters in the South China Sea. China will never give up an inch of its territory, whether the self-ruled island of Taiwan it claims as its own, or in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the country’s defence minister…
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Mike Pompeo was ‘snubbed’ by Beijing. Now it wants to show ‘a friendlier China’
China snubbed Washington’s top diplomat Mike Pompeo when he visited Beijing this month as tensions ran high over trade and the South China Sea – but some in Beijing did not agree with the handling of the visit and hope to use a security forum to show “a friendlier China”, according to a person familiar with the matter. The US…
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China vows to defend Taiwan, South China Sea ‘at any price’
Attempt to separate Taiwan from China and Chinese armed forces will ‘take action at any price’, warns defence minister. China vowed it will never give up an inch of its territory – whether it’s the self-ruled island of Taiwan it claims as its own or in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe made…
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ASEAN, China kick off first maritime exercise
The naval drills involve more than 1,000 personnel and eight ships. ZHANJIANG: The first-ever maritime exercise held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China started on Monday (Oct 22) in the southern Chinese city of Zhanjiang. Over the next six days, the navies of ASEAN and China will plan and conduct field training off the coast of…
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China FURY as defiant British Navy vows to sail through South China Sea
The Royal Navy has said it should “showcase” support for allies in the Asia Pacific region and resist China which is claiming Britain is provoking them. Senior Royal Navy officer, Admiral Sir Philip Jones said: “If you are going to have a different interpretation of that convention to the majority of nations then that has to be resisted. “Otherwise you…
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US moves worsening South China Sea row
Recently, the South China Sea seems to be witnessing “polarized” opposition between China and the US as seen from the stinging speech by US Vice President Mike Pence that slammed China’s South China Sea policy and America’s frequent muscle-flexing in the waters. The US, together with its allies and partners, is using political, diplomatic and military means and public opinion…
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Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea
Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea BEIJING — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a weekly look at…
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‘We will not be intimidated’ — Mattis doubles down on US vow to counter China’s attempts to dominate the South China Sea
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released U.S. Navy Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met his Chinese counterpart Thursday to discuss a host of tense issues. The meeting focused heavily on the South China Sea, but tensions persist. Speaking with allies Friday, the secretary called on US partners to counter Chinese efforts to dominate the South…