&nbsp;China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.

At the beginning of a meeting with Wang, the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the relations between Japan and&nbsp;China&nbsp;are extremely important for the region and the world, and called for cooperation to tackle global challenges together.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: Japan, Australia align to counter China's growing regional influence</a>

Wang stressed the need for continuous communication. "Under our combined leadership, today we had a first face-to-face meeting against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which is timely and meaningful," he said.

Before the meeting, Motegi said he would have a "frank exchange" of views on bilateral relations with Wang, including on how to resume traffic between the two countries during the pandemic. Japanese media reported that Motegi would also raise concerns about&nbsp;China's beefed-up activity in the East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

While Japanese Prime Minister Suga has steered clear of the harsh anti-China rhetoric used by Japan's ally the United States, he has moved to counter its influence by deepening ties with Australia and making his first overseas trip to Vietnam and Indonesia.

Relations between the two countries have been strained over territorial disputes and wartime history. But ties have improved in recent years while china’s trade dispute with the US&nbsp;has escalated. Japan, a key US&nbsp;ally, sees China as a crucial trading partner and faces the challenge of balancing its relations with both nations.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region. At the beginning of a meeting with Wang, the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the relations between Japan and China are extremely important for the region and the world, and called for cooperation to tackle global challenges together. Also read| Quad: Japan, Australia align to counter China's growing regional influence Wang stressed the need for continuous communication. "Under our combined leadership, today we had a first face-to-face meeting against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which is timely and meaningful," he said. Before the meeting, Motegi said he would have a "frank exchange" of views on bilateral relations with Wang, including on how to resume traffic between the two countries during the pandemic. Japanese media reported that Motegi would also raise concerns about China's beefed-up activity in the East China Sea. While Japanese Prime Minister Suga has steered clear of the harsh anti-China rhetoric used by Japan's ally the United States, he has moved to counter its influence by deepening ties with Australia and making his first overseas trip to Vietnam and Indonesia. Relations between the two countries have been strained over territorial disputes and wartime history. But ties have improved in recent years while china’s trade dispute with the US has escalated. Japan, a key US ally, sees China as a crucial trading partner and faces the challenge of balancing its relations with both nations.

China's foreign minister visits Japan to seek cooperation amid regional tensions

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration is stepping&nbsp;up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea.

The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-has-deployed-its-2-billion-worth-b-2-spirit-bombers-in-south-china-sea-315392">Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea</a>

"Our message is we're going to be here, we've got your back, and we're not leaving," said O'Brien, on a visit to the Philippines after concluding a trip to Vietnam on Sunday.

"I think when we send that message –&nbsp; that peace-through-strength message – is the way to deter China. It is a way to ensure the peace," O'Brien said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise</a>

China&nbsp;claims almost the whole of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

The United States has long opposed China's expansive claims, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there.

China maintains it is a force for peace in the region and sees the US&nbsp;presence as provocative and interference by an outsider.

O'Brien, who led the turnover in Manila of $18 million worth of precision-guided munitions, said the United States stood with the Philippines in protecting its offshore resource entitlements.

"Those resources belong to the children and grandchildren of the people here," he said.

"They don't belong to some other country that just because they may be bigger than the Philippines," he said, adding: "That's just wrong."

His visit came more than a week after the Philippines suspended its scrapping of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States for a second time, as the treaty allies work on a long-term mutual defence arrangement.

Last year, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines it would come to its defense if attacked in the South China Sea.

US President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea. The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.

US President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its challenges to Beijing's maritime claims in the dispute-rife South China Sea. The national security adviser of the United States, Robert O'Brien on Monday assured the Philippines and Vietnam, countries both locked in maritime rows with China, that Washington has their backs and would fight to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open. Also see: Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea "Our message is we're going to be here, we've got your back, and we're not leaving," said O'Brien, on a visit to the Philippines after concluding a trip to Vietnam on Sunday. "I think when we send that message – that peace-through-strength message – is the way to deter China. It is a way to ensure the peace," O'Brien said. Also read: Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. The United States has long opposed China's expansive claims, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there. China maintains it is a force for peace in the region and sees the US presence as provocative and interference by an outsider. O'Brien, who led the turnover in Manila of $18 million worth of precision-guided munitions, said the United States stood with the Philippines in protecting its offshore resource entitlements. "Those resources belong to the children and grandchildren of the people here," he said. "They don't belong to some other country that just because they may be bigger than the Philippines," he said, adding: "That's just wrong." His visit came more than a week after the Philippines suspended its scrapping of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States for a second time, as the treaty allies work on a long-term mutual defence arrangement. Last year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines it would come to its defense if attacked in the South China Sea.

South China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash.

However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-china-fears-india-344199/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea.

China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war.

China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade.

India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion.

It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade. India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash. However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China. × In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea. China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war. China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade. India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion. It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

China's Malacca dilemma: How India controls Indian Ocean chokepoints

In an oblique message to China, India on Saturday expressed concern over "actions and incidents" that "erode" trust in the South China Sea and underlined the importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In an address at the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also talked about the Indo-Pacific and noted the growing interest in the region as an integrated and organic maritime space with 10-nation ASEAN at its centre.

The external affairs minister, referring to the recent announcement of policies by several countries for the Indo-Pacific region, said that harmonising various perspectives would never be a challenge if there is the commitment to international cooperation.

The summit, held in the virtual format, was chaired by Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as chair of the ASEAN and all the EAS member nations attended it. India is generally represented at the summit by the prime minister.

In his address, Jaishankar also underlined the need for greater international cooperation in the post-COVID world to tackle the challenges cutting across national boundaries such as terrorism, climate change and pandemics, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The East Asia Summit is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region dealing with issues relating to security and defence. Since its inception in 2005, it has been playing a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia.

Apart from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Russia.

The MEA said Jaishankar re-affirmed the importance of the EAS as the leaders-led forum to exchange views on strategic issues and spoke of the "importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, and promoting a rules-based global order".

