<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-indonesia-bus-plunge-rises-to-35-as-more-victims-found-270295">Indonesia</a> said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred.

"The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said.

The ambassador will report back to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-army-in-hong-kong-carries-out-air-sea-exercises-report-271138">Beijing</a>, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;

Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said.

Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there.

China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands.

China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added.

Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands.

Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China.

However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area.

China claims most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/south-china-sea-standoff-can-quad-check-chinas-encroachment-270414">South China Sea</a>, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas.

Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend-south-korea-asean-summit-263634">ASEAN</a> - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty".

Indonesia said on Monday it had protested to Beijing over the presence of a Chinese coastguard vessel in its territorial waters near the disputed South China Sea, saying it marked a "violation of sovereignty". The boat trespassed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern islands of Natuna, Indonesia's foreign ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the incident occurred. "The foreign affairs ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta and conveyed a strong protest regarding this incident. A diplomatic note of protest has also been sent," it said. The ambassador will report back to Beijing, but both sides have decided to maintain good bilateral relations, it said. Also Watch: Local fishermen saw a Chinese coastguard vessel escorting fishing boats several times in recent days and then reported what they had seen to the Maritime Security Agency, media reports said. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their waters and that both China and Indonesia have "normal" fishing activities there. China's coastguard also carries out regular patrols there, he told a daily news briefing, without directly mentioning the Natuna Islands. China's ambassador to Indonesia has already explained these points to the Indonesian government, Geng added. Indonesia has no claims over the Spratly Islands, which lie to the northeast of the Natuna Islands. Indonesia's foreign ministry reiterated its stance that the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and that it has no overlapping jurisdiction with China. However, Jakarta has clashed with Beijing before over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and has also expanded its military presence in the area. China claims most of the South China Sea, an important trade route which is believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas. Beijing has been building artificial islands in the area, developments that have irked members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines - all members of ASEAN - and also Taiwan also have claims in the sea.

Indonesia protests to China over border intrusion near South China Sea

The ‘incremental encroachment strategy’ of China exhibited in the South China Sea (SCS) is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by losing their influence over Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but also to rest of the world as China can exert a&nbsp;monopoly over SCS Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC). Affected countries do not have the adequate muscle power to stand up to China, and hence, will have no choice but to succumb to a one-sided arrangement like China-driven “Code of Conduct” (COC).

Chinese adventurism, therefore, needs to be checked by other prominent maritime powers in the global interest. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) which comprises&nbsp;Australia, India, Japan, and the United States is often being looked at as a potential instrument to check further adventurism of China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The fact that China could build a military base in the SCS despite the presence of US Navy indicates that it does require global condemnation and effort of higher order to ensure that SCS does not become ‘China’s lake’.&nbsp;

Although Quad may not have requisite teeth as of now, but there is no other alternative than to have the potential arrangement of this kind between likeminded maritime powers having common strategic interests in Indo-Pacific Region.&nbsp;

The Quad has repeatedly been subjected to varying perceptions regarding its role, viability and prospects. Quad by nomenclature is a security dialogue forum and not a military alliance, hence the expectations from Quad have to be appropriately restricted for the time being.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Initially, the Quad appeared to be a military and maritime arrangement revolving exclusively around four democracies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Many give the credit of the idea of Quad to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who mooted his proposal within the framework of the “confluence of the two seas”, joining the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Japan felt that partnership with the US and Australia would be integrated into its ambit besides strategic partnership with India. The four democratic countries of the Quad project themselves to be committed to an open and transparent network which “Will allow people, goods, capital, and knowledge to flow freely”. Quad is, therefore, yet to acknowledge that it has a role to check the adventurism of China in the Indo-Pacific region and could ever operate jointly as a military force for it. In fact, Quad has chosen to be diplomatically correct to say that it is not directed towards any particular country.&nbsp;

To take the dialogue forward, the Quad needs to urgently converge existing divergences regarding their individual definitions of the Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All Quad members have different threat perceptions in the Indo-Pacific. This impacts their prioritisation in dealing with challenges in Indo-pacific, as well as, their areas of focus. An important issue for effective maritime security cooperation amongst the navies of Quad is while three of the navies (Australia, US and Japan) operate within NATO military alliance framework, India is not part of any military alliance, although a strategic partner of two of them. The trilateral dialogue between the three NATO allies is continuing since 2002 without India. India is the only country amongst Quad members which has unsettled land border with China, and therefore, will have a different approach in dealing with China.

The centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific has been emphasised by the Quad, hence their inclusion into it is another debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. There are differences within ASEAN grouping in response to Chinese claim over the nine-dash line in SCS. Some of the affected ASEAN countries have earlier raised a feeble voice against Chinese aggression, expecting world powers to check Chinese adventurism.

They have generally tried to maintain cordial relations with both the US and China without being seen to be taking sides. This has emboldened China to continue incremental encroachment in SCS.

The common focus of Quad is to implement its idea of a free and Open Indo-Pacific on a “rules-based” legal framework to secure freedom of navigation in the global SLOC needs some introspection and strengthening. Australia, India and Japan, have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), however, the US is yet to ratify the same. This ratification will be necessary to have a moral high ground to implement the same.&nbsp;

Considering the prevailing international strategic scenario, China is reasonably confident that the US or any other country will not use military force against it. Moreover, Beijing is also increasing its naval capability. In this context, it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises.&nbsp;

Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific as China continues to do so. The global community must continue to condemn Chinese encroachment. Quad, in its present form, may not be effective enough to check Chinese adventurism, but it certainly has potential to become one of the effective instruments to do so, provided the affected countries and the global community unite against their common concerns.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The ‘incremental encroachment strategy’ of China exhibited in the South China Sea (SCS) is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by losing their influence over Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but also to rest of the world as China can exert a monopoly over SCS Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC).

The ‘incremental encroachment strategy’ of China exhibited in the South China Sea (SCS) is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by losing their influence over Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but also to rest of the world as China can exert a monopoly over SCS Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC). Affected countries do not have the adequate muscle power to stand up to China, and hence, will have no choice but to succumb to a one-sided arrangement like China-driven “Code of Conduct” (COC). Chinese adventurism, therefore, needs to be checked by other prominent maritime powers in the global interest. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) which comprises Australia, India, Japan, and the United States is often being looked at as a potential instrument to check further adventurism of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The fact that China could build a military base in the SCS despite the presence of US Navy indicates that it does require global condemnation and effort of higher order to ensure that SCS does not become ‘China’s lake’. Although Quad may not have requisite teeth as of now, but there is no other alternative than to have the potential arrangement of this kind between likeminded maritime powers having common strategic interests in Indo-Pacific Region. The Quad has repeatedly been subjected to varying perceptions regarding its role, viability and prospects. Quad by nomenclature is a security dialogue forum and not a military alliance, hence the expectations from Quad have to be appropriately restricted for the time being. Initially, the Quad appeared to be a military and maritime arrangement revolving exclusively around four democracies. Many give the credit of the idea of Quad to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who mooted his proposal within the framework of the “confluence of the two seas”, joining the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Japan felt that partnership with the US and Australia would be integrated into its ambit besides strategic partnership with India. The four democratic countries of the Quad project themselves to be committed to an open and transparent network which “Will allow people, goods, capital, and knowledge to flow freely”. Quad is, therefore, yet to acknowledge that it has a role to check the adventurism of China in the Indo-Pacific region and could ever operate jointly as a military force for it. In fact, Quad has chosen to be diplomatically correct to say that it is not directed towards any particular country. To take the dialogue forward, the Quad needs to urgently converge existing divergences regarding their individual definitions of the Indo-Pacific. All Quad members have different threat perceptions in the Indo-Pacific. This impacts their prioritisation in dealing with challenges in Indo-pacific, as well as, their areas of focus. An important issue for effective maritime security cooperation amongst the navies of Quad is while three of the navies (Australia, US and Japan) operate within NATO military alliance framework, India is not part of any military alliance, although a strategic partner of two of them. The trilateral dialogue between the three NATO allies is continuing since 2002 without India. India is the only country amongst Quad members which has unsettled land border with China, and therefore, will have a different approach in dealing with China. The centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific has been emphasised by the Quad, hence their inclusion into it is another debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. There are differences within ASEAN grouping in response to Chinese claim over the nine-dash line in SCS. Some of the affected ASEAN countries have earlier raised a feeble voice against Chinese aggression, expecting world powers to check Chinese adventurism. They have generally tried to maintain cordial relations with both the US and China without being seen to be taking sides. This has emboldened China to continue incremental encroachment in SCS. The common focus of Quad is to implement its idea of a free and Open Indo-Pacific on a “rules-based” legal framework to secure freedom of navigation in the global SLOC needs some introspection and strengthening. Australia, India and Japan, have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), however, the US is yet to ratify the same. This ratification will be necessary to have a moral high ground to implement the same. Considering the prevailing international strategic scenario, China is reasonably confident that the US or any other country will not use military force against it. Moreover, Beijing is also increasing its naval capability. In this context, it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises. Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific as China continues to do so. The global community must continue to condemn Chinese encroachment. Quad, in its present form, may not be effective enough to check Chinese adventurism, but it certainly has potential to become one of the effective instruments to do so, provided the affected countries and the global community unite against their common concerns. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

