Kerry is in China to press Beijing to halt projects in South China Sea

[BoQ77]

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Cong Peiwu as he disembarks from his airplane upon arrival at Beijing International Airport on Saturday. | REUTERS
Kerry to press Beijing to halt projects in South China Sea
AP

• May 16, 2015

BEIJING – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in China to press Beijing to halt increasingly assertive actions it is taking in the South China Sea that have alarmed the United States and China’s smaller neighbors.

Amid verbal sparring between U.S. and Chinese officials over land reclamation projects China is conducting in disputed waters, Kerry arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a series of meetings with the communist nation’s top leaders.

American officials said this week that Kerry is bringing a message to Beijing that China’s large-scale land reclamation and general behavior in the South China Sea hurt China’s image and foreign relations, including with the U.S.

China has reacted angrily to suggestions the U.S. may send military ships and planes to challenge Chinese claims to islands it is building. On Friday, Beijing reaffirmed that it will defend those claims and won’t remain passive if they are threatened.

The claims have rattled the region, where South China Sea islands and reefs are contested by China and five other Asian governments. The U.S. says it takes no position on the sovereignty claims but insists they must be negotiated. Washington also says ensuring maritime safety and access to some of the world’s busiest commercial shipping routes is a U.S. national security priority.

In one disputed area, the Spratly Islands, U.S. officials say China has reclaimed about 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of dry land since 2014 that could be used as airstrips or for military purposes. The U.S. argues that man-made constructions cannot be used to claim sovereignty.

Obama administration officials have declined to comment on reports that it may deploy military assets or that it is considering a demonstration of freedom of navigation within 12 nautical miles of the islands’ notional territorial zone. But they have said many of the features claimed by China in the disputed Spratlys are submerged and do not carry territorial rights, and said China cannot “manufacture sovereignty.”

On Friday, China hit back, saying it would be unswerving in defending its national interests.

“I would like to stress again that China’s determination to defend national sovereignty and its legitimate rights and interests is unswerving,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. “We will adopt stern measures to counter any acts that will pose provocations and threats against China.”

Also Friday, state broadcaster CCTV ran an interview with China’s ambassador to the U.S., Cui Tiankai, in which he lashed out what he described as Washington’s hypocrisy and confrontational attitude. China says the U.S. ignores improvements it says other claimants are also making on their island holdings.

In addition to the South China Sea issues, Kerry will be looking to make progress with China in other areas, including climate change and cybersecurity, when he meets President Xi Jinping, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the country’s top military officer.

His visit will also set the stage for annual U.S.-China economic and strategic talks this summer and a trip to the U.S. by Xi in the fall.

 

[BoQ77]

John Kerry @JohnKerry · 7 hours ago
Just landed in #Beijing. Will have the chance to discuss a wide range of issues w/#China’s leaders over next few days

美国驻华使领馆 US MissionCN and EAP Bureau


Kerry to urge China restraint in South China Sea projects

• 6 hours ago
• US Secretary of State John Kerry is in China to urge Beijing to halt what is seen as its increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea.

US officials say Mr Kerry will voice concerns over China's land reclamation projects in the disputed waters.

China has warned it will defend its "legitimate rights and interests".

China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea, resulting in overlapping claims with Brunei, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

'Stern measures'
Mr Kerry is due to hold a series of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top government officials in the Chinese capital.

State Department officials say his visit has been scheduled for some time, but the agenda will now be dominated by China's activities in the disputed waters.

Washington says China has reclaimed about 810 hectares of land (2,000 acres) of land in the Spratly Islands since 2014.

It says that while the aim of the expansion activity remains unclear, China is "improving its defence infrastructure in the South China Sea".

Ahead of Mr Kerry's visit, China said it would defend its national interests in the region.

"China's determination to defend national sovereignty and its legitimate rights and interests is unswerving,'' foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

"We will adopt stern measures to counter any acts that will pose provocations and threats against China."

