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South China Sea Forum

LOL ... what stuff in ur brain, Vietnam can building ur island, and China can't build our reef ?
U r not the Lord of SCS !

So DOC and COC were shjt to you !?
So just say it: I want do what I want, don't care or respect about any law and agreement, DOC whatever...

We're improving our Islands >>> still a Islands.
You made reef become big Islands >>> you changed it situation.

So don't compare you to us on the actions.
 
So DOC and COC were shjt to you !?
So just say it: I want do what I want, don't care or respect about any law and agreement, DOC whatever...

We're improving our Islands >>> still a Islands.
You made reef become big Islands >>> you changed it situation.

So don't compare you to us on the actions.
Keep going ... the time when u building the island, China already made ten more in the region. U knew that it's a game u can't win vs China in real world. maybe U can dream the American or Japanese someone willing to die for Vietnam island in SCS to stop China, or as far as i know ADIZ in SCS will coming. When the day come, just enjoy it.:coffee:


Who can stop China in SCS ? Only the WAR, which one take first ?:smokin:
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France to Push for Coordinated EU Patrols in South China Sea

France will urge European Union nations to coordinate navy patrols to ensure a “regular and visible” presence in the disputed South China Sea, in the latest sign of international push back to China’s expanded military clout in the area.

The French government views the protection of freedom of the seas as critical from an economic standpoint and is concerned that a loss of such rights in the South China Sea may lead to similar problems in the Arctic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told attendees at a global defense forum, including top Chinese officials.

“If we want to contain the risk of conflict, we must defend this right, and defend it ourselves,” Le Drian said on Sunday at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.


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Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks at an IISS meeting on June 5.

Photographer: Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images
He said so far this year, France’s navy has been deployed three times through parts of the South China Sea. “Several times per year, French navy ships cross the waters of this region, and they’ll continue to do it.”

European nations have previously urged claimant states in the South China Sea -- China, Taiwan and some Southeast Asian nations -- to resolve their disputes peacefully, while calling for the continuation of free navigation through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

‘Be Present’
Still, there has not so far been a major boost in the military presence from Europe. At the same time, China is increasing its navy and aerial patrols of the South China Sea and installing defense infrastructure on some reclaimed reefs, amid a broader focus on long-range military capacity in the western Pacific.

“This is a message that France will continue to be present at international forums,” Le Drian said. “It’s also a message that France will continue to act upon, by sailing its ships and flying its planes wherever international law will allow, and wherever operational needs request that we do so.”


Le Drian said he regretted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had not made substantial progress toward a code of conduct with China on the South China Sea.

Minimizing Gaps
Speaking at the same forum Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said China risked erecting a “Great Wall of self-isolation” in Asia over its actions, and called China’s land reclamation in the area “unprecedented.”

A senior French official who traveled with the minister said the country will discuss plans with EU partners in coming weeks, with a focus on guaranteeing that EU navies regularly crisscross the waters.

With countries such as the U.K. and Netherlands sending ships to the area from time to time, France is interested in better coordinating patrols to ensure there is no long gap without an EU presence in the area, according to the official, who asked not to be identified, citing policy.

Another possibility, the official said, is smaller EU navies or those currently less engaged in the area may send ships that would be integrated in French task forces to minimize supply difficulties.
 
China is continuing its diplomatic offensive, ...

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Interview: Manila intensifies tension in South China Sea -- former diplomat
Source: Xinhua | 2016-06-09 20:45:42 | Editor: huaxia

by Xinhua Writers Yang Tianmu, Wang Wen

MANILA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has been behind the intensifying tensions in the South China Sea, a former diplomat of the country told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Alberto Encomienda, former secretary-general of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center of the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department, said: "China has been for the negotiations all along, but from the beginning we are not."

The Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said it has conducted over 50 consultations and negotiations with China from 1995 to 2012, which did not happen, said the diplomat, who was then in charge of the negotiation "before it exploded."

Encomienda noted that China "has been sending quiet feelers to improve relations."

"Prior to the 2005's APEC (forum summit), China sent two delegations to the Philippines, and invited delegations from the House of Representatives to Beijing. We never gave this much attention. After the summit, China sent feelers to the Philippines again, we never responded," he revealed.

The former Philippine maritime official also said that China should not be demonized in terms of the South China Sea issue, since it was the Philippines who first engaged in reclamation activities in South China Sea, building airstrips on China's Zhongye Island.

"We were the first to do reclamation in South China Sea. So we cannot demonize China for reclamation," he said, revealing that the airfield on Zhongye Island "was built on top of live coral reefs."