His comments on the need for respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty came in the midst of the bitter border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh and Beijing's increasing expansionist behaviour in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific.

"On the South China Sea, the external affairs minister expressed concern about actions and incidents that erode trust in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. However, several ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, China has significantly ramped up military offensives in the South China Sea in the last few months, triggering global concerns.

India has been pitching for promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

"He stated that the Code of Conduct negotiations should not be prejudicial to legitimate interests of third parties and should be fully consistent with UNCLOS," the MEA said in a statement.

On the Indo-Pacific, it said: "The external affairs minister noted the growing interest in the Indo-Pacific as an integrated and organic maritime space, with ASEAN at its centre. He appreciated the synergy between the ASEAN Outlook and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative."

He said India was equally positive about the Indo-Pacific policies announced recently by other nations.

At the East Asia Summit in Bangkok last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed setting up of the Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative (IPOI) to conserve and sustainably use the maritime domain and to make meaningful efforts to create a safe and secure maritime domain.

The concept is gaining traction with Japan already agreeing to be the lead partner in the connectivity pillar of the IPOI.

Referring to the COVID-19, Jaishankar briefed the EAS leaders about India's response to the pandemic and highlighted India's efforts to support the international community. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to helping make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible and affordable to all nations.

The MEA said the leaders underlined the importance of cooperation in ensuring safe, effective and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

"They called for greater cooperation in keeping the global supply chains open for an expeditious and sustainable economic recovery. Regional and international issues such as the South China Sea, the situation in the Korean peninsula and Rakhine state were also discussed," it said.

The summit issued a declaration and also adopted four statements on marine sustainability; epidemics prevention and response; women, peace and security; and steady growth of the regional economy, the MEA said.

In an oblique message to China, India on Saturday expressed concern over "actions and incidents" that "erode" trust in the South China Sea and underlined the importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In an oblique message to China, India on Saturday expressed concern over "actions and incidents" that "erode" trust in the South China Sea and underlined the importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty. In an address at the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also talked about the Indo-Pacific and noted the growing interest in the region as an integrated and organic maritime space with 10-nation ASEAN at its centre. The external affairs minister, referring to the recent announcement of policies by several countries for the Indo-Pacific region, said that harmonising various perspectives would never be a challenge if there is the commitment to international cooperation. The summit, held in the virtual format, was chaired by Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as chair of the ASEAN and all the EAS member nations attended it. India is generally represented at the summit by the prime minister. In his address, Jaishankar also underlined the need for greater international cooperation in the post-COVID world to tackle the challenges cutting across national boundaries such as terrorism, climate change and pandemics, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The East Asia Summit is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region dealing with issues relating to security and defence. Since its inception in 2005, it has been playing a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. Apart from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Russia. The MEA said Jaishankar re-affirmed the importance of the EAS as the leaders-led forum to exchange views on strategic issues and spoke of the "importance of adhering to international law, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, and promoting a rules-based global order". His comments on the need for respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty came in the midst of the bitter border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh and Beijing's increasing expansionist behaviour in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific. "On the South China Sea, the external affairs minister expressed concern about actions and incidents that erode trust in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs said. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. However, several ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, China has significantly ramped up military offensives in the South China Sea in the last few months, triggering global concerns. India has been pitching for promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). "He stated that the Code of Conduct negotiations should not be prejudicial to legitimate interests of third parties and should be fully consistent with UNCLOS," the MEA said in a statement. On the Indo-Pacific, it said: "The external affairs minister noted the growing interest in the Indo-Pacific as an integrated and organic maritime space, with ASEAN at its centre. He appreciated the synergy between the ASEAN Outlook and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative." He said India was equally positive about the Indo-Pacific policies announced recently by other nations. At the East Asia Summit in Bangkok last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed setting up of the Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative (IPOI) to conserve and sustainably use the maritime domain and to make meaningful efforts to create a safe and secure maritime domain. The concept is gaining traction with Japan already agreeing to be the lead partner in the connectivity pillar of the IPOI. Referring to the COVID-19, Jaishankar briefed the EAS leaders about India's response to the pandemic and highlighted India's efforts to support the international community. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to helping make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible and affordable to all nations. The MEA said the leaders underlined the importance of cooperation in ensuring safe, effective and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines. "They called for greater cooperation in keeping the global supply chains open for an expeditious and sustainable economic recovery. Regional and international issues such as the South China Sea, the situation in the Korean peninsula and Rakhine state were also discussed," it said. The summit issued a declaration and also adopted four statements on marine sustainability; epidemics prevention and response; women, peace and security; and steady growth of the regional economy, the MEA said.

India expresses concern over actions that erode trust in the South China Sea

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries.

In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-illegal-distant-water-fishing-destroying-economies-environment-337444">China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment</a> 
 
US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-invokes-chinese-military-takes-thinly-veiled-swipe-at-us-337456">Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US</a> 
 
O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific.

Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources.

China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

(With AFP inputs)

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea. US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries. In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." Also Read: China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. Also Read: Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific. Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources. China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. (With AFP inputs)

US to deploy coast guard to tackle China's 'illegal' fishing in South China Sea

Japan on Wednesday&nbsp;opposed&nbsp;any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga&nbsp;took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-chinese-submarine-parked-near-south-china-sea-322224">Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea</a>

A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters.

“In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.”

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat.

Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard.

The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence.

China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development.

"Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles.

Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe.

"Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea.

Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region.

Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon.

A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways. Also see: Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters. “In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.” Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat. Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard. The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence. China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development. "Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles. Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe. "Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing. But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region. Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon. A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

South China Sea: Japan's Prime Miniter Yoshihide Suga opposes actions that escalate tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-sends-offering-to-controversial-war-shrine-336023">Also Read:&nbsp;Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine</a>

PM &nbsp;Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi.

Japan which heads the ASEAN currently has been looking to further diplomatic ties in east Asia even as several countries have been locked in a dispute with China over the South China Sea. Vietnam also has a long-running dispute with China over the disputed waterways.