Beijing has also expressed concern over reports that the US may send its military ships and aircraft to assert freedom of navigation in the South China Sea - one of the world's busiest shipping areas.

 

[cnleio]

More interesting now ... but building will continue.

 

[TaiShang]

He will press zilch. Mr. Putin has already lectured him and chided him mildly.

By the time he leaves, China's islands will have become slightly bigger.

 

[BoQ77]

Waiting for next action with keen

 

[luoshan]

China should stop it's expansionist policies.

 

[大汉奸柳传志]

Everybody knows he is just an errand boy，sent on symbolic tours to test the wind，nothing will come out of this..

 

[xunzi]

DO NOT attempt to intimidate our determination to protect our national sovereignty.

 

[BoQ77]

John Kerry @JohnKerry · 23m23 minutes ago
Productive exchange with FM Wang Yi re: expanding areas of US-#China cooperation on critical regional & global issues.

John Kerry
Focus of my mtg w/ FM Wang Yi was on #humanrights, #pressfreedom, #IranTalks, #climatechange & #SouthChinaSea.

Global Times Editorial: Remember That We Have Nuclear Weapons!

May 14, 2015 (EIRNS)—China’s official Global Times, strongly responded editorially today, to the reported request from Defense Secretary Ash Carter that the US intentionally deploy air and sea military craft within the 12-mile territorial limit around the islands being physically expanded within the China-controlled portion of the Spratly/Nansha islands. Global Times warned of nuclear war.

If the White House authorizes such a move, the editorial says, "the US will make the South China Sea a powder keg. Washington would be too naive to think that China will exercise forbearance and self-restraint in that scenario. It should keep in mind that China is a major power with nuclear weapons, and there is no way that US forces can take reckless actions in the South China Sea. Considering China’s proximity to this area and determination to defend its sovereignty, the US, although equipped with the strongest military forces, will stand no chance of overwhelming China. Besides, the long-term chaos will eventually deprive the US of its [hegemony over] other countries in the region, which will only be victimized by the war.

"China has no intention to be a challenger," it continues,

"but it won’t evade any challenges over its territorial sovereignty from the US. We would like to suggest that Washington think twice before it does an about-face of its Asia-Pacific policy."

Global Times elsewhere quotes Jin Canrong from Renmin University, one of China’s leading US experts:

"If the plan is implemented, China for sure will make counter-measures, such as driving US military aircraft and vessels away with force. The US must realize that a majority of ASEAN countries do not want the US to destroy regional stability."

 

[BoQ77]

South China Sea: US Navy set to confront China over island bases

• Michael Evans
• The Times
• May 14, 2015 9:43AM

The USS George Washington left Yokosuka, Japan, yesterday. Picture: Jono Searle Source: News Limited

The United States is drawing up plans to send warships and aircraft to challenge China’s construction of airstrips on disputed islands in the South China Sea, raising the prospect of a military clash between the two superpowers.

Ash Carter, the defence secretary, has asked his staff to look at ways to apply pressure on China as alarm grows among America’s allies in the region over several hundred hectares of land that Beijing has reclaimed on the Spratly Islands, and the potential the new territory offers for military use. Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei also have sovereignty claims over the islands.

If President Obama approves Mr Carter’s plan, it will be the first significant test of his long-term military strategy, announced in 2011, to shift US military resources to the area and an acknowledgment of concerns over China’s abrasive attempts to dominate the region.

China’s island-building project, which was begun last year, has significantly added to regional tensions, putting pressure on the US to come to the aid of its partners.

The Pentagon’s options include deploying warships from the 7th Fleet to the edge of the 12 nautical-mile territorial zone around the Spratly Islands to safeguard freedom of navigation in an area vital for world commerce. The islands lie in the centre of international shipping routes. Ship-borne trade valued at three trillion pounds passes through the area every year.