South China Sea standoff: Can Quad check China's encroachment?

According to the New York Times, massive construction work is underway at the Dara Sakor international airport in the southern tip of Cambodia aided by China.

The new airstrip has a peculiar feature - a tight turning bay which is usually seen in a military base, not a civilian airport. The New York Times report indicates that China may have lured the south-east state of Cambodia into its South China Sea ambitions.

The report states that adjacent to the airstrip is a deep sea port both built by a politically connected Chinese company. The company reportedly has a 99-year lease that effectively gives it control of 20 per cent of Cambodia's coastline.

<img alt="China's 'String of Pearls'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1cb3283-63a3-439d-88ca-df96e4953af8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_0.jpg" />

China's 'String of Pearls' Photograph:( WION Web Team )

The company in question is called union development group, the report indicates. NYT says it has no other operations anywhere in the world. The report quoted a Pentagon spokesperson being concerned about the twin projects.

However, the Cambodian government claims it is a civil aviation authority project. In fact, China has more military designs in Cambodia. Fifty miles from Dara Sakor is the ream naval base - &nbsp;the largest base in Cambodia.&nbsp;

There was reportedly no open bidding process for the land and the company was allegedly granted a concession that was three times the legal limit.

A Wall Street Journal report in July had hinted earlier that an agreement had given China exclusive rights to operate the port for 30 years. The report is further bolstered by the fact that Cambodia rejected American help to refurbish training facilities on the port.

According to the New York Times, massive construction work is underway at the Dara Sakor international airport in the southern tip of Cambodia aided by China. The new airstrip has a peculiar feature - a tight turning bay which is usually seen in a military base, not a civilian airport.

According to the New York Times, massive construction work is underway at the Dara Sakor international airport in the southern tip of Cambodia aided by China. The new airstrip has a peculiar feature - a tight turning bay which is usually seen in a military base, not a civilian airport. The New York Times report indicates that China may have lured the south-east state of Cambodia into its South China Sea ambitions. The report states that adjacent to the airstrip is a deep sea port both built by a politically connected Chinese company. The company reportedly has a 99-year lease that effectively gives it control of 20 per cent of Cambodia's coastline. China's 'String of Pearls' Photograph:( WION Web Team ) The company in question is called union development group, the report indicates. NYT says it has no other operations anywhere in the world. The report quoted a Pentagon spokesperson being concerned about the twin projects. However, the Cambodian government claims it is a civil aviation authority project. In fact, China has more military designs in Cambodia. Fifty miles from Dara Sakor is the ream naval base - the largest base in Cambodia. There was reportedly no open bidding process for the land and the company was allegedly granted a concession that was three times the legal limit. A Wall Street Journal report in July had hinted earlier that an agreement had given China exclusive rights to operate the port for 30 years. The report is further bolstered by the fact that Cambodia rejected American help to refurbish training facilities on the port.

New airstrip in Cambodian jungle sparks fears over China's military ambitions: Report

Little is known about China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-enters-service-268713">aircraft carrier</a> programme, which is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-type-001a-is-a-state-secret-262893">state secret</a>. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan.

The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning.

Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington.

Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said.

Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads.

Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it.

China has been using the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aircraft-carrier-spotted-in-huge-naval-drill-127317/amp">Liaoning</a> mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships.

Unlike the US&nbsp;Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US&nbsp;carriers have.

State media have quoted experts as saying China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">needs</a> at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US&nbsp;military prominence in the region.

Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aircraft-carrier-superior-to-indias-ins-vikrant-chinese-experts-30482">ship</a> will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site.

The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year.

China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built.

It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets.

China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US&nbsp;carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan. The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning. Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington. Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said. Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads. Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea. Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it. China has been using the Liaoning mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships. Unlike the US Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US carriers have. State media have quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US military prominence in the region. Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the ship will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site. The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year. China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built. It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets. China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

China's new aircraft carrier enters service at South China Sea base

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">oil survey vessel</a> and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020.

"I hope that during our chairmanship China will show restraint and refrain from these activities," Vietnam's deputy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-denies-reports-of-sale-of-brahmos-missile-to-vietnam-19191">foreign minister</a>, Nguyen Quoc Dung, said at a lecture at The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

"What China did is very alarming and also kind of threatening not only Vietnam but also other countries that see the potential of being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-ship-to-vietnam-to-boost-south-china-sea-patrols-263403">threatened </a>in the future," he said.

China's claims within its so-called "Nine-Dash Line" in the South China Sea are a source of friction with ASEAN members Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei as well as with the United States.

But China's closest allies within the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Southeast Asian bloc</a> have historically opposed taking tougher words or action against China, which is nonetheless negotiating a code of conduct with regional states.

The Vietnamese minister said it wasn't that other ASEAN countries supported China's actions, but that they did not protest in the same way.

More than $3 trillion a year in trade pass through the waterway, which also has oil and gas reserves and historic fishing grounds for the surrounding countries.

The Chinese oil survey vessel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ship-at-vanguard-bank-a-threat-need-to-address-it-collectively-vietnam-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238428">Haiyang Dizhi 8</a> left Vietnam's extended economic zone in late October after more than three months there. Beijing said it had been carrying out a scientific survey in Chinese-controlled waters.

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty. Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020. "I hope that during our chairmanship China will show restraint and refrain from these activities," Vietnam's deputy foreign minister, Nguyen Quoc Dung, said at a lecture at The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. "What China did is very alarming and also kind of threatening not only Vietnam but also other countries that see the potential of being threatened in the future," he said. China's claims within its so-called "Nine-Dash Line" in the South China Sea are a source of friction with ASEAN members Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei as well as with the United States. But China's closest allies within the Southeast Asian bloc have historically opposed taking tougher words or action against China, which is nonetheless negotiating a code of conduct with regional states. The Vietnamese minister said it wasn't that other ASEAN countries supported China's actions, but that they did not protest in the same way. More than $3 trillion a year in trade pass through the waterway, which also has oil and gas reserves and historic fishing grounds for the surrounding countries. The Chinese oil survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 left Vietnam's extended economic zone in late October after more than three months there. Beijing said it had been carrying out a scientific survey in Chinese-controlled waters.