PM Suga is expected to promote efforts to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during his visit.

"I would like to show a resolve to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," Suga said.

According to the Japanese foreign ministry, both countries are set to allow free flow of medical equipment and other goods to diversify the supply chain amid the pandemic as both sides eye defence deals.

PM Suga is set to fly to Indonesia after his Vietnam visit and will meet President Joko to enhance ties between the two countries.

Indonesia and Japan as set to kickoff off "two-plus-two" meeting between their foreign and defense ministers.&nbsp;

Suga taken over from PM Shinzo Abe last month after the former prime minister had resigned due to health reasons.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region. Also Read: Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine PM Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit on Sunday on his first overseas trip amid tensions with China in the region. Also Read: Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine PM Suga is set to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc among other top officials during his visit with the Japanese prime minister set to deliver a speech at the Japan-Vietnam University and lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum in Hanoi. Japan which heads the ASEAN currently has been looking to further diplomatic ties in east Asia even as several countries have been locked in a dispute with China over the South China Sea. Vietnam also has a long-running dispute with China over the disputed waterways. PM Suga is expected to promote efforts to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during his visit. "I would like to show a resolve to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific," Suga said. According to the Japanese foreign ministry, both countries are set to allow free flow of medical equipment and other goods to diversify the supply chain amid the pandemic as both sides eye defence deals. PM Suga is set to fly to Indonesia after his Vietnam visit and will meet President Joko to enhance ties between the two countries. Indonesia and Japan as set to kickoff off "two-plus-two" meeting between their foreign and defense ministers. Suga taken over from PM Shinzo Abe last month after the former prime minister had resigned due to health reasons.

Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.&nbsp;

The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world.

Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace.

The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves?

Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade.

Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China

Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach.

In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort.

Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China.&nbsp;

In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China.

China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point.

With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict.

Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake. The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world. Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace. The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves? Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade. Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach. In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort. Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China. In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China. China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point. With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict. Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Will Senkaku Island dispute lead to China-Japan war?

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">South China Sea</a> amid talks with China over the disputed region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188" hreflang="en">China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea</a>

Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;began&nbsp;talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea.

"Now that the moratorium is lifted, I'm sure that will expedite the discussions," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "China hoped it could work together with the Philippines in jointly developing energy projects in the South China Sea."

"China and the Philippines have reached consensus on the joint development of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea and have established a cooperation mechanism for relevant consultations," Zhao Lijian added.

"I hope and believe that the two sides will meet each other halfway, promote joint development, and continue to make positive progress," he said.

Energy secretary Cusi said that three projects could resume while expressing confidence that local companies could proceed without any obstruction from China.

"The lifting of the suspension will help prime up our economy," Cusi said, adding it would "help in generating investments" amid the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the&nbsp;Philippines economy.

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea amid talks with China over the disputed region. Also Read: China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte began talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea.

The Philippines government on Friday lifted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea amid talks with China over the disputed region. Also Read: China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea Philippines had stopped drilling in the disputed waters in 2014, however, President Rodrigo Duterte began talks with China two years ago to jointly explore in the South China Sea. "Now that the moratorium is lifted, I'm sure that will expedite the discussions," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "China hoped it could work together with the Philippines in jointly developing energy projects in the South China Sea." "China and the Philippines have reached consensus on the joint development of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea and have established a cooperation mechanism for relevant consultations," Zhao Lijian added. "I hope and believe that the two sides will meet each other halfway, promote joint development, and continue to make positive progress," he said. Energy secretary Cusi said that three projects could resume while expressing confidence that local companies could proceed without any obstruction from China. "The lifting of the suspension will help prime up our economy," Cusi said, adding it would "help in generating investments" amid the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the Philippines economy.

Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea

Malaysia's maritime authorities said on Saturday they had detained 60 Chinese nationals and six Chinese-registered fishing vessels they said were trespassing into the Southeast Asian country's waters.

Malaysia&nbsp;reported 89 intrusions by Chinese coastguard and navy ships between 2016 and 2019, amid escalating tensions between the United States and China over Beijing's claims to most of the resource-rich South China Sea, which is also a major trade route.

The&nbsp;Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said the fishing vessels and crew were detained in an operation off the coast of the southern state of Johor on Friday.

"Further checks found that all the vessels registered in Qinhuangdao, China, were manned by six captains and 54 crew who are Chinese nationals aged between 31 and 60 years," MMEA regional director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan said in a statement.

The MMEA said the vessels, which had no cargo when detained, were believed to have been en route to Mauritania but had to stop due to some malfunction.

Earlier this year, a Chinese research ship spent a month surveying in&nbsp;Malaysia's exclusive economic zone, amid a standoff with a&nbsp;Malaysian oil exploration vessel near disputed waters.

Malaysia's maritime authorities said on Saturday they had detained 60 Chinese nationals and six Chinese-registered fishing vessels they said were trespassing into the Southeast Asian country's waters.

Malaysia's maritime authorities said on Saturday they had detained 60 Chinese nationals and six Chinese-registered fishing vessels they said were trespassing into the Southeast Asian country's waters. Malaysia reported 89 intrusions by Chinese coastguard and navy ships between 2016 and 2019, amid escalating tensions between the United States and China over Beijing's claims to most of the resource-rich South China Sea, which is also a major trade route. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said the fishing vessels and crew were detained in an operation off the coast of the southern state of Johor on Friday. "Further checks found that all the vessels registered in Qinhuangdao, China, were manned by six captains and 54 crew who are Chinese nationals aged between 31 and 60 years," MMEA regional director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan said in a statement. The MMEA said the vessels, which had no cargo when detained, were believed to have been en route to Mauritania but had to stop due to some malfunction. Earlier this year, a Chinese research ship spent a month surveying in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone, amid a standoff with a Malaysian oil exploration vessel near disputed waters.

Malaysia detains Chinese vessels for trespassing in territorial waters

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands.

