The spratly dispute

[webuyube]

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - What's in a name? In territorial disputes, probably the next best weapon you can deploy, especially if you lack warships.

Malacanang, the presidential palace of the Philippines, seems bent on playing the name game to assert the country's sovereignty over disputed areas west of the archipelago, this time concerning an island some 100 kilometers off Palawan province.

Days after presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda started referring to the South China Sea as the "West Philippine Sea" in official statements, the Palace aide on Monday (June 13) spoke of the "Recto Bank", which he said was the "proper" name of a spot otherwise marked on most international maps as Reed Bank.

"The administration has always asserted that it will dismiss out of hand any claim to what are considered integral parts of the Philippine territory such as Recto Bank in western Palawan," Lacierda said in a media briefing.

Until Lacierda mentioned it, the Reed Bank was hardly known to be named in honour of the late senator and eminent Filipino nationalist Claro M. Recto.

The Philippines earlier this year filed a diplomatic protest against China after two Chinese ships reportedly harassed a vessel contracted by the government to undertake oil exploration efforts in the bank.

Lacierda made the remark as part of yet another Philippine appeal for a peaceful resolution of revived tensions over the Spratlys group of islands, an area wholly or partly claimed by six nations, including the Philippines and China.

He dismissed speculations that assigning Philippine names to contested areas - or giving them emphasis in official pronouncements - would only raise rather than ease tension among claimant countries.

"I think the emphasis is on the peaceful resolution," he said. "Calling Reed Bank Recto Bank is just proper for us. We have always considered, again, that Reed Bank is part of our territory. We do not see this as a statement that would inflame the situation."

Not to inflame China

"It's just a matter of taking the cue from the (Department of Foreign Affairs)," Lacierda said to explain why Malacanang was making the name change only now.

"There was no intentional reason to inflame the Chinese," he said.

"It's just that, you know, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defence in their briefings in the meetings of the security cluster have been using West Philippine Sea so we decided to take the cue from this and just use it," he explained.

Lacierda noted that while China referred to South China Sea as South Sea, Viet Nam - another Spratlys claimant - calls the same waters East Sea.

"We're looking in from our perspective. We are calling it West Philippine Sea based on how we describe it and it's the same matter that goes on with other nations as well," Lacierda said.

Zambales pitches in

In a related development, a provincial government in Luzon has done its share in claiming another disputed territory in behalf of the country.

Zambales Vice Gov Ramon Lacbain II said the provincial board on June 6 endorsed the claim of Masinloc town over the Scarborough Shoal, locally known as "Bajo de Masinloc", to "strengthen the claim of the Philippines on that area".

Masinloc's claim was contained in Resolution No. 62-11, approved by the town council on March 16. The town mayor, Desiree Edora, signed the resolution.

Lacbain said the dispute over the Spratly Islands had prompted Masinloc to assert its claim over the area because, "after all, if that area belongs to the Philippines, then it must be part of some province, or a town".

"In this case, that area belongs to Zambales, and the town of Masinloc," Lacbain said.

He explained that because of the continuing dispute over the Spratly Islands, "the boundary for Masinloc right now is San Salvador Islands, which is just 15 km away the town".

Historic claim

Lacbain said Scarborough Shoal is about 200 km from Masinloc. "[And under] Republic Act No. 9522, all the waters from the town to that area are owned by the Philippines, in particular, the province of Zambales," he said.

Lacbain said Masinloc had a "historic claim" to the area, which was cited in RA 9522, the law defining the archipelagic baseline of the Philippines.

The resolution described the shoal as "a triangle-shaped chain of reefs and islands... with an area of 150 km. It has a lagoon with [an] area of 130 sq km and depth of about 15 metres."

It said many of the reefs were "just below water at high tide, while near the mouth of the lagoon are ruins of an iron tower, 8.3m high."

Lacbain said it was important for the Philippine government to assert its claim over Scarborough "because there might be a large deposit of oil and minerals in those areas" which can be of benefit to Zambales residents.

[durden_tyler]

Let's just settle this diplomatically.

Via... Basketball. China vs. the Philippines in a best of seven series. Venue: in the Spratlys! Whoever wins the series, wins the island.

That is fair proposition, correct? :D

[Gravemind]

Let's just settle this diplomatically.

Via... Basketball. China vs. the Philippines in a best of seven series. Venue: in the Spratlys! Whoever wins the series, wins the island.