The US has an armada of naval assets in the region, including two aircraft carriers, the USS George Washington, which left Yokosuka, Japan, yesterday (Wednesday), and the USS Carl Vinson. She is accompanied by a cruiser and three destroyers. Two more US destroyers are also operating in the area. The USS Fort Worth, one of a new class of small, fast vessels known as littoral combat ships, has already been carrying out patrols around the islands, although she never crosses into the 12-mile zone.

For surveillance missions, America has Poseidon and Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which can be based in Japan and at the huge US base on Guam, about 1,500 miles east of the Philippines.

There is no suggestion of the US imposing a blockade of the islands, but the mere presence of an aircraft carrier, or guided-missile warships, will be viewed by China as a direct challenge to its claim to the islands, which it regards as a defensive perimeter to its shoreline.

The Chinese foreign ministry said that the nation would resolutely defend its “sovereign territory” and warned the US against “risky and provocative approaches”.

Andrew Krepinevich, a defence analyst and former senior Pentagon official, said: “There is a risk of confrontation with China, whether the US 7th Fleet sends warships and surveillance aircraft or not. If the US fails to take action that shows it does not recognise China’s unilateral action to establish control over the islands, then it risks a more serious confrontation with China at a later date.”

Recent satellite pictures show the rapid advance made by Chinese labourers in constructing a runway on Fiery Cross Reef, an artificial island that has been created within the Spratly archipelago. Another island is being developed on Mischief Reef near by. Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.

The Pentagon said last week in its annual report to Congress that the Chinese had embarked on extensive land-reclamation projects on five outposts in the Spratly Islands, to bolster its military and civilian presence in the area. The islands have increased in size from about 200 hectares (500 acres) in December to 800 hectares.

The US has not taken a position on sovereignty of the islands, but sees the moves by the Chinese as an example of its creeping dominance in the region. In November 2013, China announced an air defence identification zone off its north-eastern coast between South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, with all aircraft flying into the region ordered to report to the Chinese authorities. This was condemned by the US and Japan, and Washington sent two B-52 bombers into the area to prove a point.

John Kerry, the secretary of state, will visit China this weekend, and is expected to raise America’s concerns about the island-building program.

The Times

 

[cnleio]

South China Sea: US Navy set to confront China over island bases

• Michael Evans
• The Times
• May 14, 2015 9:43AM

The USS George Washington left Yokosuka, Japan, yesterday. Picture: Jono Searle Source: News Limited

The United States is drawing up plans to send warships and aircraft to challenge China’s construction of airstrips on disputed islands in the South China Sea, raising the prospect of a military clash between the two superpowers.

Ash Carter, the defence secretary, has asked his staff to look at ways to apply pressure on China as alarm grows among America’s allies in the region over several hundred hectares of land that Beijing has reclaimed on the Spratly Islands, and the potential the new territory offers for military use. Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei also have sovereignty claims over the islands.

If President Obama approves Mr Carter’s plan, it will be the first significant test of his long-term military strategy, announced in 2011, to shift US military resources to the area and an acknowledgment of concerns over China’s abrasive attempts to dominate the region.

China’s island-building project, which was begun last year, has significantly added to regional tensions, putting pressure on the US to come to the aid of its partners.

The Pentagon’s options include deploying warships from the 7th Fleet to the edge of the 12 nautical-mile territorial zone around the Spratly Islands to safeguard freedom of navigation in an area vital for world commerce. The islands lie in the centre of international shipping routes. Ship-borne trade valued at three trillion pounds passes through the area every year.

The US has an armada of naval assets in the region, including two aircraft carriers, the USS George Washington, which left Yokosuka, Japan, yesterday (Wednesday), and the USS Carl Vinson. She is accompanied by a cruiser and three destroyers. Two more US destroyers are also operating in the area. The USS Fort Worth, one of a new class of small, fast vessels known as littoral combat ships, has already been carrying out patrols around the islands, although she never crosses into the 12-mile zone.