"We demand the U.S. immediately stop such provocative actions, (and) strictly control and restrict military operations in the sea and air," the spokesperson said in a post on an official WeChat account.

The spokesperson also said it would take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China has extensive claims in the South China Sea. It cites historical references to claim the entire sea. Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area.

Chinese claims have created tension in the region as other nations have counterclaims that come in conflict.

Countries like Japan have often stood up to China. US also asserts freedom of navigation in international waters in South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Japan's Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Friday (October 9).

deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry.

The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills.

The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said.

The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment.

(With Reuters inputs)

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands.

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands. "We demand the U.S. immediately stop such provocative actions, (and) strictly control and restrict military operations in the sea and air," the spokesperson said in a post on an official WeChat account. The spokesperson also said it would take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has extensive claims in the South China Sea. It cites historical references to claim the entire sea. Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area. Chinese claims have created tension in the region as other nations have counterclaims that come in conflict. Countries like Japan have often stood up to China. US also asserts freedom of navigation in international waters in South China Sea. Meanwhile, Japan's Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Friday (October 9). deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry. The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills. The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said. The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment. (With Reuters inputs)

China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea

Japan`s Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Oct. 9, deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry.

The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills.

The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said.

The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment.

Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The United States has accused China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit the area`s extensive oil and gas reserves.

China`s state-backed Global Times newspaper, noting the latest Japanese drills, said on Saturday that the frequent conducting of military activities in the South China Sea is not conducive to the security and stability of the area, and is firmly opposed by China.

The Chinese People`s Liberation Army has always kept a high level of alert, defending China`s national sovereignty, security and development interests, said the newspaper, which is published by the People`s Daily, the official newspaper of China`s ruling Communist Party.

The Global Times said Japanese warships had recently carried out activities in the South China Sea, with a helicopter aircraft carrier spotted on satellite on Sept. 5.

On Friday, a Chinese military spokesperson said the U.S. destroyer John McCain had entered waters around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea without China`s permission, and urged the United States to stop "such provocative actions".

Japan`s Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Oct. 9, deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry.

Japan`s Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Oct. 9, deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry. The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills. The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said. The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment. Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The United States has accused China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit the area`s extensive oil and gas reserves. China`s state-backed Global Times newspaper, noting the latest Japanese drills, said on Saturday that the frequent conducting of military activities in the South China Sea is not conducive to the security and stability of the area, and is firmly opposed by China. The Chinese People`s Liberation Army has always kept a high level of alert, defending China`s national sovereignty, security and development interests, said the newspaper, which is published by the People`s Daily, the official newspaper of China`s ruling Communist Party. The Global Times said Japanese warships had recently carried out activities in the South China Sea, with a helicopter aircraft carrier spotted on satellite on Sept. 5. On Friday, a Chinese military spokesperson said the U.S. destroyer John McCain had entered waters around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea without China`s permission, and urged the United States to stop "such provocative actions".

Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid.

The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a secret draft deal allowing China to dock warships at the Ream naval base near the kingdom's coastal city of Sihanoukville.&nbsp;

But Cambodia — awash in recent years with Chinese investments — has strenuously denied the report, although strongman premier Hun Sen has said aid from Beijing will fund the naval base's development.&nbsp;

Satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies this week showed a US-funded facility on Ream's naval base had been demolished, raising questions "about rumoured Chinese access", said the Washington-based think tank.&nbsp;

But Tea Banh, Cambodia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, dismissed concerns Sunday.&nbsp;

"We relocated the facility to a new spot. We cannot keep it anymore and the building is already old," he told AFP, confirming that it was knocked down last month.&nbsp;

The Tactical Headquarters of the National Committee for Maritime Security was inaugurated in 2012.&nbsp;

It will be "far better" in its new location, Tea Banh said, adding that Cambodia used "only a small assistance" from the US for the now-demolished building.

The new facility is currently under construction about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Ream.&nbsp;

The Ream base has generated scrutiny for its strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand, which would provide ready access to the fiercely contested South China Sea — a key global shipping route.

Beijing claims the majority of the resource-rich sea, vying with six other countries.

Hun Sen has repeatedly insisted Cambodia's constitution forbids any foreign military base within its borders.&nbsp;

Analysts say the wily premier is deeply attuned to the potential for an anti-China backlash from the public -- especially in Sihanoukville, where businesses and casinos are largely now Chinese-owned.&nbsp;

One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Hun Sen has in recent years tilted away from the US due to Washington's criticism of his government's alleged abuses.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, he issued a public letter wishing US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> a "speedy recovery" from the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid.

Cambodia has razed a US-funded defence facility on its southern coast, the deputy prime minister confirmed Sunday, the latest move in the ongoing controversial expansion of a strategically crucial naval base being developed with Chinese aid. The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a secret draft deal allowing China to dock warships at the Ream naval base near the kingdom's coastal city of Sihanoukville. But Cambodia — awash in recent years with Chinese investments — has strenuously denied the report, although strongman premier Hun Sen has said aid from Beijing will fund the naval base's development. Satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies this week showed a US-funded facility on Ream's naval base had been demolished, raising questions "about rumoured Chinese access", said the Washington-based think tank. But Tea Banh, Cambodia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, dismissed concerns Sunday. "We relocated the facility to a new spot. We cannot keep it anymore and the building is already old," he told AFP, confirming that it was knocked down last month. The Tactical Headquarters of the National Committee for Maritime Security was inaugurated in 2012. It will be "far better" in its new location, Tea Banh said, adding that Cambodia used "only a small assistance" from the US for the now-demolished building. The new facility is currently under construction about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Ream. The Ream base has generated scrutiny for its strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand, which would provide ready access to the fiercely contested South China Sea — a key global shipping route. Beijing claims the majority of the resource-rich sea, vying with six other countries. Hun Sen has repeatedly insisted Cambodia's constitution forbids any foreign military base within its borders. Analysts say the wily premier is deeply attuned to the potential for an anti-China backlash from the public -- especially in Sihanoukville, where businesses and casinos are largely now Chinese-owned. One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Hun Sen has in recent years tilted away from the US due to Washington's criticism of his government's alleged abuses. On Saturday night, he issued a public letter wishing US President Donald Trump a "speedy recovery" from the coronavirus.