That is fair proposition, correct? :D

impossible, how about this? :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Xd7AOHKRs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Xd7AOHKRs)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRrQ0HQj2gM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRrQ0HQj2gM)

[webuyube]

lol..are you kiddn me..haha

[durden_tyler]

Clearly, we won't back down. However, what happens to us when China start realizing the "threats"

i don't want to know.

Sabi ko nga, basketball na lang, baka matsambahan pa natin. :D (Trans: as i've said, we have our chance in basketball-- despite how slim it is, it's still a chance :D)

[theImbaguy]

let's just hope this wont escalate to a war.
bka madaan pa sa maboteng usapan
trans: nice suggestion dt :D

[dxjayrock2008]

let's just hope this wont escalate to a war.
bka madaan pa sa maboteng usapan
trans: nice suggestion dt :D


China's Tsingtao Beer vs Philippines' San Miguel Beer? Lol. :D:p

[alien space bats]

i'll be visiting HK from June 19-21 w/ family. Pls dont declare war until we get back. :D

[sinobball]

Let's just settle this diplomatically.

Via... Basketball. China vs. the Philippines in a best of seven series. Venue: in the Spratlys! Whoever wins the series, wins the island.

That is fair proposition, correct? :DWell then.

But to be fair, teams from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam should also be invited.

[durden_tyler]

Well then.

But to be fair, teams from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam should also be invited.

Good add Sino.

Spratly's Cup. Draw has been made. (Oil companies will most likely shoulder the expenses ;) )

Seeds:
#1 - China
#2 - Philippines
#3 - CT
#4 - Malaysia
#5 - Brunei
#6 - Vietnam

#3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5 in quarters knockout.
Auto semis slot for #1 and #2.

As you might see it's all formality now: China meets the Philippines in the best of seven Finals! (We might make it Best of 9, 11 or 13 as necessary)

Also, i have a question:

WHO HAS THE HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE? :D

[dxjayrock2008]

Navy removes China marker, invokes 'active defense'

06/16/2011 | 08:42 AM

After dismantling a China marker at a disputed reef in the West Philippine Seas, the Philippine Navy on Thursday vowed to maintain its "active defense" in the area to prevent other parties from placing another marker there.

Navy flag officer-in-command Rear Admiral Alexander Pama said they have a mandate to protect the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile (370 km) exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/infotech/spratlysmap1.jpg

On Wednesday, the military said it removed a marker found at the Boxall Reef, which is about 125 nautical miles from Palawan's western shoreline.

“Tuluy-tuloy sa pag-iikot at pagpapatrolya ang Navy, kasama ang Philippine Coast Guard... I-emphasize natin ito sa loob ng ating exclusive economic zone. Base sa mandato namin ating pinapangalagaan ang lugar na sinasabi na atin at alinsunod doon sa EEZ natin," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He also noted Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. had ordered a policy of “active defense" where the Philippines will not trigger tension while defending its territory.

Pama said this means that while the Philippines will not start any conflict, neither will it run away if it is “attacked."

“We strictly follow the Chief of Staff's guideline na active defense lang. Importanteng bagay na hindi tayo mag-uumpisa pero karapatan ng lahat ng tao yan, self-defense. Pag tayo pinutukan, hindi pwedeng manonood lang o tumakbo," he said.

For now, he said the military’s Western Command will continue to have Air Force and Navy assets there maintain their vigilance against attempts to put back the markers.

The Philippines is disputing the Spratly Islands with China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

Recently, the Philippines had exchanged strong words with China following recent encounters between Philippine and Chinese forces in the area.

Pama said the markers they dismantled consisted basically of a steel bar with graduated markings. — LBG/HS, GMA News

[dxjayrock2008]

China in Spratlys show of force?


