A look at what a new report says about rising tensions between Washington and Beijing on a contentious issue. A sharpening dispute between the United States and China over Freedom of Navigation (FON) in the Western Pacific was again thrust into the headlines last month following the Chinese navy’s brazen theft of an American underwater […]

The People’s Republic of China flag and the US Stars and Stripes fly along Pennsylvania Avenue near the US Capitol, on Jan 18, 2011. Singapore’s relations with China are in the spotlight, following a series of spats with the rising power. One writer calls on Singapore to be more understanding of China and step away […]

It’s no secret what the mainland is doing in the South China Sea. No one is surprised when they hear of another dredging operation to reclaim an island, or when another runway pops up on satellite imagery where before there were only idyllic, turquoise waters. The recent arrival of fighter aircraft along with evidence of […]

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter told the Chinese defense delegation in Singapore that the U.S. will take appropriate action if China crosses the red line, i.e. further reclamation and militarization of the Scarborough Shoal in the Spratlys chain. U.S. Adm. John Richardson boarded an E-2C from the carrier USS Stennis to inspect disputed South […]

Japan’s Defense Minister says she hopes European countries will get involved in the issue of the South China Sea. China is increasing its maritime activity in the region. Tomomi Inada spoke on Friday at the French Military Academy Institute for Strategic Research in Paris. It’s a think tank for the French Defense Ministry. Inada said […]

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — When it comes to claiming the Philippines’ right to the South China Sea, law expert Jay Batongbacal believes now is a good time as any. This is contrary to President Duterte’s statement that he will assert the United Nations arbitral ruling against China “when the minerals are already being siphoned […]

Fishermen drive a boat next to fishing ships docked at a port to shelter from Typhoon Wutip in Sanya, Hainan province September 29, 2013. Picture taken September 29, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer Fishermen drive a boat next to fishing ships docked at a port to shelter from Typhoon Wutip in Sanya, Hainan province September 29, 2013. Picture […]

The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducts combined presence operations in the South China Sea with the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) in 2015. File Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Bishop/Handout BEIJING – China will never allow anyone to “make a great fuss” about its […]

SHIFT IN THINKING The seizing by Chinese sailors of a US underwater surveillance drone in the South China Sea speaks to the kind of challenge President-elect Trump is likely to face early in his administration. DECEMBER 18, 2016 PARIS—It is not customary to steal an item from someone and then give it back as a […]

DECEMBER 30, 2016 BEIJING—In East Asia, anxiety about what 2017 holds in store is running as high as anywhere in the world. Here’s a look at some of the stories to keep an eye on as the year unfolds: Q. What will happen at the 19th National Party Congress in China? Every five years, the […]