Cambodia confirms US-funded defence facility has been razed

Reports have suggested that live-firing drills and exercises from the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea were a diversion for its aggression in Ladakh.

PLA hold military drills in South Asia Sea amid tensions at LAC

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines.

Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports.

The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation.

Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said.

Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being.

"When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day. Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines. Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports. The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation. Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said. Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being. "When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Polluted stretch of Manila Bay gets fake white sand makeover

The vaccines are being used at home and China is even selling them abroad. 
&nbsp; 
The Philippines will have quick access to Chinese coronavirus vaccine. China has also been offering loans for vaccines which is a whole new chapter in its debt diplomacy. China will give $1 billion as a loan to Latin America and Caribbean nations to just buy a Chinese vaccine.

When Xi Jinping says public good, you should know its a sales pitch - or worse, a debt trap.&nbsp;

Bangladesh has been promised more than 100,000 free doses from a Chinese company in return, Sinovac has been allowed to run vaccine trials in Bangladesh. Another company - Sinopharm has dispatched a team to Peru. They are recruiting up to 6,000 volunteers for trials there. The world right now is desperate for a vaccine and smaller countries have little choice, so they are taking what China offers.

Indonesia has been locked in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea but&nbsp;it wants a vaccine from China. Fifteen days ago Indonesian President Joko Widodo spoke to Xi Jinping over the phone and the Chinese president assured him.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-is-selling-its-vaccine-without-a-stamp-of-approval-327797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A statement from Beijing said: "China takes seriously Indonesia's concerns and needs in vaccine cooperation." Another South China Sea rival, the Philippines wants vaccine from China. President Rodrigo Duterte made a plea to Xi Jinping in July. He even ruled out confronting Beijing in the South China Sea just to secure a vaccine. Needless to say, China is happy to oblige - it will prioritise the Philippines.

China has offered vaccines to Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle-East and South Asia and make no mistake it isn't philanthropy and kindness - public good, as the Chinese call it. This is vaccine diplomacy.

China tried something like this with Wuhan virus supplies as countries around the world complained about faulty supplies. China tried to shut them up, threaten them, run propaganda but the truth got out and its supplies were unceremoniously returned.

The vaccines are being used at home and China is even selling them abroad. The Philippines will have quick access to Chinese coronavirus vaccine. China has also been offering loans for vaccines which is a whole new chapter in its debt diplomacy.

The vaccines are being used at home and China is even selling them abroad. The Philippines will have quick access to Chinese coronavirus vaccine. China has also been offering loans for vaccines which is a whole new chapter in its debt diplomacy. China will give $1 billion as a loan to Latin America and Caribbean nations to just buy a Chinese vaccine. When Xi Jinping says public good, you should know its a sales pitch - or worse, a debt trap. Bangladesh has been promised more than 100,000 free doses from a Chinese company in return, Sinovac has been allowed to run vaccine trials in Bangladesh. Another company - Sinopharm has dispatched a team to Peru. They are recruiting up to 6,000 volunteers for trials there. The world right now is desperate for a vaccine and smaller countries have little choice, so they are taking what China offers. Indonesia has been locked in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea but it wants a vaccine from China. Fifteen days ago Indonesian President Joko Widodo spoke to Xi Jinping over the phone and the Chinese president assured him. × A statement from Beijing said: "China takes seriously Indonesia's concerns and needs in vaccine cooperation." Another South China Sea rival, the Philippines wants vaccine from China. President Rodrigo Duterte made a plea to Xi Jinping in July. He even ruled out confronting Beijing in the South China Sea just to secure a vaccine. Needless to say, China is happy to oblige - it will prioritise the Philippines. China has offered vaccines to Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle-East and South Asia and make no mistake it isn't philanthropy and kindness - public good, as the Chinese call it. This is vaccine diplomacy. China tried something like this with Wuhan virus supplies as countries around the world complained about faulty supplies. China tried to shut them up, threaten them, run propaganda but the truth got out and its supplies were unceremoniously returned.

Now, China targets South China Sea rivals with vaccine diplomacy

Two months after the Galwan Valley clash which left 20 Indian soldiers dead in eastern Ladakh, the India Navy has dispatched one of its frontline warships to the South China Sea. Watch report.

Indian Navy deploys warship in South China Sea: 2 months after Galwan clash

Acting swiftly after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Navy sailed out its frontline warship for deployment in the South China Sea much to the displeasure of the Chinese who raised objections over the move during the talks between the two sides. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-building-missile-air-defence-sites-near-doklam-naku-la-clash-points-satellite-imagery-shows-324009">Also read | China building missile air defence sites near Doklam, Naku La ‘clash points’, satellite imagery shows</a> 
 
The Chinese have been objecting to the presence of Indian Navy ships in the region where it has significantly expanded its presence since 2009 through artificial islands and military presence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-has-deployed-its-2-billion-worth-b-2-spirit-bombers-in-south-china-sea-315392#b-2-spirit-bombers-in-south-china-sea-315378">In pictures: Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea</a>

"Soon after the Galwan clash broke out in which 20 of our soldiers were killed, the Indian Navy deployed one of its frontline warship to the South China Sea where the People's Liberation Army's Navy objects to the presence of any other force claiming the majority of the waters as part of its territory," government sources told ANI.

The immediate deployment of the Indian Navy warship in the South China Sea had a desired effect on the Chinese Navy and security establishment as they complained to the Indian side about the Indian warship's presence there during the diplomatic level talks with the Indian side, the sources said.

During the deployment in the South China Sea, where the American Navy had also deployed its destroyers and frigates, the Indian warship was continuously maintaining contact with their American counterparts over secure communication systems, the sources informed.