Vietnam hopes for Chinese restraint in South China Sea in 2020

How Indian Navy is calibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-near-disputed-south-china-sea-islands-official-168574">two US naval warships</a> sailed in the South China Sea.

USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E. Meyer destroyer which passed the Paracel Islands on Thursday.

"Recently, the US has used the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to frequently send warships to the South China Sea area to cause trouble," China said in a statement, adding, "we urge the US to cease this kind of provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents."

US warships regularly sail in the South China Sea citing 'freedom of navigation' which is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

In August, in a similar incident, the destroyer Wayne E. Meyer had entered within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs in the South China Sea angering China. After the operation, the US said it was done to "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law."

US warship again entered the busy waterways in May as destroyer Preble sailed across the disputed area.

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China's naval chief referring to the US had said earlier that freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after two US naval warships sailed in the South China Sea. USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E.

China on Friday urged the US to "cease provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents" after two US naval warships sailed in the South China Sea. USS Gabrielle Giffords warship had sailed near the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands on Wednesday followed by the USS Wayne E. Meyer destroyer which passed the Paracel Islands on Thursday. "Recently, the US has used the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to frequently send warships to the South China Sea area to cause trouble," China said in a statement, adding, "we urge the US to cease this kind of provocative, risky conduct, to prevent unforeseen incidents." US warships regularly sail in the South China Sea citing 'freedom of navigation' which is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. In August, in a similar incident, the destroyer Wayne E. Meyer had entered within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs in the South China Sea angering China. After the operation, the US said it was done to "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law." US warship again entered the busy waterways in May as destroyer Preble sailed across the disputed area. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China's naval chief referring to the US had said earlier that freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

Urge US to cease provocative conduct in South China Sea: China

Senior Chinese diplomat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-foreign-minister-wang-yi-takes-swipe-at-us-during-un-climate-summit-251592">Wang Yi </a>said on Friday the United States should meet China halfway and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, as the countries continue to clash on multiple fronts including trade and the South China Sea.

Wang, during a meeting with former US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-dispute-could-spark-a-real-war-world-war-i-broke-out-over-relatively-minor-crisis-former-us-secretary-of-state-henry-kissinger-263637">Henry Kissinger</a>, said some US&nbsp;politicians have deliberately attacked and smeared China to push the two countries towards a path of confrontation. Such a conflict is not in the interests of either of the countries, he added.

"We want to work for a 'phase one' agreement on the basis of mutual respect and equality,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Xi Jinping told representatives of an international forum, Reuters reported.

Watch: China seeks sanctions on US at&nbsp;World Trade Organisation

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"When necessary, we will fight back, but we have been working actively to try not to have a trade war. We did not initiate this trade war and this is not something we want", Jinping added.

Yesterday, former US secretary of state&nbsp;Henry Kissinger&nbsp;warned that an armed conflict could break out between the United States and China if they fail to resolve their trade war.

Earlier, China said that it is willing to work with the United States to resolve each other's core concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and will try hard to reach a "phase one" deal.&nbsp;

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday the United States should meet China halfway and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, as the countries continue to clash on multiple fronts including trade and the South China Sea.

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday the United States should meet China halfway and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, as the countries continue to clash on multiple fronts including trade and the South China Sea. Wang, during a meeting with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, said some US politicians have deliberately attacked and smeared China to push the two countries towards a path of confrontation. Such a conflict is not in the interests of either of the countries, he added. "We want to work for a 'phase one' agreement on the basis of mutual respect and equality," Xi Jinping told representatives of an international forum, Reuters reported. Watch: China seeks sanctions on US at World Trade Organisation "When necessary, we will fight back, but we have been working actively to try not to have a trade war. We did not initiate this trade war and this is not something we want", Jinping added. Yesterday, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger warned that an armed conflict could break out between the United States and China if they fail to resolve their trade war. Earlier, China said that it is willing to work with the United States to resolve each other's core concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and will try hard to reach a "phase one" deal.

Senior China diplomat urges US to meet Beijing halfway, improve relations

&nbsp;The United States announced on Wednesday it will provide Vietnam with another coast guard cutter for its growing fleet of ships, boosting Hanoi's ability to patrol the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-calls-on-us-to-stop-flexing-muscles-in- south-china-sea-262942">South China Sea</a> amid tensions with China.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-cuts-short-meeting-with-south-korea-on- military-costs-263118">Mark Esper</a> disclosed the decision during an address in Vietnam, which has emerged as the most vocal opponent in Asia of China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.

In his speech, Esper took aim at China, which he accused of "bullying" neighbours, like Vietnam.

"China's unilateral efforts to assert illegitimate maritime claims threaten other nations' access to vital natural resources, undermine the stability of regional energy markets, and increase the risk of conflict," Esper told students at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

The vessel will be Vietnam's second cutter from the US&nbsp;Coast Guard, which just two years ago transferred a Hamilton-class cutter to Vietnam. By providing the ships, the US&nbsp;hopes to enable Vietnam to assert its sovereignty and deter China.

More than four decades after the Vietnam War ended, ties between the United States and Vietnam are increasingly focused on shared concerns over Chinese expansion.

China claims 90 per cent&nbsp;of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of it, through which about $3 trillion of trade passes each year.

Beijing in July sent a ship for a months-long seismic survey to an area internationally designated as Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but also claimed by China.

Vietnam said earlier this month it could explore legal action in the dispute, a move previously taken by the Philippines - where Esper visited earlier this week.

In 2016, the Philippines won a ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated China's claim over most of the South China Sea.

Speaking earlier at Vietnam's defence ministry, Esper said the international rules-based order “has come under duress."

"Collectively, we must stand up against coercion and intimidation, protect the rights of all nations, big and small," Esper said.

The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

In April, the United States delivered six patrol boats worth $12 million to Vietnam's Coast Guard. Those vessels were in addition to another twelve "Metal Shark" patrol boats it provided to Vietnam in the last two years.

The United States announced on Wednesday it will provide Vietnam with another coast guard cutter for its growing fleet of ships, boosting Hanoi's ability to patrol the South China Sea amid tensions with China.

The United States announced on Wednesday it will provide Vietnam with another coast guard cutter for its growing fleet of ships, boosting Hanoi's ability to patrol the South China Sea amid tensions with China. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper disclosed the decision during an address in Vietnam, which has emerged as the most vocal opponent in Asia of China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. In his speech, Esper took aim at China, which he accused of "bullying" neighbours, like Vietnam. "China's unilateral efforts to assert illegitimate maritime claims threaten other nations' access to vital natural resources, undermine the stability of regional energy markets, and increase the risk of conflict," Esper told students at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. The vessel will be Vietnam's second cutter from the US Coast Guard, which just two years ago transferred a Hamilton-class cutter to Vietnam. By providing the ships, the US hopes to enable Vietnam to assert its sovereignty and deter China. More than four decades after the Vietnam War ended, ties between the United States and Vietnam are increasingly focused on shared concerns over Chinese expansion. China claims 90 per cent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of it, through which about $3 trillion of trade passes each year. Beijing in July sent a ship for a months-long seismic survey to an area internationally designated as Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but also claimed by China. Vietnam said earlier this month it could explore legal action in the dispute, a move previously taken by the Philippines - where Esper visited earlier this week. In 2016, the Philippines won a ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated China's claim over most of the South China Sea. Speaking earlier at Vietnam's defence ministry, Esper said the international rules-based order “has come under duress." "Collectively, we must stand up against coercion and intimidation, protect the rights of all nations, big and small," Esper said. The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. In April, the United States delivered six patrol boats worth $12 million to Vietnam's Coast Guard. Those vessels were in addition to another twelve "Metal Shark" patrol boats it provided to Vietnam in the last two years.

