GIL H. A. SANTOS MY international relations students asked last week: Why is China so sensitive and aggressively assertive in the South China Sea claiming almost all of it as its territory including what is supposedly international waters where some $5 trillion of commercial shipping ply annually? Although I have more than 60 years of professional experience as international wire service correspondent in the Asia-Pacific region, broadcast journalist, editor-in-chief and publisher for Manila and Bangkok newspaper groups, I compared notes with other geopolitical analysts, veteran national security advisers and experienced ambassadors/diplomats who prefer to remain unnamed. Our common conclusion: This ambition was launched by Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong after he won the civil war against Nationalist Party head Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. Chiang and his American-supported troops fled to Formosa (now known as Taiwan) across the Strait of Formosa and pushed for its … [Read more...] about Why China acts aggressively in the South China Sea
South china sea
Storm forming over South China Sea and heading our way
The forecast path for the tropical storm A new storm is forming in the South China Sea and expected to move westwards across the Gulf of Thailand and hit the southern sections of Thailand next week. The storm warning came from the Thai Meteorological Department yesterday. The storm is forming as a result of a low pressure in the South China Sea from this Monday. It is expected to gain strength to become a depression and move over the southern tip of the Vietnamese peninsula on October 31 before moving across the Gulf of Thailand on November 1. At this stage, landfall for the tropical depression is predicted to be around the Pranchuab Kiri Khan region on the western seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, from October 30, small vessels are being told to remain ashore. The depression is expected to hit southern Thailand from November 2. A better idea of the westward path of the storm is expected to be known by Monday. Meanwhile 19 Provinces are struggling with flooding and about … [Read more...] about Storm forming over South China Sea and heading our way
What lies below the South China Sea
Perhaps China and the Philippines are taking the right steps to ease tension in the contentious South China Sea, announcing last week they were considering joint surveys for valuable underwater resources. Beijing has long been at the loggerheads with several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam, over disputed islets in the sea. The conflict has led to immense tension and security risk in the region as China – and to a far lesser extent some Asean countries – establish and develop artificial islands that could conceivable be used as military launch areas. Attempts to settle the disputes have produced no tangible results, since all the countries involved reserve their right to sovereign territory, placing their own national interest above regional stability. Since 2013, there have been at least 38 reported small-scale incidents between vessels under the flags of claimant states. In November 2002 Beijing and … [Read more...] about What lies below the South China Sea
China wants to start testing drone ships in the South China Sea
China has started building a ‘test field’ for unmanned shipping The 225 square nautical miles site is in the South China sea, adjacent to Macau The project will be China’s main base for unmanned ship technology and could become the largest project of its kind. China completed its first test of unmanned surface vessels last week. China has begun building a test field for unmanned ships, according to the government-authorized site China Internet Information Center. The Wanshan Marine Test Field, which began construction on Saturday, is being built in the South China Sea off Zhuhai, which is adjacent to Macau, and not far from one of the world’s busiest shipping ports, Hong Kong. Ships will use the 225 square nautical miles to test technology including autonomous steering and obstacle avoidance. The project, which the center reported “will be the largest of its kind in [the] … [Read more...] about China wants to start testing drone ships in the South China Sea
Chinese angry at US probe in South China Sea
SHANGHAI: A US Navy destroyer this week sailed near the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed lagoon claimed by China in the South China Sea, US officials said on Saturday, and Beijing vowed to take "necessary measures" to protect what it said was its sovereignty. China's foreign ministry said USS Hopper missile destroyer came within 12 nautical miles off Huangyan island, better known as the Scarborough Shoal and subject to a rival claim by the Philippines, a historic ally of the United States.It was the latest US naval operation challenging extensive Chinese claims in the South China Sea and came even as US President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.Two US officials confirmed that the USS Hopper had sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal, a rocky outcrop and prime fishing spot due to its bountiful catches and calm waters.With a permanent presence of large coastguard vessels, China blockaded the … [Read more...] about Chinese angry at US probe in South China Sea