Author Archives: admin

The Next Big Energy Standoff Will Happen Here

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have agreed on a so-called single working text to continue negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed South China Sea. “I am pleased to announce yet another milestone in the COC process,” said Vivian Balakrishnan on Thursday, Singapore’s foreign minister, who is hosting […]

How the French military’s ‘political messengers’ are countering Beijing in the South China Sea

France’s air and sea presence in the region asserts its support for a maritime security order based on shared rules and norms, writes Mathieu Duchâtel Since July 27, the French Air Force has had three Rafale B fighter jets, one A400M troop transporter and a C135 refuelling tanker in Australia’s Northern Territory. By registering you […]

China’s militarisation of South China Sea done in self-defence: Foreign Minister Wang Yi

SINGAPORE – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday (Aug 4) defended China’s military build-up in the South China Sea, calling it actions taken in self-defence in response to security pressure from the United States and other non-regional countries. “Certain non-regional countries, mainly the United States, have been sending massive strategic weaponry into this region, […]

Beijing vows to keep military presence in South China Sea as US pledges US$300 million for security

Foreign Minister Wang Yi makes the remarks at Asean summit after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announces Indo-Pacific commitment Beijing on Saturday vowed to maintain its military presence in the South China Sea, insisting the US is “the biggest force for militarisation in this region” after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pledged US$300 […]

CHINA SCORES WITH ASEAN PLAY AS TRUMP’S AMERICA LOSES ITS WAY IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

US’ paltry down payment on its Indo-Pacific strategy is only matched by its faltering security commitment to Southeast Asia On March 12, 1947, as the spectre of Soviet communism loomed over the horizon of newly liberated Europe, President Harry Truman vowed that it would be the policy of the United States to “support free people […]

Commentary: A sober assessment of the recent ‘breakthrough’ on the South China Sea

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakirishnan called new developments to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea “yet another milestone”. There’s no room for complacency until the code is agreed upon, says one observer. Following the adoption of a draft framework on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea last August, barely […]

PH-China joint exploration in S. China Sea OK if sovereign rights upheld – Carpio

MANILA – Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio on Thursday said he sees nothing wrong with the proposed joint exploration between the Philippines and China in the disputed South China Sea as long as Manila asserts its sovereign rights. “As long as the joint development complies with the Philippine Constitution and there is no waiver of […]