Emperor Xi And The Kowtow Imperative

Imperial China had no Foreign Ministry; there was only the Ministry of Rituals. Its job was to judge the importance of the country seeking consideration and decide the level of kowtow – the elaborate show of obsequiousness, the series of bows, kneels, and touching the forehead to the floor, that would be required of its […]

Academics moot renaming South China Sea to assert Malaysian sovereignty

March 8 — Malaysia should follow its neighbours’ example and unilaterally rename its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea to assert its sovereignty in the ongoing maritime territorial dispute, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer said yesterday. Abdul Muein Abadi who specialises in political science suggested that the name could be “Malaysia Raya […]

ASEAN military chiefs push for peace in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines – Military chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pushed for peace in the disputed South China Sea, as they also stressed the need to avoid moves “that may complicate the situation.” The military chiefs made this statement after the ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM) held in Singapore […]

South China Sea marine park proposed

A national park in the South China Sea is needed to better preserve the marine ecology in the region, deputies from China’s top legislature said Tuesday on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Protection of unique and rich resources in the South China Sea has always been given great […]

China’s debt-trap diplomacy reaches the Philippines, which is likely to accept Chinese loans 1,100% more expensive than other options

The Philippines is close to accepting loans from China that are 1,100% more expensive than ones from Japan. The country’s chief economist said it will accept the loan as it needs “more friends,” as relations between the two countries warm after years of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The loan is part of […]

Malacañang: China, PH far from joint exploration agreement in the South China Sea

Roque: Arbitral ruling stands no matter what China does Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) — China and the Philippines are far from reaching a deal on joint exploration in the disputed South China Sea, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday. “We declared a moratorium on all exploration activities. Talks are ongoing, but we’re […]

Philippine judge rules out South China Sea gas deal unless Beijing recognises Manila’s sovereignty

The Philippines has identified two areas in the crowded waterway suitable for joint exploration and the two countries are seeking ways to tackle the diplomatic and legal headaches of jointly exploring in the waters, but without addressing the issue of sovereignty. Reed Bank is claimed by both sides, but international law says it falls within […]