Foreign Policy Blogs

South China Sea

U.S. Announces New Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the South China Sea

U.S. Announces New Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the South China Sea

On Friday, the U.S. Navy officially announced another episode of its planned “freedom of navigation” series in the South China Sea, shortly after U.S. President Barack Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a nuclear summit in Washington.

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U.S. Warns China Against an Exclusion Zone

U.S. Warns China Against an Exclusion Zone

On Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work warned Beijing against declaring an exclusion zone in the South China Sea, calling any potential announcement as “destabilizing,” and vowing the United States would not recognize such a zone.

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Jakarta Reacts Strongly to Chinese Coast Guard Intrusion

Jakarta Reacts Strongly to Chinese Coast Guard Intrusion

By defying international law using “traditional fishing grounds” as an excuse, China’s latest show of aggression in the South China Sea has only heightened tensions among its neighbors, and provided the region’s militaries an excuse to increase defense spending.

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U.S. Show of Force in the South China Sea

U.S. Show of Force in the South China Sea

In a show of counterforce, the U.S. has sailed an aircraft carrier, two destroyers, two cruisers, and the command ship of the Japan-based 7th Fleet into the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

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Washington Requests China to Stop Intimidating Fishermen

Washington Requests China to Stop Intimidating Fishermen

The U.S. State Department has issued a request for China’s navy to refrain from harassing fishermen of other countries in the disputed South China Sea.

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“China Seeks Hegemony in East Asia”

“China Seeks Hegemony in East Asia”

In an appearance on Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command stated: “I believe China seeks hegemony in East Asia.”

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Chinese Oil Rig Again Angers Hanoi

Chinese Oil Rig Again Angers Hanoi

Beijing is back to salami-slicing again, as it moved an offshore oil drilling rig on January 16 near the entrance to the Gulf of Tonkin, about 21 nautical miles east of the median line between Vietnam and China.

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Fear and Loathing in Vietnam

Fear and Loathing in Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam this week, the first by a Chinese president in ten years, drew mixed reaction among the Vietnamese.

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In Hot Water

In Hot Water

A Chinese vessel was accused of sinking a Vietnamese fishing boat near the disputed Paracel islands on September 29.

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The Fog of War over the South China Sea

The Fog of War over the South China Sea

Concern over potential misunderstandings and a possible escalation of tensions over territorial claims have led the U.S. and China to set up a military hotline along with rules of airborne engagement.

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Waters Heat Up Again in South China Sea

Waters Heat Up Again in South China Sea

Local fishermen in the South China Sea have long gone unprotected when fishing in their own waters or in waters claimed by other countries. But this may soon change, following attacks this year on Vietnamese fishing boats.

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Much Ado about the South China Sea

Much Ado about the South China Sea

The spate of Chinese island building and island claiming in the South China Sea has raised the question of what, if anything, can be done about it. The answer has a lot to do with a reappraisal of the role of island possessions, territories and countries in the world today.

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