As part of the routine drills, the Indian warship was being constantly updated about the status of the movement of military vessels of other countries there, they said adding that the entire mission was carried out in a very hush-hush manner to avoid any public glare on Navy's activities.

Around the same time, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the route from where the Chinese Navy enters the Indian Ocean Region to keep a check on any activity of the Chinese Navy. A number of Chinese vessels also pass through the Malacca Straits while returning with oil or taking merchant shipments towards other continents.

The sources said the Indian Navy is fully capable of checking any misadventure by the adversaries on either the eastern or the western front and the mission-based deployments have helped it to control the emerging situations effectively in and around the Indian Ocean Region.

The Navy also has plans to urgently acquire and deploy autonomous underwater vessels and other unmanned systems and sensors to keep a close eye on the movement of PLAN from Malacca Straits towards the Indian Ocean Region, the sources said.

The Navy is also taking care of the Chinese vessels present around the Djibouti area and has deployed its assets in the vicinity for protecting national interest.

Acting swiftly after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Navy sailed out its frontline warship for deployment in the South China Sea much to the displeasure of the Chinese who raised objections over the move during the talks between the two sides.

Acting swiftly after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Navy sailed out its frontline warship for deployment in the South China Sea much to the displeasure of the Chinese who raised objections over the move during the talks between the two sides. Also read | China building missile air defence sites near Doklam, Naku La ‘clash points’, satellite imagery shows The Chinese have been objecting to the presence of Indian Navy ships in the region where it has significantly expanded its presence since 2009 through artificial islands and military presence. In pictures: Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea "Soon after the Galwan clash broke out in which 20 of our soldiers were killed, the Indian Navy deployed one of its frontline warship to the South China Sea where the People's Liberation Army's Navy objects to the presence of any other force claiming the majority of the waters as part of its territory," government sources told ANI. The immediate deployment of the Indian Navy warship in the South China Sea had a desired effect on the Chinese Navy and security establishment as they complained to the Indian side about the Indian warship's presence there during the diplomatic level talks with the Indian side, the sources said. During the deployment in the South China Sea, where the American Navy had also deployed its destroyers and frigates, the Indian warship was continuously maintaining contact with their American counterparts over secure communication systems, the sources informed. As part of the routine drills, the Indian warship was being constantly updated about the status of the movement of military vessels of other countries there, they said adding that the entire mission was carried out in a very hush-hush manner to avoid any public glare on Navy's activities. Around the same time, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the route from where the Chinese Navy enters the Indian Ocean Region to keep a check on any activity of the Chinese Navy. A number of Chinese vessels also pass through the Malacca Straits while returning with oil or taking merchant shipments towards other continents. The sources said the Indian Navy is fully capable of checking any misadventure by the adversaries on either the eastern or the western front and the mission-based deployments have helped it to control the emerging situations effectively in and around the Indian Ocean Region. The Navy also has plans to urgently acquire and deploy autonomous underwater vessels and other unmanned systems and sensors to keep a close eye on the movement of PLAN from Malacca Straits towards the Indian Ocean Region, the sources said. The Navy is also taking care of the Chinese vessels present around the Djibouti area and has deployed its assets in the vicinity for protecting national interest.

Indian navy sent warship to South China Sea after Galwan valley clash: Report 

As China fires missiles into the South China Sea, a Chinese envoy has been elected to an U.N. tribunal to judge disputes at sea. Is the U.N. blind to the Chinese aggression? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas: China being rewarded for its aggression?

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official&nbsp;as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea.

A Chinese ambassador,&nbsp;Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and&nbsp;168 countries are party to this convention. The convention&nbsp;elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven&nbsp;seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his&nbsp;term starts on october 01.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-being-rewarded-for-its-aggression-323296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and&nbsp;does not accept international verdicts.

In 20016, the&nbsp;permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea:&nbsp;The Philippines,&nbsp;Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the&nbsp;region's strategic and economic value.

China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and&nbsp;has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands.

China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson,&nbsp;Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court."

This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land.&nbsp;If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of&nbsp;Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and 168 countries are party to this convention. The convention elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his term starts on october 01. This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and does not accept international verdicts. In 20016, the permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea: The Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the region's strategic and economic value. China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands. China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court." This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land. If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

Chinese ambassador wins seat International Tribunal for Law on the Sea

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-transgressions-continue-in-south-china-sea-323278/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Since 2013, the PRC (People's Republic of China) has used its state-owned enterprises to dredge and reclaim more than 3,000 acres on disputed features in the South China Sea, destabilizing the region, trampling on the sovereign rights of its neighbours, and causing untold environmental devastation," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also Read:&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

The US government targeted the China Communications Construction Company, including a shipbuilding group and telecom firms amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

"The companies enabled China to construct and militarise disputed outposts in the South China Sea," the US Commerce Department said as it put the 24 companies in the &nbsp;"Entity List".

The latest move comes after the US government last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" with Pompeo asserting that "the world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that China's "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea is a fabrication as tensions between Manila and Beijing continued over the islands.

"That area is within our EEZ," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding,"China's so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their 9-line doesn't exist except in their imaginations. They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws."

"Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area," Lorenzana asserted.

The Philippine foreign ministry had last week lodged a diplomatic protest over "illegal confiscation" by China's coast guard of fishing equipment near the shoal.

 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions on 24 Chinese state-owned companies for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea. Watch: "Since 2013, the PRC (People's Republic of China) has used its state-owned enterprises to dredge and reclaim more than 3,000 acres on disputed features in the South China Sea, destabilizing the region, trampling on the sovereign rights of its neighbours, and causing untold environmental devastation," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Also Read: South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory The US government targeted the China Communications Construction Company, including a shipbuilding group and telecom firms amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. "The companies enabled China to construct and militarise disputed outposts in the South China Sea," the US Commerce Department said as it put the 24 companies in the "Entity List". The latest move comes after the US government last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" with Pompeo asserting that "the world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. Meanwhile, Philippine defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that China's "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea is a fabrication as tensions between Manila and Beijing continued over the islands. "That area is within our EEZ," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, adding,"China's so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their 9-line doesn't exist except in their imaginations. They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws." "Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area," Lorenzana asserted. The Philippine foreign ministry had last week lodged a diplomatic protest over "illegal confiscation" by China's coast guard of fishing equipment near the shoal.