Sends one of biggest ships to disputed area
CHINA has sent one of its biggest civilian maritime patrol ships into the South China Sea, official Chinese media said on Thursday.
The move is likely to raise tensions with neighbors staking rival claims to waters thought to hold vast reserves of oil and gas.
The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration’s Haixun 31 left south China on Wednesday and will head for Singapore, passing the Paracel and Spratly island groups at the heart of disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines and other governments around the region.
Aside from China, Vietnam and the Philippines, the Spratlys islands are also being claimed by Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
Official media reports made the intent of the trip plain, and the news drew concern from the Philippines.
"Our country’s biggest maritime patrol ship patrols the South China Sea," said the headline in the Beijing Daily.
The Haixun 31 will monitor shipping lanes, carry out surveying, inspect oil wells exploring for undersea reserves and "protect maritime security," the paper said -- all steps that could make for confrontation with other countries pressing claims in the sea.
It is one of two civilian ships the same size which lack the heavy firepower of naval vessels. But the Haixun 31 weighs in with a displacement of 3,000 tons, has a helicopter pad and can stay at sea for 40 days at a stretch traveling at 18 knots, the Beijing Daily said.
China’s move comes after weeks of trading accusations with Vietnam and the Philippines over what each government sees as intrusions and illegitimate claims over territorial waters by the other in a stretch of ocean spanned by key shipping lanes.
The Philippines has recorded six cases of Chinese intrusion. On Wednesday, the Navy said it has dismantled a marker at the Boxall Reef which is about 125 nautical miles from the shoreline of Palawan.
The commander of the Naval Forces West said fishermen who saw the marker being put up on June 5 suspected it was put up by China. It also said the marker was similar to the one that was earlier found and dismantled by the Navy at the Amy Douglas Bank.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines would "very concerned about these markers being placed in waters and areas and features that are clearly ours."
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said, "We have to see if they are in the area, if they are in the disputed area."
"They are deploying their biggest ship, according to the newspaper, but what kind of ship is this? Are these battleships or are these survey, maritime ships? These are maritime ships so we don’t have to worry, but we are guarding our area of responsibility," he also said.
Malacañang was mum on the reports about Haixun 31.
"No comment on that for now," said Ramon Carandang, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning secretary.
President Aquino, in a speech at the 57th founding anniversary of the Court of Tax Appeals, said government’s tax reform measures will not only improve the delivery of basic services but increase the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to defend Philippine territory.
"Sa paglinang sa kapasidad ng ating militar, hindi na tayo basta-bastang mabubulyawan ng ibang bayan sa oras ng mga di-pagkakaunawaan tulad ng salungatan sa West Philippine Sea," Aquino said.
Carandang said talks of reviving the Joint Maritime and Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) among claimant countries, which lapsed in 2008, are "premature" because the Philippines has not yet clarified its territory and the disputed areas.
He said the Philippines also needs to talk with other Asean countries about the growing tension due to the claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). He said the territorial dispute on the Reed Bank needs to be settled.
Gazmin said if the Chinese proceeds to the Spratlys, the Philippines will have to file a diplomatic protest.
"We (will) still invoke UNCLOS," he said, referring to the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea that provides a country a 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
During a dialogue of defense chiefs in the Asia Pacific held in Singapore from June 4 to 5, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said China is for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and China would not resort to force.
On the marker at the Boxhall Reef, DND spokesman Eduardo Batac said further investigations are being conducted.
"The report of the Naval Forces West is that on June 5, they recovered a marker in the area. We have not verified if these are newly-planted markers or these are part of the markers that were planted before. We still have to verify that," he said.
"In the initial reports, it was not mentioned if these (markers) were all recovered. This could be part of what was (planted) before…We have to verify if these are rally new markers and if the origin of the markers is Chinese" said Batac.
Batac maintained that Boxall Reef is part of the Philippines, it being within the exclusive economic zone. "Anyone (country) who enters should have coordination with us," he said.
Naval Forces West chief Commodore Eduardo Tamayo on Wednesday reported that the Navy dismantled the alleged Chinese marker last June 6 or a day after this was reported to the Navy by local fishermen.
The flatbar marker, which is about 10 feet by four inches, was found by the fishermen four days after the Department of Foreign Affairs filed a diplomatic protest against China for putting up a similar marker at the nearby Amy Douglas Bank, about a week earlier.
SHOW OF RESOLVE
The official Chinese media reports announcing the ship’s journey did not mention the Spratlys dispute specifically, but made plain the patrol was meant to show Beijing’s resolve.
The Takung Pao, a Chinese-language Hong Kong newspaper that is under mainland control, said, "Throughout its journey, it will carry out patrolling of the marine areas being developed by China in the South China Sea."
"It will protect national maritime rights and sovereignty."
The Haixun 31 is due to reach Singapore next Thursday after a journey of 1,400 nautical miles and will then make its way back to China, said the Beijing Daily.
The South China Sea tensions have been magnified by region-wide nervousness about China’s naval modernization, which has included modernizing its civilian maritime administration ships.
China has accused Vietnam of violating its claim to the Spratly archipelago and nearby seas, which Vietnam also deems its own. China calls the islands the Nansha group.
China’s claim is by far the largest, forming a vast U-shape over most of the sea’s 648,000 square miles, including the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos.
Beijing said last week it would hold naval drills in late June in the western Pacific Ocean, and the Chinese navy has done little to disguise plans to launch its first aircraft carrier, the first step toward building an operating carrier group.
This week, Beijing also warned outside countries not to step into the dispute, after Vietnam said other countries, including the United States, could help defuse the tension.
SOBRIETY
Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo called for sobriety, saying the Aquino government should be more circumspect in handling the situation.
"Talk and rhetoric won’t help," Arroyo said through her spokesman Elena Bautista-Horn. "I agree the dispute should be settled amicably. What we need to do is to solidify our position."
Arroyo also said the enactment of Republic Act No 9522 during her administration, which assures that the Philippines’ archipelagic baselines are in accord with the UNCLOS, "is a vital step in establishing the limits of our maritime jurisdiction."
"But a lot of work has still to be done and to accomplish this we need to consult with those who are knowledgeable on this matter," Arroyo said.
Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo asked President Aquino to fast-track government’s plan of filing of a diplomatic protest before the United Nations.
Arigo said resorting to the legal route would be better than engaging in a vicious word-war with China.
"Ang nangyayari kasi ngayon ay nagpapatutsadahan lang sila at nagpapalitan ng salita. Walang mangyayari diyan," he said. – Regina Bengco, Victor Reyes, Wendell Vigilia, Gerard Naval and Reuters