Encomienda also lashed out at the United States for its mounting military presence in the South China Sea and its purpose to set the Philippines against China on this issue.

"The U.S. is very against China's reclamation in South China Sea ... Look, how much China is spending to reclaim those reefs? Nothing compared to what the U.S. spent on the Philippines for EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement). In short, China is reclaiming reefs, but America is reclaiming the Philippines," he said.

After President Benigno Aquino III's first state visit to the United States in 2010, "everything that came up as the Philippines' South China Sea position has something to do with 'rule-based' and 'legal framework.' But these are rule basis determined by the U.S.," said Encomienda.

The former diplomat emphasized that the Philippines "is in urgent need of an independent foreign policy."
 
President Duterte shows he has balls, he is pursuing a more independent foreign policy, i.e. charting a different course to that of Aquino. US will not be happy, but will US stay silent? What will US do next?

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Manila's new leader sends positive signal to Beijing
(China Daily) 09:44, June 11, 2016

The incoming new government of the Philippines has indicated a desire for talks to solve its territorial dispute with China, igniting hopes that a fresh atmosphere can replace the chaos in the South China Sea that has characterized the past few years.

China has responded warmly by vowing to treat the Philippines as a "partner of priority" in regional cooperation.

Salvador Panelo, spokesman for President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte, said on Thursday that the incoming leader has "determined on friendly ties with China".

"The new Philippine government will carry out bilateral talks with China," Panelo said in Manila, according to China News Service. He made the remarks at an evening party marking the 41st anniversary of diplomatic ties. Duterte will take office on June 30.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said at the event that good relations between Beijing and Manila are in line with the basic interests of the two peoples, the news report said.

"The Philippines is an important country on the Maritime Silk Road and a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank," he said.

China is willing to view the Philippines as "a partner of priority" in the Belt and Road Initiative, in regional trade, industrial capacity cooperation and other areas, the report quoted Zhao as saying.

"We're willing to work with the new government of the Philippines to draw a new blueprint to lead bilateral relations back to the channel of healthy development," Zhao said, drawing applause from the audience.

Perfecto Yasay, the incoming Philippine foreign minister, said on Thursday in an interview published in the Chinese Commercial News that he will "invite China to join us to ensure peaceful settlement of our conflicts and difficulties".

Duterte said earlier that he would consider bilateral dialogue with China on the South China Sea issue if multilateral talks fail to make progress.

China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday insisting on bilateral negotiations with the Philippines to solve the South China Sea issue. It said Manila had shut the door to dialogue by seeking to settle the dispute through the international tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

A ruling by the international arbitration body is expected within weeks. The process was launched by the Philippines to challenge China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Beijing has expressed strong opposition to the move, the Foreign Ministry statement said.

The Chinese Society of International Law on Friday released a paper saying any award by the tribunal is "null and void". It said the body's claim of jurisdiction, issued in October, filled with errors both of fact and the application of law. It cited six major errors by the tribunal.

"Political decisions will have no legal effect," the paper said.
 
President Duterte shows he has balls, he is pursuing a more independent foreign policy, i.e. charting a different course to that of Aquino. US will not be happy, but will US stay silent? What will US do next?

One of the reasons there's so much friction in the South China Sea is that the Aquino administration put too much strategic faith in one partner alone. For his entire term(6 years), dialogue with China has been pretty much shut down. Duterte in essence at least, wants to maintain functional relations with China. This of course is quite an unpopular notion amongst the pro-US Filipino people.
 
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China is quite active on the diplomatic front lately. It certainly helps if you have a big wallet too!...

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China Voices Appreciation for Support on South China Sea Issue
2016-06-14 20:26:59 Xinhua Web Editor: Fei Fei

China Tuesday thanked countries for their support on the South China Sea issue.

Sierra Leone and Kenya recently announced their approval of China's stance. The number of countries that support China now amounts to 60.

"We appreciate these countries for their understanding of right and wrong and belief in fairness and justice," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

"The so-called South China Sea issue is an issue between China and littoral countries of the South China Sea," said Lu, adding that China has opposed the internationalization of the South China Sea issue from the very beginning.

Both the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the "dual-track approach" recently offered by ASEAN advocate friendly and direct negotiation by the countries directly involved, Lu said.

"Following this path, freedom and security of navigation in the area have never been a problem," Lu said.

"Manipulation of public opinion cannot cover the truth," Lu said, stressing that international society will not be represented by seven or eight countries.

Lu said in recent years, certain countries have deliberately produced tension in the region for their own benefit.

"They incite individual countries in the region to break their promises. In the name of 'protecting rules', they are undermining rules and international law," Lu said.
 
