South China Sea Dispute
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We are witnessing a new geopolitical reality in the South China Sea
Analysis, Artificial Islands, China, Reclamation, Sea Level Rise, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, Terriclaiming, UNCLOS, USAOver the past two years, China has been methodically terraforming small reefs and shoals into islands in the highly contentious South China Sea (SCS). The SCS is important not only because of its strategic, trade, and resource potential but also because many of the claimants’ direct links with the U.S. such as the Philippines. China’s progressive […]
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China Challenges ASEAN with Land Fills in South China Sea
Artificial Islands, ASEAN, Cambodia, China, Code of Conduct, Destabilization, Malaysia, Military Conflict, Philippines, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, String of Pearls Strategy, VietnamA stunning series of photos released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. offer a grim outlook for the region as Beijing ratchets-up its territorial assertions over the hotly disputed Spratly and Paracel islands. At least four major man-made structures have been erected on Itu, Gaven, Johnson South and Fiery […]
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The South China Sea ‘V-I-P’ solution
The ‘VIP’ Group of Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines all share both advantageous relations with and deep disagreements with China in the South China Sea. Working together, they could present a united front. This would include establishing Joint Development Areas allotted by auction and linked by a common-carrier open-access energy infrastructure. Each has a serious […]
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Chinese Land Reclamation Pushes Boundaries
Artificial Islands, China, Philippines, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, Unsinkable Aircraft CarriersDramatic new satellite imagery demonstrating China’s efforts to reclaim land and construct facilities in the South China Sea has prompted concern among policy makers in Washington. This is as it should be—at stake is more than just a handful of isolated and obscure reefs and islands. Beijing’s bold moves are testament to its expansive claims […]
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China threatens restricted flight zone over entire South China Sea, giving them the right to shoot down unauthorised planes
A recent U.S. suggestion for Japanese patrols in the South China Sea has elicited a sharp rebuttal by the Chinese government and reignited Chinese media discussion of a South China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). An ADIZ would require all air traffic to obtain China’s permission before flying over the South China Sea, or […]
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In a Test of Wills, Japanese Fighter Pilots Confront Chinese
NAHA, Japan — Once a sleepy, sun-soaked backwater, this air base on the southern island of Okinawa has become the forefront of a dangerous test of wills between two of Asia’s largest powers, Japan and China. At least once every day, Japanese F-15 fighter jets roar down the runway, scrambling to intercept foreign aircraft, mostly […]
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Island, reef construction in South China Sea lawful, justified: FM
Artificial Islands, China, Philippines, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, Unsinkable Aircraft CarriersChina’s construction of islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, as China is merely building facilities in its own yard, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday. [Special coverage] Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress, China’s top […]
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China says island, reef construction in South China Sea lawful, justified
Artificial Islands, China, Philippines, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, Unsikable Aircraft CarrierBEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) — China’s construction of islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, as China is merely building facilities in its own yard, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday. Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s […]
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China says changing position on sea dispute would shame ancestors
Artificial Islands, China, Domestic Policy, History, Militarization, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, SpratlysChanging position on China’s claims over the South China Sea would shame its ancestors, while not facing up to infringements of Chinese sovereignty there would shame its children, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday. China has become increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, building artificial islands in areas over which the Philippines and […]
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South Sea: China calls to take down unauthorised planes
China calls restricted flying area over whole South China Sea, giving them the right to take down any unknown planes. A late U.S. proposal for Japanese patrols in the South China Sea has inspired a sharp answer by the Chinese government and reignited Chinese media talk of a South China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). An ADIZ would oblige all […]