[dxjayrock2008]

DFA declares 'shaky' Spratlys situation

By ROY C. MABASA
June 17, 2011, 6:04pm
MANILA, Philippines — Shaky.
This was how Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario described the situation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as China’s biggest maritime patrol ship begins to sail to the disputed area.
Del Rosario is currently in Canberra attending the Philippine-Australian Ministerial Meetings.
“It’s a bit shaky there (in the Spratlys) now,” Del Rosario was quoted by reporters in Australia as saying.
The DFA secretary said concerned parties must exercise selfrestraint in the conduct of their activities as well as “an overarching goal, towards a rules-based regime in the area.”
Official media in China reported that Chinese Maritime Safety Administration’s “Haixun 3” vessel left south China on Wednesday and will head for Singapore, passing the island groups of Paracel and Spratly at the heart of disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries in the region.
It has been reported that Haixun 31 will “monitor shipping lanes, carry out surveying, inspect oil wells exploring for undersea reserves and “protect maritime security.”
Malacañang said it sees no reason to be alarmed by China’s deployment of one of its biggest civilian maritime patrol ships to the area.
“From what we understand, it’s a civilian ship that is on its way to Singapore, that is something that happens ordinarily and there is no cause for alarm,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing Friday.
Valte said that though there is a need to further improve the country’s capability in guarding its territorial waters, modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is underway, including enhanced capability to protect territorial seas.
“Taking into consideration our limitations, we are doing everything to guard our territory,” Valte said. A Hamilton class cutter was acquired by the Philippine Navy from the US Coast Guard in line of the government’s modernization program.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is set to send a patrol ship and place all its air assets on standby to conduct regular aerial reconnaissance operations to monitor the situation in the Spratlys.
Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard Public Affairs chief, said that PCG’s 56-meter search and rescue vessel and presidential ship BRP-EDSA (SARV-002) was already prepositioned in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan since last week.
The latest move by China comes at the heels of earlier declarations made by China Maritime Surveillance (CMS) Deputy Director Sun Shuxian that more than 1,000 people will join the CMS by the end of this year, thus, increasing the total number to at least 10,000.
The Philippines this month formally protested “the increasing presence and activities of Chinese vessels including naval assets” in the area.
Earlier this week, US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. expressed the US government’s all-out support for the Philippines on the Spratlys issue, citing that the Philippines and the US are “strategic treaty allies” and “partners.”
Meanwhile, former Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. said Friday that diplomacy and not saber rattling is the best avenue to resolve the contentious territorial dispute with China and other claimant countries.
Pimentel also stressed the need for the Aquino administration to speak with one voice on the territorial dispute. (With reports by Madel R. Sabater, John Carlo M. Cahinhinan, and Mario B. Casayuran)

[kaiziken_pinas]

China doesn't own Spratlys. It belongs to ASEAN. nuff said.