Sierra Leone Urges Peaceful Resolution to South China Sea Dispute

Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Samura Kamara has called for the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute through friendly negotiations and honoring bilateral agreements and provisions of the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea.

Talking to Xinhua in an exclusive interview prior to his visit to China starting on Monday, Kamara emphasized the need for all parties to "exercise respect for the rights of each other as sovereign states and contracting states of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)".

He also urged international judicial institutions or arbitral tribunals to fully respect declarations of optional exception made by each country under Article 298 of the UNCLOS.

He affirmed that Sierra Leone is behind China in looking forward to a "mutually respectful solution among the parties that are involved in the South China Sea".

Kamara's visit to China follows a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the West African country in August last year.

Samura Kamara described the relationship with China as growing day by day, noting that the relationship is based on mutual respect and understanding each other's concerns.

He said Sierra Leone would further seek support from China in implementing the country's post-Ebola recovery program as well as in areas including agriculture, education, water resources, revival of the private enterprise and the health sector so that the country will not fall victim to what happened during the Ebola crisis.

He also paid tribute to China's support to the country mentioning the Parliament's building, the national stadium and the newly constructed foreign affairs ministry edifice as some of the symbols of China's contributions to Sierra Leone's development.

Samura Kamara was also thankful to the Chinese support in the country's Ebola crisis which he said helped "galvanize" international support.

(Xinhua News Agency June 11, 2016)
 
Not all western journalist are bad. There is a small handful of decent ones...

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Ben Reynolds:The New York Times is wrong about the South China Sea
(People's Daily Online) 09:52, June 17, 2016

In an recent article wrote for China-US Focus.com titled “The New York Times is Wrong about the South China Sea”, U.S. writer and Foreign Policy analyst Ben Reynolds pointed out that one editorial of the New York Times “echoes a number of mistaken arguments that are popular with American policymakers”, and hoped that the New York Times could be more “thorough and careful with the facts” in future pieces, instead of selling the American public on yet “another disastrous foreign intervention”.

“Most significantly, the Times lends credence to arguments that dramatically inflate the threat that China poses to the region and the United States,” he wrote, “this editorial demonstrates the difficulties that face American advocates for peace in a media environment dominated by uncritical support for U.S. foreign policy”.

Reynolds argued that the editorial has misconstrued key points about international norms in the South China Sea and in Asia as a whole. For example, the“freedom of navigation” being asserted by U.S. is for U.S. military vessels, not oil tankers. Needless to say China never poses a threat to the trade in this area.

He stressed that the newspaper has demonstrated different attitudes towards China and Vietnam on the construction activities in the South China Sea. To China, the project is “aggressive and outrageous tactic”; but to Vietnam, U.S. ally, the ongoing military outposts construction just being on-purposely ignored.

“Misleading the American people about U.S.-China rivalry in the South China Sea with omissions and half-truths is the job of the Defense Department, not the press”, he mocked. “Until major American press outlets reorient their outlook on U.S. foreign policy toward China, it will remain our responsibility to correct dangerous and mistaken ideas that can only contribute to hostility between the American and Chinese peoples”.

(People's Daily)
 
China is complaining...
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China condemns Indonesia's use of force in South China Sea

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry on Sunday strongly protested over Indonesia navy warships' harassment of Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea.

Chinese fishing boats were harassed and shot at by several Indonesian navy warships in a disputed fishing ground in the South China Sea on Friday. One crew member was injured. Another fishing boat and seven crew were detained.

"China strongly protests and condemns such excessive use of force," spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press release.

The incident took place in a traditional Chinese fishing ground where China and Indonesia have overlapping maritime rights claims.

Indonesia's actions violated international laws including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and harmed the lives and property of Chinese fishermen, Hua said.

"China urges Indonesia to stop taking action that escalates tension, complicates issues, or affects peace and stability," Hua said.
 
Currently, there is an existing operator of cruises to Xisha Islands.
This new competitor will give the Chinese customer more choices which will result in better value...


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COSCO to launch cruise business of Xisha Islands
China Daily, June 21, 2016

Xisha-Travel.(1).jpg

Tourists at the Xisha Islands, Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]


China COSCO Shipping Corp, which owns the world's largest fleet of specialized carriers and multipurpose vessels, plans to launch cruise lines in the South China Sea next month.

The first route is expected to travel from Sanya to the Yongle Island, part of the Xisha Islands in Hainan province.

"It is practical to stimulate the local economy through development of tourism, logistics and infrastructure facilities," Xu Lirong, chairman of COSCO Shipping, said over the weekend at the Boao Forum for Entrepreneurs in Boao, Hainan province.

