News
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Philippines advised to treat Chinese firms fairly
Two Chinese companies are reportedly interested in buying the Philippines’ largest shipyard, once an important US naval base in the Pacific region. Some Philippine politicians have expressed concern over a possible Chinese takeover, saying it will be a very significant national security issue. An unexpected dilemma is brewing in the Philippines. Since the start of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte,…
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China is working on killer robot ships of its own
ABU DHABI –The Chinese shipbuilder China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company is developing a small unmanned surface vessel that China wants to function essentially like the uninhabited baby brother of a U.S. Arleigh Burke destroyer. The JARI USV is a 20-ton, 15-meter boat that is orders of magnitude smaller than the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s manned Type -55 destroyer but…
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Tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea
BEIJING — This is our weekly 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: The top American military commander in the Indo-Pacific region says the U.S. will…
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US steps up freedom of navigation patrols in South China Sea to counter Beijing’s ambitions
The United States has stepped up its freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea as it challenges Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its maritime claims in the region. American officials have signalled Washington will boost measures to counter China’s expansion in the area, and include allies in future missions, but observers say Beijing is unlikely to be deterred.…
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South China Sea: ‘We will sail WHEREVER we want’ warns US Navy as tensions RISE
THE US Navy sent two guided-missile destroyers close to the location of several territorial conflict zones in the South China Sea on Monday, prompting a brusque US justification for the move. The two guided-missile destroyers sailed near the Chinese manmade islands of Mischief Reef. Tensions in the region have soared recently as the US has continued to show its military…
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Britain’s Gunboat Diplomacy in the South China Sea
Sending its new aircraft carrier to the South China Sea is another desperate attempt by the former power to punch above its weight class. Sending its new aircraft carrier to the South China Sea is another desperate attempt by the former power to punch above its weight class. Britain’s armed forces are at their smallest number since the Napoleonic wars.…
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US commander pushes for more funding to counter China’s influence in Indo-Pacific
The US Indo-Pacific commander has urged America’s strategic decision-making body to increase financial investment in the region to counter China’s expanding economic and military influence. “Through fear and coercion, Beijing is working to expand its form of ideology in order to bend, break and replace the existing rules-based international order,” Admiral Phil Davidson told a panel at the Senate Armed…
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Allies, partners to join future US operations in South China Sea
MANILA, Philippines — As the United States steps up its presence in the disputed South China Sea, the US Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that allies and partners will be included in future operations. Speaking before the US Senate earlier this week, Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Philip Davidson noted how other countries have started stepping up its freedom of navigation operations in…
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US vows to continue naval operations in WPS
MANILA, Philippines — Following last Monday’s Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPS) 12 nautical miles from the now Chinese-occupied man-made island on Panganiban (Mischief) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the US Navy vowed to continue naval operations to keep the disputed Spratlys open to all ocean-going vessels. US Indo-Pacific Command commander Admiral Phil Davidson told the US Senate Armed Services…
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China still harassing Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal – US Navy official
MANILA, Philippines – China continues to intimidate Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), a US Navy official said. “Chinese Coast Guard vessels now fall under the command of the Central Military Commission and regularly harass and intimidate fishing vessels from our treaty ally, the Philippines, operating near Scarborough Reef, as well…
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US Military Mulls Base Deployment Near South China Sea – Adm Davidson
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Chinese “militarization” of the South China Sea has prompted the United States to begin discussing the possibility of relocating US forces and opening bases in the region, US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Philip Davidson said in congressional testimony on Tuesday. “We have to accept the fact that the environment is changing so drastically in the South China…
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Future South China Sea FONOPS Will Include Allies, Partners
CAPITOL HILL — The U.S. will continue the recent pace of freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea and will include allies and partners in future missions, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told a Senate panel on Tuesday. Adm. Phil Davidson, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, said North Korea represents the most immediate…