For surveillance missions, America has Poseidon and Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which can be based in Japan and at the huge US base on Guam, about 1,500 miles east of the Philippines.

There is no suggestion of the US imposing a blockade of the islands, but the mere presence of an aircraft carrier, or guided-missile warships, will be viewed by China as a direct challenge to its claim to the islands, which it regards as a defensive perimeter to its shoreline.

The Chinese foreign ministry said that the nation would resolutely defend its “sovereign territory” and warned the US against “risky and provocative approaches”.

Andrew Krepinevich, a defence analyst and former senior Pentagon official, said: “There is a risk of confrontation with China, whether the US 7th Fleet sends warships and surveillance aircraft or not. If the US fails to take action that shows it does not recognise China’s unilateral action to establish control over the islands, then it risks a more serious confrontation with China at a later date.”

Recent satellite pictures show the rapid advance made by Chinese labourers in constructing a runway on Fiery Cross Reef, an artificial island that has been created within the Spratly archipelago. Another island is being developed on Mischief Reef near by. Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.

The Pentagon said last week in its annual report to Congress that the Chinese had embarked on extensive land-reclamation projects on five outposts in the Spratly Islands, to bolster its military and civilian presence in the area. The islands have increased in size from about 200 hectares (500 acres) in December to 800 hectares.

The US has not taken a position on sovereignty of the islands, but sees the moves by the Chinese as an example of its creeping dominance in the region. In November 2013, China announced an air defence identification zone off its north-eastern coast between South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, with all aircraft flying into the region ordered to report to the Chinese authorities. This was condemned by the US and Japan, and Washington sent two B-52 bombers into the area to prove a point.

John Kerry, the secretary of state, will visit China this weekend, and is expected to raise America’s concerns about the island-building program.

The Times

To against China, Ten A.C strick groups in SCS might means war with China ... Two groups mean nothing will happen. This news just remind me, last time U.S sent 2x B-52 bombers flying close to China ECS ADIZ ... what's going on ???

 

[BoQ77]

To against China, Ten A.C strick groups in SCS might means war with China ... Two groups mean nothing will happen. This news just remind me, last time U.S sent 2x B-52 bombers flying close to China ECS ADIZ ... what's going on ???

Not flying close to China ECS ADIZ but flying within Japan ADIZ over Senkaku island.
And everything still unchanged. Means Japanese still control Senkaku island.

2 groups mean Nothing? That means Currently, China still can't make this NOTHING happen.

 

[cnleio]

2 groups mean Nothing? That means Currently, China still can't make this NOTHING happen.

Nothing change to China islands building ... keep going.

 

[BoQ77]

You don't understand that American made those buildings become meaningless or at least less meaning.
Just like the China ADIZ in ECS

They made clear, they respect the 12nm of territorial water of Vietnam or PH islands in Spratlys but don't apply that to China artificial islands

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has directed his staff “to look at options that include flying Navy surveillance aircraft over the islands and sending U.S. naval ships to within 12 nautical miles of reefs that have been built up and claimed by the Chinese in an area known as the Spratly Islands.”

The United States has refused to recognize China’s claims of sovereignty within 12 nautical miles of the artificial islands. The UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) gives countries sovereignty over waters within 12 nautical miles from their coast lines. However, it doesn’t afford such rights to artificially created islands.

Nothing change to China islands building ... keep going.

 

[cnleio]

You don't understand that American made those buildings become meaningless or at least less meaning.
Just like the China ADIZ in ECS

They made clear, they respect the 12nm of territorial water of Vietnam or PH islands in Spratlys but don't apply that to China artificial islands

Really ?! and then ? Bomb those islands ?

Did u see China stop or quit this game ? Did u see America reduce relationships with China ? Did u see U.S cut off economy trade with China ? What any change between U.S and China now after 2x A.C groups coming, they will station One week / One month / One year in SCS ?

The only change is, next week we won't discuss 2x A.C groups in SCS threads coz they maybe gone ...