US to provide ship to Vietnam to boost South China Sea patrols

China, during defence talks in Bangkok on Monday, called on the US&nbsp;military to stop flexing its muscles in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">South China Sea</a> and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, underscoring tensions between the world's two largest economies.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe called on US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea," said Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian.

The United States did not immediately respond but has accused China of militarising the South China Sea. Esper said on Sunday Beijing was "increasingly resorting to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">coercion and intimidation</a> to advance its strategic objectives" in the region.

During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea," the spokesman, Wu Qian, said.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit trillion of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves.

The US&nbsp;Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to islands China occupies in the South China Sea.

Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US&nbsp;side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea."

Chinese carrier transit

Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed the thorny issue of Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue.

Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident," Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan.

China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence.

"The Chinese side also requires the US&nbsp;side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said.

The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China, during defence talks in Bangkok on Monday, called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, underscoring tensions between the world's two largest economies.

China, during defence talks in Bangkok on Monday, called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, underscoring tensions between the world's two largest economies. Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe called on US Defense Secretary Mark Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea," said Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian. The United States did not immediately respond but has accused China of militarising the South China Sea. Esper said on Sunday Beijing was "increasingly resorting to coercion and intimidation to advance its strategic objectives" in the region. During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea," the spokesman, Wu Qian, said. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit trillion of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves. The US Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to islands China occupies in the South China Sea. Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea." Chinese carrier transit Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed the thorny issue of Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue. Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident," Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan. China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence. "The Chinese side also requires the US side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said. The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China calls on United States to 'stop flexing muscles' in South China Sea

China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies.

The remarks by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, recounted by a Chinese spokesman, came just two weeks after a top White House official denounced Chinese "intimidation" in the busy waterway.

It also came a day after Esper publicly accused Beijing of "increasingly resorting to coercion and intimidation to advance its strategic objectives" in the region.

During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea", the spokesman, Wu Qian, said.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

The US Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea."

In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Esper, in his meeting with Wei, noted China's "perpetual reluctance" to adhere to international norms.

"Secretary Esper pointedly reiterated that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows - and we will encourage and protect the rights of other sovereign nations to do the same," Hoffman said.

Chinese carrier transit

Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed thorny issues, including Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which has seen months of anti-government protests.

They also talked about democratic Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue.

Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident", Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan.

China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence.

"The Chinese side also requires the US side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said.

The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies.

China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies. The remarks by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, recounted by a Chinese spokesman, came just two weeks after a top White House official denounced Chinese "intimidation" in the busy waterway. It also came a day after Esper publicly accused Beijing of "increasingly resorting to coercion and intimidation to advance its strategic objectives" in the region. During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea", the spokesman, Wu Qian, said. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. The US Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways. Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea." In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Esper, in his meeting with Wei, noted China's "perpetual reluctance" to adhere to international norms. "Secretary Esper pointedly reiterated that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows - and we will encourage and protect the rights of other sovereign nations to do the same," Hoffman said. Chinese carrier transit Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed thorny issues, including Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which has seen months of anti-government protests. They also talked about democratic Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue. Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident", Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan. China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence. "The Chinese side also requires the US side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said. The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China calls on US to 'stop flexing muscles' in South China Sea

Why China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier 'Type 001A' is a state secret

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">South China Sea</a> at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway.

China hit back with a veiled criticism of the US, accusing it of ratcheting up tensions in the waters, a key global shipping route.

Beijing lays claim to huge swathes of the sea where it is accused of building military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">installations and fake islands</a>, and ramming fishing vessels.

The US has long accused it of bullying fellow claimants - Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei - calling for freedom of navigation in the area.

US national security adviser Robert O'Brien doubled down on America's rhetoric against China on Monday, speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.&nbsp;

"Beijing has used intimidation to try and stop ASEAN nations from exploiting their offshore resources," he said, addressing an ASEAN meeting Monday.

"Big countries should not bully other countries," he later told reporters.

China's deputy foreign minister Le Yucheng meanwhile accused some outside countries of "meddling" in the sea, answering a question on US comments about the waters.

"Some non-regional countries cannot live with calm waters in the South China Sea and have come all this way to make waves," he said in an apparent jab at the US.

In return, O'Brien later said "we don't think we're meddlers".

"We always come when we're invited, unlike other countries," he said after Le's comments emerged.

Tensions have flared in the flashpoint waterway in recent weeks after China deployed a survey ship to waters claimed by Hanoi.

Though the communist neighbours have long feuded over the sea, Hanoi fought back with fiery language after the most recent incursion.

The ship left after a few weeks, but Vietnam could seek tougher language in the final ASEAN communique expected to be delivered later on Monday.

Vietnam is pushing for mention of "specific incidents" in the document, "while the other sides rather want a general statement", Philippines' finance secretary Sonny Dominguez told reporters earlier.

China's premier Li Keqiang said Sunday Beijing was committed to progress on a Code of Conduct agreement, which it has repeatedly delayed since talks first started in 2002 while carrying out its expansionist strategy in the sea.&nbsp;

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed South China Sea at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway.

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed South China Sea at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway. China hit back with a veiled criticism of the US, accusing it of ratcheting up tensions in the waters, a key global shipping route. Beijing lays claim to huge swathes of the sea where it is accused of building military installations and fake islands, and ramming fishing vessels. The US has long accused it of bullying fellow claimants - Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei - calling for freedom of navigation in the area. US national security adviser Robert O'Brien doubled down on America's rhetoric against China on Monday, speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. "Beijing has used intimidation to try and stop ASEAN nations from exploiting their offshore resources," he said, addressing an ASEAN meeting Monday. "Big countries should not bully other countries," he later told reporters. China's deputy foreign minister Le Yucheng meanwhile accused some outside countries of "meddling" in the sea, answering a question on US comments about the waters. "Some non-regional countries cannot live with calm waters in the South China Sea and have come all this way to make waves," he said in an apparent jab at the US. In return, O'Brien later said "we don't think we're meddlers". "We always come when we're invited, unlike other countries," he said after Le's comments emerged. Tensions have flared in the flashpoint waterway in recent weeks after China deployed a survey ship to waters claimed by Hanoi. Though the communist neighbours have long feuded over the sea, Hanoi fought back with fiery language after the most recent incursion. The ship left after a few weeks, but Vietnam could seek tougher language in the final ASEAN communique expected to be delivered later on Monday. Vietnam is pushing for mention of "specific incidents" in the document, "while the other sides rather want a general statement", Philippines' finance secretary Sonny Dominguez told reporters earlier. China's premier Li Keqiang said Sunday Beijing was committed to progress on a Code of Conduct agreement, which it has repeatedly delayed since talks first started in 2002 while carrying out its expansionist strategy in the sea.

US, China face-off over South China Sea at ASEAN summit

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea are rejected by several members of ASEAN, which have competing claims in the busy waterway.

At the summit in Bangkok, Li cited progress on a long-awaited South China Sea code of conduct, due for completion within three years.

“We are willing to work with ASEAN, under the consensus that had been reached, to sustain long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the timetable set for three years,” Li said in a statement.

A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

China is ready to work with Southeast Asian countries for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, Chinese premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday after meeting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea are rejected by several members of ASEAN, which have competing claims in the busy waterway. At the summit in Bangkok, Li cited progress on a long-awaited South China Sea code of conduct, due for completion within three years. “We are willing to work with ASEAN, under the consensus that had been reached, to sustain long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the timetable set for three years,” Li said in a statement. A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

China says ready to work with ASEAN for South China Sea peace

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions.

But as leaders of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Bangkok, there was no sign they had yet finalized a planned trade deal backed by China that could create the world's biggest free trade area.

"We don't want to go into a trade war. But sometimes when they’re not nice to us, we will not be nice to them," Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's outspoken 94-year-old prime minister told a business summit on the sidelines of the main meeting.

