Disputed islands in south china sea

China says one thing to the world, but does what it wants, anyway. This message is being clearly conveyed by its continued military buildup in the disputed South China Sea area even as it participates in negotiations and actions to defuse tensions, including the adoption of a Code of Conduct (COC). "Actually, China has been active in the South China Sea all this while. What’s distinctive this time is the heightened tempo of Chinese military activities that go along with the ongoing, increasing buildup in the disputed waters - by that I’m referring to more intense naval and air activities, which came after the last Party Congress. “It’s clear that Xi wanted to follow up that last event to showcase his control over the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including his promise and call for the PLA to heighten combat readiness in the South China Sea," Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore, told … [Read more...] about China elevates combat readiness in South China Sea, experts say

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to confront what Washington sees as China’s militarization of islands in the South China Sea, despite drawing condemnation from Beijing for an operation in the region over the weekend. Reuters first reported that two U.S. Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China on Sunday, even as President Donald Trump seeks Chinese cooperation on North Korea. The operation, known as “freedom of navigation,” was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China expressed its anger, saying it had sent ships and aircraft to warn the U.S. warships to leave. “You’ll notice there is only one country that seems to take active steps to rebuff them or state their resentment (to) them, but it’s international … [Read more...] about Mattis says US to continue operations in South China Sea

By Reuters  &nbspMay 21, 2018 | 10:05 am GMT+7 China’s South Sea Fleet taking part in a drill in the Xisha Islands, or the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. Photo by AFP 'We reiterate our commitment to protect every single inch of our territory.' The Philippines is taking “appropriate diplomatic action” to assert its claims in the South China Sea after Chinese bombers landed on islands and reefs in the disputed region, the foreign ministry in Manila said on Monday. China’s air force said bombers such as the H-6K had landed and taken off from islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of training exercises last week, drawing angry reactions from opposition lawmakers in Manila. The United States also sent ships to the disputed areas. The Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines said it was monitoring developments. “We are taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue … [Read more...] about Philippines takes ‘diplomatic action’ after China lands bombers in South China Sea

U.S. news network CNBC reported on May 2, 2018 that China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in the Spratlys, namely Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef. The report substantiates the concern among regional observers that China may soon start a new round of escalation in the South China Sea after a relatively calm period. Since the release of the arbitral tribunal ruling on the Philippines vs. China case in July 2016 until early this year, China kept a low profile on the South China Sea issue by quietly completing its seven artificial islands in the Spratlys and refraining from major assertive actions. Beijing even showed good will and made efforts to accelerate discussions with ASEAN on a Code of Conduct for the sea. China’s wish to counter adverse ramifications generated by the 2016 ruling as well as its emphasis on the successful organization of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 19th congress … [Read more...] about Vietnam facing China’s renewed assertiveness in South China Sea

China's reportedly deploying missiles in the Spratly Islands outposts could mean an act closer to declaring an Air Defense Identification Zone in the disputed waters and Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam should raise voices to protect their rights, experts said. U.S. news network CNBC reported on Wednesday that China has installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in the South China Sea. The report quoted unnamed sources as saying that according to U.S. intelligence assessments, the missiles were moved to Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef within the past 30 days. "If the story is correct, this is a significant step of China toward militarization of Spratly Islands," Euan Graham, Director of International Security Program at Lowy Institute, told VnExpress. He said the missiles would be a stage before China launching combat aircraft later this year, and declaring an excercise restriction area. The approach is … [Read more...] about China completing militarization in South China Sea by deploying missiles to Spratlys: experts