BEIJING’S decision to deploy its new aircraft carrier, the Shandong, in South-east Asian waters is an unmistakable push against US naval presence in the region. China’s first aircraft carrier built entirely in the country, the Shandong is the largest warship in its arsenal. The new vessel… https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/2020-likely-no-let-up-in-turbulence-and-manoeuvres-in-south-china-sea

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – China and Malaysia, old friends with a complex trade and investment relationship, are disagreeing over Malaysia’s rights to extend sovereignty into part of a disputed sea that’s rich in fossil fuel reserves. On Dec. 12, the Southeast Asian nation submitted documentation to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf […]

  SOUTH CHINA SEA disputes have created a political and even military standoff between the US and China as both look to assert control over contested waters. However, with Russia quietly wading into the contest, the risk of clashes between superpower nations only increases. China has clashed on multiple occasions with smaller nations in the […]

  David Goldman (“Spengler”) replies to comments by Fudan University Professor Wen Yang on ‘You can never be China’s friend’: Spengler, an interview the columnist gave to a Swiss publication. Wen Yang’s comments were serialized by Asia Times in three parts. Read part 1 here, part 2 here. Goldman’s remarks below make particular reference to […]

A crisis between the US and China over Taiwan could affect US interests next year, according to a survey released by a US think tank on Wednesday, although it said it was not very likely. In the annual Preventive Priorities Survey released by the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations’ Center for Preventive Action (CPA), […]

  When the Cold War ended, many pundits anticipated a new era in which geo-economics would determine geopolitics. As economic integration progressed, they predicted, the rules-based order would take root globally. Countries would comply with international law or incur high costs. Today, such optimism looks more than a little naive. Even as the international legal […]

  SOUTH CHINA SEA contests between China and the US have led to a rapid and unnerving militarisation of the disputed region as both superpowers aim to stamp their authority – but where exactly are Washington and Beijing in control? The South China Sea is host to lucrative shipping lanes and trading ports, provoking President […]

Foreign Minister Saifuddin says Malaysia’s decision to take South China Sea claim to UN is its ‘sovereign right’. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia has hardened its diplomatic position on the disputed South China Sea, questioning China’s “nine-dash line” claim over the entire sea lane that has already been previously declared with “no legal basis” by […]

  Beijing’s South China Sea coral conservation efforts are met with scepticism by critics who see a larger strategic purpose behind them. Photo: XinhuaBeijing’s South China Sea coral conservation efforts are met with scepticism by critics who see a larger strategic purpose behind them. China has embarked on a decade-long plan to revive the ravaged […]

  The building was drab on the exterior; a nondescript office complex on the fringe of Shenzhen outside of Hong Kong. Li Zhou opened the door and got out of her small car. She eyed the revolving door and made her way to the entrance as the vehicle moved along to its next user. She […]