In an obvious reference to Trump, whose administration began raising tariffs on Chinese imports with the goal of reducing the US&nbsp;trade deficit, Mahathir said: "If the person is not there, maybe there will be a change."

A draft final statement for the ASEAN summit seen by Reuters said the leaders would express "deep concern over the rising trade tensions and on-going protectionist and anti-globalization sentiments."

Trade would be the main topic, diplomats said, with little discussion expected on perennial regional problems such as maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea and the plight of Rohingya refugees driven from Myanmar.

“We want global economic peace," said Arin Jira, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a body set up by member states.

Export reliant Southeast Asian states are at the sharp end of the trade war, with growth expected to slow to its lowest in five years this year. They are also worried about increasing Chinese influence in a region whose population of more than 620 million is still less than half of China's.

Downgrade

The United States, an important trade partner, is sending a delegation to the meetings. But the downgrading of its delegation compared to those in previous years and to those of other countries has concerned those who saw Washington as a security counterweight to Beijing.

Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. China is sending its premier, Li Keqiang.

"This signals that the US&nbsp;is a lesser player in our area," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, former Thai foreign minister told Reuters.

Southeast Asian states had hoped to make progress towards finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - comprising 16 countries that account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world’s population.

But that was unclear after a scheduled news conference was cancelled late on Friday. A major sticking point has been demands from India, which is worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports.

"The finalization of the RCEP negotiation has become a key test for ASEAN's capacity to deliver on its often-cited centrality," Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, told Reuters.

Human rights groups said they did not expect the Southeast Asian countries would do much to address problems such as the Rohingya refugees or discuss questions such as the growing authoritarianism in some member states.

“ASEAN will go far. ASEAN will endure," was the jingle played repeatedly on the conference sound system. “Our neighbourhood becomes a brotherhood,” it said.

&nbsp;

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions.

Southeast Asian countries must stick together in the face of a trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump, Malaysia's veteran leader said on Saturday at the start of a regional summit held in the shadow of US-China tensions. But as leaders of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Bangkok, there was no sign they had yet finalized a planned trade deal backed by China that could create the world's biggest free trade area. "We don't want to go into a trade war. But sometimes when they’re not nice to us, we will not be nice to them," Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's outspoken 94-year-old prime minister told a business summit on the sidelines of the main meeting. In an obvious reference to Trump, whose administration began raising tariffs on Chinese imports with the goal of reducing the US trade deficit, Mahathir said: "If the person is not there, maybe there will be a change." A draft final statement for the ASEAN summit seen by Reuters said the leaders would express "deep concern over the rising trade tensions and on-going protectionist and anti-globalization sentiments." Trade would be the main topic, diplomats said, with little discussion expected on perennial regional problems such as maritime disputes with China over the South China Sea and the plight of Rohingya refugees driven from Myanmar. “We want global economic peace," said Arin Jira, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, a body set up by member states. Export reliant Southeast Asian states are at the sharp end of the trade war, with growth expected to slow to its lowest in five years this year. They are also worried about increasing Chinese influence in a region whose population of more than 620 million is still less than half of China's. Downgrade The United States, an important trade partner, is sending a delegation to the meetings. But the downgrading of its delegation compared to those in previous years and to those of other countries has concerned those who saw Washington as a security counterweight to Beijing. Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. China is sending its premier, Li Keqiang. "This signals that the US is a lesser player in our area," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. Southeast Asian states had hoped to make progress towards finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - comprising 16 countries that account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world’s population. But that was unclear after a scheduled news conference was cancelled late on Friday. A major sticking point has been demands from India, which is worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports. "The finalization of the RCEP negotiation has become a key test for ASEAN's capacity to deliver on its often-cited centrality," Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, told Reuters. Human rights groups said they did not expect the Southeast Asian countries would do much to address problems such as the Rohingya refugees or discuss questions such as the growing authoritarianism in some member states. “ASEAN will go far. ASEAN will endure," was the jingle played repeatedly on the conference sound system. “Our neighbourhood becomes a brotherhood,” it said.

Southeast Asian leaders meet under US-China trade war cloud

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea.

The decision comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vietnam-pulls-dreamworks-abominable-film-over-south-china-sea-map-255992">Vietnam pulled</a> the Universal Pictures movie from theatres days ago and the Philippines' foreign secretary called for the segment to be excised.

"Universal has decided not to make the censor cut required by the Malaysian censor board and as such will not be able to release the film in Malaysia," United International Pictures Malaysia said in an email to AFP.

The animated film about a Chinese teenager helping a yeti return to his home shows a chart featuring the "nine-dash" line which sets out Beijing's expansive claims to the flashpoint waters.

By including the U-shaped line, the movie -- a joint production by Universal Pictures subsidiary DreamWorks and China's Pearl Studio -- has stumbled into a festering row that has long been a source of friction between Beijing and Southeast Asia.

Malaysia's film censorship board chief Mohamad Zamberi Abdul Aziz had said that the movie -- due for release on November 7 -- could be screened in the country "with the condition that the map, which has become controversial, is removed".

Beijing has based its claims to almost all the resource-rich South China Sea, which is home to important shipping routes, on historic documents. As well as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are rival claimants.

The movie was released in Vietnam on October 4 but the country's main cinema franchise CGV said it would no longer show the film after it was notified about the map.

The cartoon also opened in Philippine cinemas earlier this month, with the adverse reaction not surfacing until later. &nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said that "of course they should cut out the offending scene".

A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling said China's claim was without basis, something Beijing has ignored.

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea.

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea. The decision comes after Vietnam pulled the Universal Pictures movie from theatres days ago and the Philippines' foreign secretary called for the segment to be excised. "Universal has decided not to make the censor cut required by the Malaysian censor board and as such will not be able to release the film in Malaysia," United International Pictures Malaysia said in an email to AFP. The animated film about a Chinese teenager helping a yeti return to his home shows a chart featuring the "nine-dash" line which sets out Beijing's expansive claims to the flashpoint waters. By including the U-shaped line, the movie -- a joint production by Universal Pictures subsidiary DreamWorks and China's Pearl Studio -- has stumbled into a festering row that has long been a source of friction between Beijing and Southeast Asia. Malaysia's film censorship board chief Mohamad Zamberi Abdul Aziz had said that the movie -- due for release on November 7 -- could be screened in the country "with the condition that the map, which has become controversial, is removed". Beijing has based its claims to almost all the resource-rich South China Sea, which is home to important shipping routes, on historic documents. As well as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are rival claimants. The movie was released in Vietnam on October 4 but the country's main cinema franchise CGV said it would no longer show the film after it was notified about the map. The cartoon also opened in Philippine cinemas earlier this month, with the adverse reaction not surfacing until later. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said that "of course they should cut out the offending scene". A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling said China's claim was without basis, something Beijing has ignored.

'Abominable' won't be screened in Malaysia over South China Sea map row

China has again intruded in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone(EEZ), the third major intrusion this year. The intrusion, according to Vietnam government sources began on September 7 and is underway with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942"> Chinese ships</a> along with coast guards still present.&nbsp;

The previous two intrusions had taken place on July 3 and August 13. &nbsp;On July 3, Chinese ship Hauyang Dihi Bahao escorted by Chinese coast guard entered in Hanoi's EEZ but left on August 7, it was followed by the second incursion that started on August 13 and ended on September 2.

Hanoi is mulling a number of actions including excercising legal option against China with the source saying, "can't rule out anything".

The first and second intrusion saw Chinese boats being placed near<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-intrudes-into-vietnams-economic-zone-places-coast-guards-near-ongc-block-244631"> ONGC Videsh Ltd's block</a>. The July 3 intrusion was closest to the ONGC block while the current case that began on September 7 saw Chinese ships near Vietnam's mainland.