China COSCO Shipping signed a contract with China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corp and China Communications Construction Co Ltd in late April, to jointly establish a cruise company to offer tourism services in the South China Sea.

They will share resources and management expertise to provide cruise services to major islands of the Xisha. They will also work together in areas such as operating multimodal transportation, cruise ships, wharves and ports, storage and logistics.

Under the framework, the cruises will be managed by Dalian-based COSCO Shipping Ferry Co Ltd.

The COSCO Shipping subsidiary, however, does have a competitor on this route. Hainan Strait Shipping Co Ltd has been operating cruise services between Sanya and the Xisha Islands for more than two years. The Haikou-based ferry company operated 48 voyages carrying 8,430 people to the Xisha Islands.

Dong Liwan, a professor at Shanghai Maritime University, said that even though shipping, tourism and construction companies are enthusiastic about developing the cruise market in the South China Sea, they must be aware that it still takes time and resources to improve service and logistics facilities in those islands.
 
The incoming new government of the Philippines has indicated a desire for talks to solve its territorial dispute with China, igniting hopes that a fresh atmosphere can replace the chaos in the South China Sea that has characterized the past few years. China has responded warmly by vowing to treat the Philippines as a "partner of priority" in regional cooperation.
This looks like an armed conflict can be avoided. But does China really want to avoid it? Doesn't the desire to wipe out the perceived stain of abuse by others demand a shooting war to achieve satisfaction?
 
UK law expert: South China Sea arbitration lacks legal basis
(People's Daily) 14:28, June 22, 2016

A research paper written by British law expert recently disclosed the weak points of the arbitral tribunal, who rendered an award on jurisdiction and admissibility of “South China Sea Arbitration” Initiated by the Philippines.

The paper was published in Chinese Journal of International Law. The author, Chris Whomersley, former deputy legal adviser to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, revealed that the arbitral tribunal was outside its jurisdiction when issues were related to maritime delimitation and disputes over territorial sovereignty.

He stressed that although the Philippines specifically disclaimed any wish to seek a ruling on either the sovereignty of land territory or maritime delimitation, “questions of territorial sovereignty, status of features and maritime delimitation are inextricably linked, to consider only one element out of these three is unreal and artificial, and worse it risks producing a distorted result.”

He pointed out that the tribunal “failed to recognize that the fundamental dispute is about the sovereignty over the features in the South China Sea, and that the status of the features, such as whether they are low-tide elevations or 'rocks,' is a question which can only logically be answered once the sovereignty dispute has been resolved.”

“The Tribunal should have got below the surface of the Philippines' claims, but it did not,” he wrote.


http://en.people.cn/n3/2016/0622/c90000-9075900.html
 
You have chosen the wrong opponent: People’s Daily warns USA of the game of 'deterrence' against China
(People's Daily Online) 15:00, June 23, 2016


People’s Daily strongly rebuked the U.S. for flexing of military might repeatedly in the South China Sea in an opinion piece published on the flagship newspaper on June 22. The article has sparked heated discussion among internet users around the world over U.S. foreign policies.

“Regardless of how many times it may have gone smoothly in other parts of the world, the U.S. has chosen the wrong opponent by selecting China for this type of game,” read the article, commenting the recent drills conducted by two American aircraft carriers in the waters near the Philippines, which was touted by U.S. navy official as “deterrence” against China.

The following is a full translation of the article.

Two American aircraft carriers conducted practice drills in the waters not far from the coast of the Philippines islands in recent days. John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations let it be known on June 20 during a meeting at the Center for a New American Security that it was not at all ordinary for the United States to dispatch two aircraft carriers to one single ocean region, and that it represents the commitment of the U.S. to maintain security in this region, and that it also serves as “deterrence” for related countries.

Conveying a so-called message about security through the exhibition of military might, and furthermore describing the events as an act of deterrence is something that the U.S. has done far too many times. Regardless of how many times it may have gone smoothly in other parts of the world the U.S. has chosen the wrong opponent by selecting China for this type of game. Behind all of this is lack of patience and brassy moves and it also reveals a nature of hegemony beneath the surface.

Statements from high ranking officials in the U.S. military as well as the aircraft carrier drills themselves once again demonstrate that the U.S. is definitely not a regional security safeguard, and instead precisely a trouble maker. In the regard of the South China Sea issue, the U.S. is playing an extremely destructive role.

