West Philippine Sea
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China installs cruise missiles on South China Sea outposts-CNBC report
WASHINGTON – China has installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in the South China Sea, US news network CNBC reported on Wednesday, citing sources with direct knowledge of US intelligence reports. The move, if confirmed, would mark the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratly Islands, where several Asian countries including Vietnam and…
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US will continue freedom of navigation ops in South China Sea despite China protests – Amb. Kim
Defying Chinese calls to keep out of the South China Sea, Washington’s top diplomat to Manila on Thursday said the US will continue to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the disputed waters “to protect important international rights for everybody, including the Philippines.” US Ambassador Sung Kim said the US is concerned over China’s recent unilateral actions in the waters,…
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The Dangers of the Budding ‘Xiterte’ Bromance
In a telling sign of the dramatic turn in Philippine-China relations, the two nations recently agreed to pursue joint development agreements (JDA) on hydrocarbon deposits in the South China Sea. During his late March visit to Beijing, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano hailed a “golden period” in Philippine-China relations, and reiterated his country’s commitment to ensuring disputes in the…
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Beijing explores energy-rich area of South China Sea where ‘flammable ice’ – a potential new gas source – is found
Newest vessels take samples from ocean floor at site of China’s first find of active methane hydrates, a potential new natural gas source China has carried out deepwater exploration in an energy-rich area of the disputed South China Sea, its minerals research agency said on Wednesday. This comes as the latest in a series of manoeuvres by China in the…
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On China’s deployment of missiles on Philippine reefs
Yesterday’s headline that China has deployed missiles on three Philippine reefs is deeply concerning but not the least bit surprising. If one has dealt with China, of certainty is the stark inconsistency between what is being declared and what is actually happening on the ground. Regardless of Beijing’s commitment not to militarize, China’s methodical upgrading of military aspects on the…
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Chinese missiles in Spratlys threaten PH int’l air, sea access: analyst
MANILA – China’s installation of missiles in the Spratly islands threatens the Philippines’ international access in the disputed South China Sea, an analyst said Saturday. Anders Corr, an analyst with The Journal of Political Risk, said Beijing’s militarization efforts in the South China Sea “constricts” Manila’s access to air and sea routes. “It threatens in the future to constrict Philippines…
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US warns China over missiles deployed on 3 PH reefs
WASHINGTON—The White House has warned that China would face “consequences” for its military buildup in contested waters in the western Pacific following reports that the Chinese had installed missiles on three disputed reefs in the South China Sea. “We’re well aware of China’s militarization of the South China Sea,” press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday. “We’ve raised concerns directly…
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Beijing ‘installs missiles’ on South China Sea islands
SUMMARY BEIJING, China – Beijing Thursday, May 3, reasserted its right to build “defense” facilities in the disputed South China Sea, but declined to confirm reports it had installed new missiles on artificial islands it has built in the region. The Chinese army installed anti-ship and air-to-air defenses on outposts also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines over the last 30…
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Duterte ‘sensitive’ on Benham Rise, won’t jet-ski to South China Sea
“I’m ready. Walang problema ‘yan. And to make a statement, pupunta ako doon. Ang problema ang jet ski kailangan ng gasoline. Eh in the midst sa China Sea wala namang Caltex, wala namang Shell, wala namang Petron,” Duterte said in a press conference in Davao City after his arrival from Singapore. Duterte made a promise during the May 2016 presidential…
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The South China Sea Disputes: Will Taiwan’s Role Be Enhanced?
HAIKOU (IPP Review) — For many years, Taiwan’s interests and role in the South China Sea disputes have essentially been officially ignored. But with the election of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and his appointment of John Bolton as National Security Adviser, its influence on and involvement in such issues may increase substantially. Bolton in particular has a long history…