Vietnam has raised these intrusions with China through the various diplomatic channel almost forty times. Ten countries have so far reacted to Chinese intrusion in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone which include India, US, France, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, EU and ASEAN.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "South China Sea is part of the global commons. &nbsp;India, therefore, has an abiding interest in the peace and stability in the region."

Reiterating that India stands for "freedom of navigation and over-flight, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, notably UNCLOS", the foreign affairs spokesman&nbsp;added that "differences must be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes, and without resorting to threat or use of force."

This year has seen the the third major escalation by the Chinese side into Vietnam's EEZ. Earlier in 2011 and 2014, Bejing had intruded into Vietnam's EEZ . In 2011, China had cut Vietnamese cables and in 2014 Beijing had placed a drilling platform which was later withdrawn.

China has again intruded in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone(EEZ), the third major intrusion this year. The intrusion, according to Vietnam government sources began on September 7 and is underway with Chinese ships along with coast guards still present.

China has again intruded in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone(EEZ), the third major intrusion this year. The intrusion, according to Vietnam government sources began on September 7 and is underway with Chinese ships along with coast guards still present. The previous two intrusions had taken place on July 3 and August 13. On July 3, Chinese ship Hauyang Dihi Bahao escorted by Chinese coast guard entered in Hanoi's EEZ but left on August 7, it was followed by the second incursion that started on August 13 and ended on September 2. Hanoi is mulling a number of actions including excercising legal option against China with the source saying, "can't rule out anything". The first and second intrusion saw Chinese boats being placed near ONGC Videsh Ltd's block. The July 3 intrusion was closest to the ONGC block while the current case that began on September 7 saw Chinese ships near Vietnam's mainland. Vietnam has raised these intrusions with China through the various diplomatic channel almost forty times. Ten countries have so far reacted to Chinese intrusion in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone which include India, US, France, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, EU and ASEAN. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "South China Sea is part of the global commons. India, therefore, has an abiding interest in the peace and stability in the region." Reiterating that India stands for "freedom of navigation and over-flight, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, notably UNCLOS", the foreign affairs spokesman added that "differences must be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes, and without resorting to threat or use of force." This year has seen the the third major escalation by the Chinese side into Vietnam's EEZ. Earlier in 2011 and 2014, Bejing had intruded into Vietnam's EEZ . In 2011, China had cut Vietnamese cables and in 2014 Beijing had placed a drilling platform which was later withdrawn.

China intrudes into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone for the third time this year

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, the US military said, a move likely to anger Beijing. Watch this video to know more.

US destroyer sails in disputed South China Sea amid trade talks

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">territorial claims in the waterway</a> after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office.

Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei.

"The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state.

A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines.&nbsp;

Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment.&nbsp;

He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks.

A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. &nbsp;

Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi.

"He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese."

"We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said.

"I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda."

Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war.

The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials.

The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it.

"He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea. The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested territorial claims in the waterway after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office. Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei. "The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state. A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines. Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment. He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks. A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi. "He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese." "We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said. "I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda." Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war. The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials. The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it. "He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Duterte to bring up territorial issues with China during meeting with President Xi: Philippines ambassador

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Wednesday, the US military said, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two largest economies.

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Wednesday, the US military said, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two largest economies. The busy waterway is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan. China had denied a request for a US Navy warship to visit the Chinese port city of Qingdao. The US Navy destroyer Wayne E. Meyer carried out the operation, travelling within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs, Commander Reann Mommsen, a spokeswoman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, told Reuters. Mommsen added that the operation was done to "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law." The US military operation comes amid an increasingly bitter trade war between China and the United States which sharply escalated on Friday, with both sides levelling more tariffs on each other's exports. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing’s militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China’s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

US warship sails in disputed South China Sea amid trade tensions

Vietnam is "deeply concerned" about recent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-criticises-militarisation-of-south-china-sea-240822">developments in the South China Sea</a>, the Southeast Asian country's prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, said on Friday.

Vietnamese and Chinese vessels have since early July been locked in a tense standoff in Vietnamese-controlled waters in the South China Sea, where a Chinese vessel appeared to have been conducting a seismic survey.

The United States also said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about China's interference in oil and gas activities in waters claimed by Vietnam, and that the deployment of the vessels was "an escalation by Beijing in its efforts to intimidate other claimants out of developing resources in the South China Sea."

Phuc was speaking at a press conference alongside his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, who is in Hanoi for a three-day visit.

Vietnam is "deeply concerned" about recent developments in the South China Sea, the Southeast Asian country's prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, said on Friday. Vietnamese and Chinese vessels have since early July been locked in a tense standoff in Vietnamese-controlled waters in the South China Sea, where a Chinese vessel appeared to have been conducting a seismic survey.

Vietnam is "deeply concerned" about recent developments in the South China Sea, the Southeast Asian country's prime minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, said on Friday. Vietnamese and Chinese vessels have since early July been locked in a tense standoff in Vietnamese-controlled waters in the South China Sea, where a Chinese vessel appeared to have been conducting a seismic survey. The United States also said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about China's interference in oil and gas activities in waters claimed by Vietnam, and that the deployment of the vessels was "an escalation by Beijing in its efforts to intimidate other claimants out of developing resources in the South China Sea." Phuc was speaking at a press conference alongside his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, who is in Hanoi for a three-day visit.

Vietnam says 'deeply concerned' about developments in South China Sea

The "militarisation" of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-reflect-political-reality-on-brexit-240580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivx_-EvuvjAhWlguYKHeKICEkQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PAaakwrM63BR3VlOdjNlx">European Union</a>'s top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

China&nbsp;has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich&nbsp;sea, sparking ire from other claimants.

On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area.

"We believe that this tension, this&nbsp;militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added.&nbsp;

Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the&nbsp;sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims.

The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the&nbsp;sea.

Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.

Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July.

Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The US,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region. China has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich sea, sparking ire from other claimants. On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area. "We believe that this tension, this militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added. Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims. The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the sea. Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves. Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July. Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence. It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment. The US, EU and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

European Union criticises 'militarisation' of South China Sea

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region.

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region. Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence. During the talks, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy missiles in the Asia Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week. Esper's comments prompted speculation that Australia had been asked to host the missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said Australia would decline if it was asked in the future. "It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put Australia in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market. Beijing last week described Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory". Australia worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource rich ocean. Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

Australia won't host US missiles, prime minister says

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

"We firmly believe no one nation can or should dominate the Indo-Pacific and we are working alongside our allies and partners to address the region's pressing security needs, Reuters reported Esper as saying to reporters in Sydney.

Esper's comments come even as China is increasing its assertiveness in the energy-rich South China Sea even as the US &nbsp;challenges Chinese maritime hegemony and seeking stronger ties with nations pushing back against Beijing.

"We also stand firmly against a disturbing pattern of aggressive behaviour, destabilising behaviour from China. This includes weaponising the global commons, using predatory economics and debt for sovereignty deals, and promoting state-sponsored theft of other nations' intellectual property," said Esper.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday decried "decades of bad behaviour" from China that have hampered free trade, laying out a case at a Southeast Asian forum for Washington's escalating trade war with Beijing.