US targets Chinese individuals, companies over South China Sea work

According to the intelligence sources, Chinese Air force, known as The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will soon have its fighter jets based in the South China Sea region.

Chinese transgressions continue in South China Sea

The dispute in the South China Sea has brought multiple nations into a potentially dangerous conflict over territory. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a> 
 
The Chinese Navy, known as the PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy), is strengthening a strategic base on Hainan. According to US media report, China can marshal considerable undersea power on the doorstep of the disputed South China Sea". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea</a> 
​​​​​​ 
According to the intelligence sources, Chinese Air force, known as The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will soon have its fighter jets based in the South China Sea region. A permanent Chinese carrier presence in the South China Sea may start sooner rather than later.

China has territorial disputes with all the other countries in the area.&nbsp;

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, through which US$5 trillion worth of goods are transported annually.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-philippines-protests-against-chinas-illicit-warnings-322180">Also read| Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings</a>

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80% of the sea, using a U-shaped “nine-dash line” that includes swathes of Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China’s holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a “maritime empire” in the potentially energy-rich waters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The dispute in the South China Sea has brought multiple nations into a potentially dangerous conflict over territory. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION The Chinese Navy, known as the PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy), is strengthening a strategic base on Hainan.

The dispute in the South China Sea has brought multiple nations into a potentially dangerous conflict over territory. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION The Chinese Navy, known as the PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy), is strengthening a strategic base on Hainan. According to US media report, China can marshal considerable undersea power on the doorstep of the disputed South China Sea". Also read| Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea According to the intelligence sources, Chinese Air force, known as The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will soon have its fighter jets based in the South China Sea region. A permanent Chinese carrier presence in the South China Sea may start sooner rather than later. China has territorial disputes with all the other countries in the area. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, through which US$5 trillion worth of goods are transported annually. Also read| Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80% of the sea, using a U-shaped “nine-dash line” that includes swathes of Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China’s holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a “maritime empire” in the potentially energy-rich waters. (With inputs from agencies)

South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months.

"China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region. China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months. "China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials.

The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment.

The devices, locally called ''payaos,''&nbsp;were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales.

China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year.

The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision.

Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims.

Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing.

China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown. The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment. The devices, locally called ''payaos,'' were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales. China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year. The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision. Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims. Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing. China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

South China Sea: Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday.

The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday.

"The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said.

Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming".

One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore.

"We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added.

The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty.

Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway.

The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area.

While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs.

In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets. Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday. "The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said. Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming". One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore. "We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added. The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty. Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway. The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area. While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs. In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

Malaysia coast guard kill Vietnamese fisherman in South China Sea clash

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier conducted exercises in the contested South China Sea on Friday, the U.S. navy said in a statement.

U.S. Navy conducts exercises in South China Sea

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days.

Vice-Admiral Giovanni Bacordo spotted the research ships in the Reed Bank area of the sea about a week back. He believes the ships have been maintaining a speed of&nbsp;“about three knots”, through which his unit has concluded that the ships are conducting surveys without permission.

“We have checked if they have clearance to be there. We found out there is none.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read|&nbsp;China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

Bacordo has confirmed that his unit has already reported the incident “We have reported this [to the Armed Forces Chief and the Department of National Defence] already … and request the filing of a diplomatic protest,” he told the local media.

The area that the ships have been spotted in is an energy rich area which Philippines claims falls under its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and has been proved right by&nbsp;Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016.

However, China has time and again declined the claim and has stood against the claim by disputing the economic rights to the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-should-not-be-wrestling-ground-for-international-politics-says-china-318478">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China</a>

The statement by Bacordo was issued a day after the Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr claimed “as far as I know we’ve stopped all marine surveys by foreign ships because, while they follow the rule that (any survey) must contain Filipino scientific crew...(our crews are treated) like mushrooms: fed on (muck) and kept in the dark.”

In addition to this, Bacordo has also accused the Chinese ships of forcing the Philippines navy to take the forst aggressive step, which his unit has successfully avoided till now.&nbsp;

“The way I analyse it, in our dispute in that area, the first one to fire the shot becomes the loser. So they will do everything for us to take aggressive action. But we have to be patient with that,” he said.

“I’m sure they want us to take the first shot but we will not. Any navy who fires the first shot in that area will lose international support. That includes all the navies patrolling in that area.

“We have to exercise maximum tolerance. There are some activities … that once you do it, you can no longer take it back, and that is firing the first shot.”

There has been no statement by the Chinese side yet.

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days.

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days. Vice-Admiral Giovanni Bacordo spotted the research ships in the Reed Bank area of the sea about a week back. He believes the ships have been maintaining a speed of “about three knots”, through which his unit has concluded that the ships are conducting surveys without permission. “We have checked if they have clearance to be there. We found out there is none.” Also read| China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION Bacordo has confirmed that his unit has already reported the incident “We have reported this [to the Armed Forces Chief and the Department of National Defence] already … and request the filing of a diplomatic protest,” he told the local media. The area that the ships have been spotted in is an energy rich area which Philippines claims falls under its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and has been proved right by Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016. However, China has time and again declined the claim and has stood against the claim by disputing the economic rights to the area. Also read| South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China The statement by Bacordo was issued a day after the Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr claimed “as far as I know we’ve stopped all marine surveys by foreign ships because, while they follow the rule that (any survey) must contain Filipino scientific crew...(our crews are treated) like mushrooms: fed on (muck) and kept in the dark.” In addition to this, Bacordo has also accused the Chinese ships of forcing the Philippines navy to take the forst aggressive step, which his unit has successfully avoided till now. “The way I analyse it, in our dispute in that area, the first one to fire the shot becomes the loser. So they will do everything for us to take aggressive action. But we have to be patient with that,” he said. “I’m sure they want us to take the first shot but we will not. Any navy who fires the first shot in that area will lose international support. That includes all the navies patrolling in that area. “We have to exercise maximum tolerance. There are some activities … that once you do it, you can no longer take it back, and that is firing the first shot.” There has been no statement by the Chinese side yet.

