West Philippine Sea
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Australian fleet must be wary of meddling in South China Sea affairs
As Australian media reported of late, six Australian naval ships carrying 1,200 personnel have sailed toward the South China Sea. It remains unclear how far the ships have moved into the disputed sea area. The fleet has departed for “Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017” with stops at Japan, South Korea and the Philippines in a biggest […]
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Why Trump’s ‘South China Sea card’ is unlikely to work this time
An online feud between US President Donald Trump and NBA superstars Stephen Curry and LeBron James may have grabbed some headlines around the world, but what the international community is truly concerned about right now is whether Trump’s recently renewed feud with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would eventually escalate into a war. […]