Esper and Pompeo met with their Australian counterparts in Sydney on Sunday.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific. "We firmly believe no one nation can or should dominate the Indo-Pacific and we are working alongside our allies and partners to address the region's pressing security needs, Reuters reported Esper as saying to reporters in Sydney. Esper's comments come even as China is increasing its assertiveness in the energy-rich South China Sea even as the US challenges Chinese maritime hegemony and seeking stronger ties with nations pushing back against Beijing. "We also stand firmly against a disturbing pattern of aggressive behaviour, destabilising behaviour from China. This includes weaponising the global commons, using predatory economics and debt for sovereignty deals, and promoting state-sponsored theft of other nations' intellectual property," said Esper. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday decried "decades of bad behaviour" from China that have hampered free trade, laying out a case at a Southeast Asian forum for Washington's escalating trade war with Beijing. Esper and Pompeo met with their Australian counterparts in Sydney on Sunday. (With inputs from Reuters)

United States decries 'destabilising' behaviour by China in Indo-Pacific: Pentagon chief

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said maritime problems involving Vietnam should not interfere with bilateral relations, according to a report released by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tensions between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-outsiders-not-to-sow-distrust-in-south-china-sea-239750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJo8nOseHjAhVH_XMBHfosBk4QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1m7dDqekgrr56MzmR6XYoq">Vietnam and China</a> have risen over a weeks-long standoff between ships near an offshore oil block in the South China Sea.

China released the statement following a meeting between Wang and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Thursday in Bangkok. Wang said China-Vietnam relations continued to develop and the two sides will "properly control and manage the situation at sea."

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said maritime problems involving Vietnam should not interfere with bilateral relations, according to a report released by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi said maritime problems involving Vietnam should not interfere with bilateral relations, according to a report released by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tensions between Vietnam and China have risen over a weeks-long standoff between ships near an offshore oil block in the South China Sea. China released the statement following a meeting between Wang and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Thursday in Bangkok. Wang said China-Vietnam relations continued to develop and the two sides will "properly control and manage the situation at sea."

Vietnam 'maritime problems' should not impinge on bilateral ties: China

China's top diplomat on Wednesday warned outside countries not to amplify disputes in the South China Sea, where recent Chinese manoeuvring in the energy-rich waters has rattled regional states and drawn condemnation from the United States.

Chinese Councillor Wang Yi touted progress on an eventual Code of Conduct with the 10-member <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asia-should-ban-foreign-trash-imports-environmentalists-228309">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a> after meeting counterparts in the Thai capital.

Tensions have risen in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-holds-military-drills-in-south-china-sea-near-taiwan-239171">South China Sea</a> over recent incidents between Chinese and Vietnamese and Philippine ships, the latest confrontations in a potential global flashpoint where the United States challenges China's sweeping maritime claims.

Wang, who is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Bangkok, reiterated after meeting ASEAN foreign ministers that China opposes interference by countries outside the region.

"We think non-regional countries should not deliberately amplify such differences or disputes left from the past," said Wang, responding to a question on the involvement of US and other non-Asian countries in the discussions.

"Non-regional countries should also not make use of these differences to sow distrust between China and ASEAN countries."

China recently said US criticism of its role in the South China Sea, including comments by Pompeo, were "slanderous".

Wang said China is in discussions to expand and "institutionalise" joint military drills with ASEAN countries in the region following two previous exercises.

The South China Sea was a key topic for ASEAN foreign ministers.

"Concerns were expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations, activities and serious incidents in the area," they said in a final communique.

The reference to "serious incidents" was stronger than that in the communique after their meeting last year, pointing to the extent to which tension over the region has risen.

China claims large parts of the South China Sea through which roughly $3.4 trillion in shipping passes each year. Countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam contest the territorial claims.

China has unnerved the region and angered the United States by installing military equipment and other facilities on artificial islands it has made by reclaiming land and building up reefs and shoals.

Researchers and analysts say the latest standoff between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels could give the United States a new incentive to pressure China.

But they said China was unlikely to want to inflame the situation given its trade dispute with the United States and protests in Hong Kong.

"That tension right now going on between China and Vietnam will be the United States' anchor into making any statements on the South China Sea," said Jay Batongbacal, an expert on the South China Sea at the University of the Philippines.

"What China will be more concerned about is if the US tries to rally international support against China's activities," he said.

China's top diplomat on Wednesday warned outside countries not to amplify disputes in the South China Sea, where recent Chinese manoeuvring in the energy-rich waters has rattled regional states and drawn condemnation from the United States.

China's top diplomat on Wednesday warned outside countries not to amplify disputes in the South China Sea, where recent Chinese manoeuvring in the energy-rich waters has rattled regional states and drawn condemnation from the United States. Chinese Councillor Wang Yi touted progress on an eventual Code of Conduct with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after meeting counterparts in the Thai capital. Tensions have risen in the South China Sea over recent incidents between Chinese and Vietnamese and Philippine ships, the latest confrontations in a potential global flashpoint where the United States challenges China's sweeping maritime claims. Wang, who is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Bangkok, reiterated after meeting ASEAN foreign ministers that China opposes interference by countries outside the region. "We think non-regional countries should not deliberately amplify such differences or disputes left from the past," said Wang, responding to a question on the involvement of US and other non-Asian countries in the discussions. "Non-regional countries should also not make use of these differences to sow distrust between China and ASEAN countries." China recently said US criticism of its role in the South China Sea, including comments by Pompeo, were "slanderous". Wang said China is in discussions to expand and "institutionalise" joint military drills with ASEAN countries in the region following two previous exercises. The South China Sea was a key topic for ASEAN foreign ministers. "Concerns were expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations, activities and serious incidents in the area," they said in a final communique. The reference to "serious incidents" was stronger than that in the communique after their meeting last year, pointing to the extent to which tension over the region has risen. China claims large parts of the South China Sea through which roughly $3.4 trillion in shipping passes each year. Countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam contest the territorial claims. China has unnerved the region and angered the United States by installing military equipment and other facilities on artificial islands it has made by reclaiming land and building up reefs and shoals. Researchers and analysts say the latest standoff between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels could give the United States a new incentive to pressure China. But they said China was unlikely to want to inflame the situation given its trade dispute with the United States and protests in Hong Kong. "That tension right now going on between China and Vietnam will be the United States' anchor into making any statements on the South China Sea," said Jay Batongbacal, an expert on the South China Sea at the University of the Philippines. "What China will be more concerned about is if the US tries to rally international support against China's activities," he said.

China warns outsiders not to 'sow distrust' in South China Sea

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">near Taiwan this week</a>, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force.

The China Maritime Safety Administration issued notices on Sunday and Monday warning against entering broad swaths of airspace and waters off the coast of eastern Zhejiang and southern Guangdong provinces due to "military activity".

The announcements said drills in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-strategic-taiwan-strait-238301">East China sea were</a> scheduled to run through Thursday and the ones in the South China Sea would end Friday.

But it did not offer details on the scale of the exercises or which military units were involved.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

The defence white paper published last week stressed Beijing's willingness to use force to thwart any move towards the self-ruled island's independence.

The drills also come days after the US Navy's USS Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser, conducted a routine transit through the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Beijing reacted furiously after the US Congress greenlighted the potential sale of $2.2 billion worth of arms to Taiwan earlier this month and threatened sanctions on companies involved.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

As punishment, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea near Taiwan this week, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force.

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea near Taiwan this week, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force. The China Maritime Safety Administration issued notices on Sunday and Monday warning against entering broad swaths of airspace and waters off the coast of eastern Zhejiang and southern Guangdong provinces due to "military activity". The announcements said drills in the East China sea were scheduled to run through Thursday and the ones in the South China Sea would end Friday. But it did not offer details on the scale of the exercises or which military units were involved. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949. The defence white paper published last week stressed Beijing's willingness to use force to thwart any move towards the self-ruled island's independence. The drills also come days after the US Navy's USS Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser, conducted a routine transit through the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Beijing reacted furiously after the US Congress greenlighted the potential sale of $2.2 billion worth of arms to Taiwan earlier this month and threatened sanctions on companies involved. Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". As punishment, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.