[reamily]

heheh good idea I think taiwan will be seeded no. 3 so RP Taiwan in a best of seven after that finals against china in 2 3 2 format and the game 7 will happen at

Binondo:D

[sinobball]

China doesn't own Spratlys. It belongs to ASEAN. nuff said.Instead of empty slogans here's somethings you can do.
SEOUL, April 21, 2011 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean man nearly cut off his finger and created a commotion in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul Thursday, protesting against Tokyo's renewed territorial claims to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo, police said.
TOKYO, Jul 31, 2008 (Deutsche Presse-Agentur) A South Korean man cut his fingers in central Tokyo Thursday to protest against Japan's decision to claim sovereignty over the disputed Dokdo islets. Japanese police took the man in his 50s into custody after he sliced his right ring finger and pinky to write a protest message in blood on a flag.
But ordinary South Koreans attach huge symbolic importance to Dokdo. ... When, in 2005, the Japanese prefecture of Shimane proclaimed 22 February "Takeshima day", a South Korean mother and son sliced off their fingers in protest outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul.

[durden_tyler]

Instead of empty slogans here's somethings you can do.

Round here in these parts, we don't cut off fingers (that's stupid) we flash them the middle finger though-- methinks both has about the same effect :D

[kaiziken_pinas]

Instead of empty slogans here's somethings you can do.

That would be insane. :)

__________________________________________________ ____________

China's claim to ALL of Spratlys is only backed up by their version of history and theory that the islets were once part of the Chinese mainland right?

[dxjayrock2008]

PH Navy eyes upgrade of station in Palawan


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy is mulling the possible upgrade of its naval station in Hulugan Bay in Palawan.

Speaking on ANC's "The Rundown," Commodore Edgardo Tamayo, chief of the Naval Forces West based in Palawan said, given its strategic and practical location, the area could be made the new base for the Navy's operations.

Navy officials recently visited Hulugan Bay to assess operations on the Western front.

New naval base?

"Hulugan is on the Western front, facing the Kalayaan Island groups or Spratlys. From the Reed Bank, that's only 450 nautical miles, 200 from Pag-asa. It's within our economic zone. You can save a lot if Hulugan will be a staging point or area of operation," Tamayo said.

"That could serve as headquarters for the naval forces because of the strategic value of it. That would be good for the Navy and Palawan. On the Western front, there is a strong need for naval presence," he added.

The plan comes amid growing tension over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

Stiffer penalties for poachers

Meantime, Tamayo believes that there should be stiffer penalties for those caught poaching in Philippine waters, as penalties under the current Fisheries Code are not enough.

"There is an urgent need to amend Republic Act 8550, the Fisheries Code of 1998 to make poaching and violation of Section 87 of Republic Act (R.A.) 9147, The Wildlife Resources and Protection Act of 2001, a non-bailable offense, and to increase the fines for these violations. The penalty under the provision Section 97 of R.A. 8550 (taking or gathering of endangered species) is $100,000 to make it $500,000 to make it a deterrent."

On Thursday, Tamayo said they received an order from the provincial prosecutor to commit to jail the 122 Vietnamese who were earlier apprehended for poaching in the waters off Palawan. A medical check-up was scheduled on Friday as part of standard operating procedure.

The Vietnamese poachers were placed in the custody of the Navy immediately after apprehension. They are awaiting inquest proceedings. The fiscal's office is expected to rule Friday if there is probable cause to file a case against them.

"The 122 of them will have to face the fiscal. While waiting, we have no facility wherein these alleged poachers can be placed. They were placed in our custody on both ships."

In March this year, the Navy Forces West, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police Maritime, and the local government of Balaoac, apprehended 6 alleged Chinese poachers. The 6 were committed to jail after the filing of charges.

Today, the Navy admitted it is making do with limited resources for their maritime operations. These include 10 floating assets, counting in 3 which, Tamayo said, are committed to Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan.

Source: ABSCBN News

[medji]

Navy to upgrade the palawan station?
hmmm... sounds more like a transfer of funds directly to the pockets :D
:D

[eindhow]

Navy to upgrade the palawan station?
hmmm... sounds more like a transfer of funds directly to the pockets :D
:D

Don't underestimate the Palawan Navy.. I always play football at their camp..:p

[macan77]

Round here in these parts, we don't cut off fingers (that's stupid) we flash them the middle finger though-- methinks both has about the same effect :D

i just don't flash the middle finger to the bullies bro..i use it to poke their eye..methinks it has a better effect..:cool:

[seigle42]

Good add Sino.

Spratly's Cup. Draw has been made. (Oil companies will most likely shoulder the expenses ;) )

Seeds:
#1 - China
#2 - Philippines
#3 - CT
#4 - Malaysia
#5 - Brunei
#6 - Vietnam

#3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5 in quarters knockout.
Auto semis slot for #1 and #2.

