The United States has reaffirmed its “deep commitment” to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of which the Philippines is a key member, and vowed to challenge China on issues such as human rights and the South China Sea, and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman […]

Malaysia says it is to summon China’s ambassador after 16 Chinese military aircraft flew over disputed waters off its eastern state of Sarawak. Fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the transport planes on Monday after detecting “suspicious” activity over the South China Sea. Malaysia’s foreign ministry described the manoeuvre as a “serious threat to national […]

Are maps relevant in territorial disputes over ownership of tiny islands in the South China Sea? The question arises because maps are usually drawn unilaterally by one state. This raises the issue of whether such maps showing islands as part of the territory of the state drawing the map can bind another state which also […]