China holds military drills in South China Sea near Taiwan

China’s latest move in the South China Sea has further riled up tense atmosphere prevailing in the region.&nbsp;

This time it is Vietnam. Vietnam claims that Chinese seismic survey vehicle Haiyang Dizhi 8 conducted marine surveys in Vietnam’s water.&nbsp;

It further claims that China conducted activities to obstruct Vietnam’s oil and gas exploration at Block 06/1 which lies within Vietnam’s EEZ and CS, where this exploration has taken place for decades. Vietnam has claimed that on July 4, 2019, multiple Chinese vessels escorted Haiyan Dizhi and at a point of time were 35 in number. It is claimed that the main vessel was assisted by a large fleet of Coast Guard, fishing, transport and towing vessels.

As of now, 10 to 12 Chinese vessels are still in the area which is near a joint venture run by PetroVietnam, Russia’s Rosneft and India’s ONGC which is involved in regular oil and gas production from past 17 years.

Vietnam expects India to exert itself on this issue as the matter is being taken very seriously by the Vietnamese government. Such was the intensity of the brush at the sea that Chinese vessels utilised water cannons against Vietnamese vessels. Chinese premier Xi Jinping is expected to visit India in October to have a one-on-one session with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. In this context, it would be interesting to see what sort of response comes from the Ministry of External Affairs in its next press conference on Thursday.

Vietnam has taken up this issue at various forums, but does not want the issue to escalate. The idea is to reclaim the situation without China making it an ego issue. China and Vietnam have a trading relationship worth around 106 billion dollars. Vietnam wants the world to know what is happening in its water, without provoking a&nbsp;larger confrontation with the big neighbour. Vietnam wants it bigger friends like India and others to speak on the issue. India in past too has asserted that rule-based order must be respected.

The nearest location of the seismic survey operation, as per Vietnam, is 36 nautical miles from the Vietnamese baseline. 31 nautical miles from the limits of Vietnam’s 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.&nbsp;

As provided for the international law, the UNCLOS 1982 and the Final Award of the Arbitral Tribunal in the Philippines vs China case in 2016, which concluded that features in the Spratly Islands do not generate 200 nautical miles of maritime zones and also rejected China’s nine dash line claim, China has no legal basis to make claim over this area.

China has militarised the South China Sea. Its military drills in the region have become more frequent which puts crowded trading corridor’s peace, stability and security at great risk. 
&nbsp;

China’s latest move in the South China Sea has further riled up tense atmosphere prevailing in the region. This time it is Vietnam. Vietnam claims that Chinese seismic survey vehicle Haiyang Dizhi 8 conducted marine surveys in Vietnam’s water.

China’s latest move in the South China Sea has further riled up tense atmosphere prevailing in the region. This time it is Vietnam. Vietnam claims that Chinese seismic survey vehicle Haiyang Dizhi 8 conducted marine surveys in Vietnam’s water. It further claims that China conducted activities to obstruct Vietnam’s oil and gas exploration at Block 06/1 which lies within Vietnam’s EEZ and CS, where this exploration has taken place for decades. Vietnam has claimed that on July 4, 2019, multiple Chinese vessels escorted Haiyan Dizhi and at a point of time were 35 in number. It is claimed that the main vessel was assisted by a large fleet of Coast Guard, fishing, transport and towing vessels. As of now, 10 to 12 Chinese vessels are still in the area which is near a joint venture run by PetroVietnam, Russia’s Rosneft and India’s ONGC which is involved in regular oil and gas production from past 17 years. Vietnam expects India to exert itself on this issue as the matter is being taken very seriously by the Vietnamese government. Such was the intensity of the brush at the sea that Chinese vessels utilised water cannons against Vietnamese vessels. Chinese premier Xi Jinping is expected to visit India in October to have a one-on-one session with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. In this context, it would be interesting to see what sort of response comes from the Ministry of External Affairs in its next press conference on Thursday. Vietnam has taken up this issue at various forums, but does not want the issue to escalate. The idea is to reclaim the situation without China making it an ego issue. China and Vietnam have a trading relationship worth around 106 billion dollars. Vietnam wants the world to know what is happening in its water, without provoking a larger confrontation with the big neighbour. Vietnam wants it bigger friends like India and others to speak on the issue. India in past too has asserted that rule-based order must be respected. The nearest location of the seismic survey operation, as per Vietnam, is 36 nautical miles from the Vietnamese baseline. 31 nautical miles from the limits of Vietnam’s 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. As provided for the international law, the UNCLOS 1982 and the Final Award of the Arbitral Tribunal in the Philippines vs China case in 2016, which concluded that features in the Spratly Islands do not generate 200 nautical miles of maritime zones and also rejected China’s nine dash line claim, China has no legal basis to make claim over this area. China has militarised the South China Sea. Its military drills in the region have become more frequent which puts crowded trading corridor’s peace, stability and security at great risk.

China makes foray inside Vietnamese water

The US military said on Wednesday it sent a Navy warship through the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China, a move likely to anger China during a period of tense relations between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

China on Wednesday warned that it is ready for war if there was any move towards Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island.

The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam.

"The (ship's) transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," he added.

The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, which it considers a wayward province of "one China" and sacred Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first like it in several years to outline the military’s strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

"If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China’s military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," he said.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

The US military said on Wednesday it sent a Navy warship through the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China, a move likely to anger China during a period of tense relations between Washington and Beijing.

The US military said on Wednesday it sent a Navy warship through the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China, a move likely to anger China during a period of tense relations between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. China on Wednesday warned that it is ready for war if there was any move towards Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island. The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam. "The (ship's) transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," he added. The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, which it considers a wayward province of "one China" and sacred Chinese territory. On Wednesday, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first like it in several years to outline the military’s strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan. "If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China’s military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," he said. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

US warship sails through strategic Taiwan Strait

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty.

Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said. "Vietnam is facing challenges because China is deploying its survey ship within the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam. We tried to call them to pull out of this economic zone but they haven't done that. So, it is a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters as provided for by the international law on the sea."

He was speaking during a session on the Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific: An ASEAN View.

"We have to address that collectively with the ASEAN and with the whole Indo-Pacific. All the partners will have to understand that they have to respect the law," the ambassador added.

The Chinese ships are stationed at the Vanguard Bank, the wetern-most reef in the resource-rich Spratly Islands. They entered the area on July 3 and have been stationed there in the name of doing seismic research and have ignored the calls from Hanoi to leave.

China stakes ownership claims to the Spratlys - along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam - and has even built artificial islands to serve as military outposts.

Vietnam foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement last week, "Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 had conducted activities in the southern area of the East Sea that violated Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf." The South China Sea is known as the East Sea in Vietnam.

But China has asked for Vietnam to respect its sovereign rights.

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty. Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said.

The Vietnam has said that China deploying its ship in the disputed waters in the South China Sea is a violation of its sovereignty. Speaking at WION World Order, Vietnam ambassador SanhChau Pham said. "Vietnam is facing challenges because China is deploying its survey ship within the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam. We tried to call them to pull out of this economic zone but they haven't done that. So, it is a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters as provided for by the international law on the sea." He was speaking during a session on the Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific: An ASEAN View. "We have to address that collectively with the ASEAN and with the whole Indo-Pacific. All the partners will have to understand that they have to respect the law," the ambassador added. The Chinese ships are stationed at the Vanguard Bank, the wetern-most reef in the resource-rich Spratly Islands. They entered the area on July 3 and have been stationed there in the name of doing seismic research and have ignored the calls from Hanoi to leave. China stakes ownership claims to the Spratlys - along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam - and has even built artificial islands to serve as military outposts. Vietnam foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement last week, "Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 had conducted activities in the southern area of the East Sea that violated Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf." The South China Sea is known as the East Sea in Vietnam. But China has asked for Vietnam to respect its sovereign rights.

Chinese ship at Vanguard Bank a threat, need to address it collectively: Vietnam ambassador at WION World Order

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