South China Sea

The South China Sea: Next Stop the UN Security Council?
All the signs indicate that China is preparing to reject the anticipated adverse judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the South China Sea. The Philippines is arguing…
The South China Sea issue and Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte
The victory of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte in the recently concluded Philippine election is nothing short of astonishing. The election itself, a far cry from others in recent…
US Navy carries out third FONOP in South China Sea
The US Navy has carried out another freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea. According to defence sources, it was conducted, on the morning of 10 May, by the…
The real danger in the South China Sea is repeating assumptions until they become truth
Recently, The Interpreter published another post warning readers of the dangers of China's intentions and actions in the South China Sea. The piece argues that 'the…
China’s new tactic: playing by the rules at sea
Commentary
China’s new tactic: playing by the rules at sea
Originally published in The AustralianAshley Townshend , Rory Medcalf
Quick comment: Beijing's 'passive assertiveness' in the South China Sea
The Lowy Institute has published a major new report on China's behaviour in the South China Sea. 'Shifting Waters: China's New Passive Assertiveness Asian Maritime Security' finds…
South China Sea: Reconciling Washington's policy debate with effective responses
According to a recent Navy Times article, at a National Security Council meeting on 18 March, National Security Advisor Susan Rice 'imposed a gag order on military leaders over…
Is history repeating itself with Beijing's 'great wall of sand' in the South China Sea?
For many outside observers, the Great Wall of China is a symbol of ancient China's strength, military might and power. The Xi Jinping Administration is currently undertaking land…
Air power in the South China Sea: Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines
Much of the recent strategic analysis on the South China Sea has largely focused on the naval sphere, with the acquisition of new submarines by Vietnam and Malaysia and the US…
Is Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea really 'defensive'?
The latest buzzword of the South China Sea 'war of words', as observed in media reports, academic opinion and official press remarks is none other than 'militarisation'. But what…