For a period of time, the U.S., by making what appears to be a show being very much in earnest to advertise militarization dangers in the South China Sea is putting the hat that balances regional peace and stability onto China’s head in a sly manner . Yet in reality, what people see is that the U.S. aircraft carriers have arrived, that the U.S. strategic bombers have arrived, that the U.S. guided missile destroyers sailing with a flag representing “freedom of navigation” have not only approached near to Chinese islands, the Americans together with allies have conducted military drills one after another, so the question is who is promoting the militarization of the South China Sea, who is trying to turn the South China Sea into a gunpowder bucket?

The United States is a country outside the territory of the South China Sea, coming from one side of the Pacific Ocean all the way to the other side of the Pacific Ocean to demonstrate their military power is for the purpose of intensifying the situation and to provoke disturbances and break peaceful stability and then to fish in troubled water and make an effort to maintain hegemony thereat at all costs. This deceitful business is despised in the regard of international law, and it is also harmful to the security benefits of the country.

The U.S. once indicated that it would guarantee to China that it would not take sides regarding South China Sea matters. However, the aforementioned behaviors conducted by the U.S. military indicate that it was false, and also allow people to see clearly that the origin of disputes in the South China Sea is the desired provocation on the behalf of the U.S.

In the regard of the South China Sea issue, China’s will to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity is as solid as a boulder. If it is not China’s then we don’t need a single piece of it, but if there is a piece of land that is supposed to be China’s then it must be maintained. Any person should not have dreams or fantasies about this.

China will continue to maintain strict supervision of the sea area conditions and will take appropriate measures should there be any incidences, and defend against the occurrence of situations that harm Chinese territorial sovereignty or security benefits. China’s will and actions equate to something that the U.S. should be clear about. China will not let other countries have their way with their temper or to act arbitrarily regardless of the rules in the regard of South China Sea stability.

Commentary: U.S. display of military power act of hegemony, edited and translated from 美国,炫耀武力就是搞霸权!source: People's Daily

http://en.people.cn/n3/2016/0623/c90000-9076522.html
 
China is threatening to leave a major UN sea treaty—and there’s nothing the US can say about it
Tricky maneuvering in the South China Sea. (Reuters/Edgar Su)

June 21, 2016
Over 160 countries and the European Union have signed on to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). The United States, however, has long declined to do so.

Now, China has indicated that it might exit the convention if an upcoming ruling by an international tribunal runs counter to its questionable position: that nearly the entire South China Sea is its territory.

The US is urging China to respect the upcoming ruling, which could happen this month and is widely expected to favor the Philippines. In 2013 the Philippines petitioned an international tribunal—the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in The Hague—to rule on whether China’s “nine-dash line” (see below) is valid, under Unclos.

US secretary of defense Ash Carter, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue earlier this month, stressed the importance of China respecting the tribunal’s ruling:

The United States views the upcoming ruling by the UN Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea as an opportunity for China and the rest of the region to recommit to a principled future, to renewed diplomacy, and to lowering tensions, rather than raising them. All of us should come together to ensure this opportunity is realized.

That position is undercut, of course, by the US’s own failure to join Unclos.

Despite efforts by the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, and support from the US business community, environmental groups, and the military, the US Senate has never ratified the convention. Ratification has been blocked for years by a few conservative Republican senators, with Oklahoma’s James Inhofe playing a prominent role. Many US conservatives consider involvement in some international organizations and treaties as detrimental to national interests, and as an infringement on national sovereignty.

While she was secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said in 2012 that opposition to the treaty was “based in ideology and mythology, not in facts, evidence, or the consequences of our continuing failure to accede to the treaty.”

In 2009, China officially submitted (pdf) its nine-dash-line map to the United Nations. The map shows most of the South China Sea being enclosed by the line. The accompanying text included this passage:

China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters, and enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters as well as the seabed and subsoil thereof (see attached map).

Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines subsequently objected to it. They asserted, among other things, that China’s claims, as reflected in the map, are without basis under the convention. They noted the line overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of other nations. Under Unclos, nations have exclusive rights to exploiting resources in their EEZs, which extend 200 nautical miles from the shore.

Some worry that China might become more aggressive after a ruling that doesn’t go its way. Indeed, almost immediately after the Philippines filed the case with the tribunal, China began setting about building, and later militarizing, artificial islands from which it could project its emerging maritime power.

In a show of strength of its own, the US Navy recently deployed not one but two aircraft carrier strike groups to the South China Sea—a rare move.

Now the US, while trying to tell China to abide by the international law, faces a credibility gap. If China leaves the convention, as it’s now threatened to do, there’s little the US can say about it.

http://qz.com/712170/china-is-threa...y-and-theres-nothing-the-us-can-say-about-it/
 
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