Philippine navy chief calls diplomatic protest against Chinese ‘provocation’ in South China Sea

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.

In his recent statement, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed China's sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea.

China believes the US&nbsp;has significantly stepped up its intervention in the South China Sea as it&nbsp;recently&nbsp;conducted "dual-carrier operations" there, along with&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;the number&nbsp;military vessels and aircraft on reconnaissance missions aimed at China.

According to Wang "the US&nbsp;has recently taken a number of provocative actions in the South China Sea," and starting a "diplomatic war" does not prove the strength of the United States, but rather exposes its increasing lack of confidence.

China will continue efforts with other littoral countries to maintain the peace and advance the development of the South China Sea, Wang said.

"The South China Sea is the shared home for the countries in the region. It should not be a wrestling ground for international politics. Facts have proved that settling disputes through dialogue is the right way that best serves the interests of regional countries, and countries in the region have a shared responsibility to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable," said Wang.

"China is prepared to strengthen maritime cooperation with other littoral countries, deepen mutual security confidence, and advance joint development, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," he added.

Speaking about the US&nbsp;government's recent closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Texas, Wang noted that it was like closing a window on mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples.

China's countermeasure, the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, is legitimate, justified and lawful, and it fully conforms to diplomatic norms, Wang added.

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.

The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region and should not be a wrestling ground for international politics, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency. In his recent statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed China's sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea. China believes the US has significantly stepped up its intervention in the South China Sea as it recently conducted "dual-carrier operations" there, along with increasing the number military vessels and aircraft on reconnaissance missions aimed at China. According to Wang "the US has recently taken a number of provocative actions in the South China Sea," and starting a "diplomatic war" does not prove the strength of the United States, but rather exposes its increasing lack of confidence. China will continue efforts with other littoral countries to maintain the peace and advance the development of the South China Sea, Wang said. "The South China Sea is the shared home for the countries in the region. It should not be a wrestling ground for international politics. Facts have proved that settling disputes through dialogue is the right way that best serves the interests of regional countries, and countries in the region have a shared responsibility to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable," said Wang. "China is prepared to strengthen maritime cooperation with other littoral countries, deepen mutual security confidence, and advance joint development, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," he added. Speaking about the US government's recent closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Texas, Wang noted that it was like closing a window on mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples. China's countermeasure, the closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, is legitimate, justified and lawful, and it fully conforms to diplomatic norms, Wang added.

South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China

In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing.&nbsp;

The case between Philippines v. China was ruled in favour of the Philippines with the tribunal ruling that China has "no historical rights" in the south China sea based on the "nine-dash line" map.

The Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell Tweeted, "Thank you @China_Amb_India . I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@China_Amb_India</a>. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo. <a href="https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr">https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr</a>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1289125049153142784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The tweet by Envoy Barry was in response to Chinese envoy Sun Weidong tweeting, "Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty &amp; maritime rights&amp;interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&amp;stability &amp; who destablize&amp;provoke escalation in the region."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthChinaSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthChinaSea</a> disregarding facts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>'s territorial sovereignty &amp; maritime rights&amp;interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&amp;stability &amp; who destablize&amp;provoke escalation in the region.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1289101355789897728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Australian envoy on Thursday had said, "Australia remains deeply concerned by actions in the South China Sea that are destabilising and could provoke escalation."

The tweet by Australian envoy got lot of traction on Twitter and was retweeted over 2000 times while Chinese envoy's tweet was retweeted just around 100 times.&nbsp;

The Chinese envoy had again responded to Australian envoy's tweet saying, "So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&amp;void&amp;has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&amp;stability rather than contrary."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So-called arbitral tribunal of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthChinaSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthChinaSea</a> violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&amp;void&amp;has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&amp;stability rather than contrary.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1289240149751029766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On 23 July, Australia lodged a note with the UN Secretary-General refuting China’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing.

In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing. The case between Philippines v. China was ruled in favour of the Philippines with the tribunal ruling that China has "no historical rights" in the south China sea based on the "nine-dash line" map. The Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell Tweeted, "Thank you @China_Amb_India . I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo." Thank you @China_Amb_India. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo. https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) July 31, 2020 × The tweet by Envoy Barry was in response to Chinese envoy Sun Weidong tweeting, "Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty & maritime rights&interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&stability & who destablize&provoke escalation in the region." Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty & maritime rights&interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&stability & who destablize&provoke escalation in the region. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) July 31, 2020 × The Australian envoy on Thursday had said, "Australia remains deeply concerned by actions in the South China Sea that are destabilising and could provoke escalation." The tweet by Australian envoy got lot of traction on Twitter and was retweeted over 2000 times while Chinese envoy's tweet was retweeted just around 100 times. The Chinese envoy had again responded to Australian envoy's tweet saying, "So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&void&has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&stability rather than contrary." So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&void&has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&stability rather than contrary. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) July 31, 2020 × On 23 July, Australia lodged a note with the UN Secretary-General refuting China’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.

On Twitter, Australian envoy to India publicly reminds Chinese envoy of South China Sea award

Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has hit back at Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong for objecting to his comments about China’s destabilising manoeuvres in the South China Sea. He also asserted that Beijing should refrain from actions that could unilaterally alter the status quo in the region.

War of words between Chinese and Australian envoy

south-china-sea-0

South China Sea, News on South China Sea, stories on South China Sea, articles on South China Sea, South China Sea stories at Wion, South China Sea news, South China Sea latest news

south china-sea-0