As you might see it's all formality now: China meets the Philippines in the best of seven Finals! (We might make it Best of 9, 11 or 13 as necessary)

Also, i have a question:

WHO HAS THE HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE? :D

HAHAHA!

#1 China
#2 Philippines
#3 Chinese Taipei
#4 Malaysia
#5 Vietnam
#6 Brunei

good idea! finals might be best of 7 series! :D

[Phantim3dx]

as much as i'd like to think the spratly's belongs to someone int he southeast asian region. its a hell lot closer to them than mainland china anyways. in the end might=right

who int he world is going to stand up to china and go toe to toe with them in a battle. the closest is vietnam but even then its not the spratly's their bitching about its another island

[sinobball]

as much as i'd like to think the spratly's belongs to someone int he southeast asian region. its a hell lot closer to them than mainland china anyways. in the end might=right

who int he world is going to stand up to china and go toe to toe with them in a battle. the closest is vietnam but even then its not the spratly's their bitching about its another islandIt's not close. In the Sino-Vietnamese War several decades ago Chinese PLA troops took Hanoi in 2 weeks. Vietnam of course is skilled in guerrilla welfare but their military was nothing. But that war was not a result of territorial conflict, China attacked Vietnam as a response of Vietnam invading Cambodia, at the backing of China's biggest enemy of the time, the Soviet Union.

I don't know what "other island" you are referring to, however. This is the only territorial conflict between China and Vietnam, which the Vietnamese called "Truong Sa", which is from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty administrative name "Chang Sha".

On a side note, a Taiwanese Navy Brigade General Yin Sheng-Hsien, who had been to the Taiping Islands (Itu Aba) 3 times, yesterday told HK media that if a war was to break out between China and Philippines, the Taiwan Navy stationed in Taiping would not be involved militarily but is open to help the Mainland Navy with fresh water (with the precondition that PLA recognizes Taiwan's rights as Republic of China), which he considers absolute necessity to win the war in the region. On the other hand he expects Mainland Navy to help defend Taiping and Tungsha Island against the Philippines if a war breaks out.

The Mainland officials echoed the sentiment.
Safeguarding sovereignty over the South China Sea is a shared obligation for both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, an official said in Beijing, a statement which may herald an inclination to cooperate with Taiwan on the issue.

"It is a shared obligation for people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to safeguard sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters," Yang Yi, a spokesperson with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference Tuesday.

Taiwan's army said Tuesday that it would send a fleet of ships to the South China Sea and would station tanks on Taiping, the biggest of the Nansha Islands, at the end of June, the Taipei-based United Evening News reported.This could be the first military cooperation between the two sides, despite the differences in motives.

[dxjayrock2008]

Singapore asks China to clarify claims on West PHL Sea.



SINGAPORE — The “Lion City" said on Monday that China should clarify its claims to disputed islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and urged all parties to act with restraint amid the biggest flare-up in regional tension in years over competing maritime sovereignty claims.

The rare comment from Singapore, a non-claimant to any of the islands, came as one of China's biggest civilian maritime patrol ships, the Haixun 31, docked in the city-state.

“We have repeatedly said that we think it is in China’s own interests to clarify its claims in the South China Sea with more precision as the current ambiguity as to their extent has caused serious concerns in the international maritime community," the foreign ministry said.

“This is precisely why this port call in Singapore by the Haixun 31 has provoked such interest," it said in a statement.

“After all scores of vessels from many countries, including naval vessels, call at Singapore every day without arousing the slightest excitement."

The Philippines, China and Vietnam have hurled accusations at each other for weeks over what each sees as intrusions into its territorial waters by the other in a swath of ocean crossed by key shipping lanes and thought to hold large deposits of oil and gas. (See: Palace, DND downplay brewing PHL-China tensions over Spratlys (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223768/nation/palace-dnd-downplay-brewing-phl-china-tensions-over-spratlys))

The past three weekends have seen small numbers of protesters stage rare anti-China demonstrations in Manila and Hanoi. (See: Pag-aastang 'bully' ng Tsina, ipinrotesta ng Akbayan (http://www.gmanews.tv/video/82128/sona-pag-aastang-bully-ng-tsina-ipinrotesta-ng-akbayan))

Beijing said the Haixun 31 left south China (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223601/world/china-sends-ship-to-protect-39sovereignty39-in-disputed-sea) on Wednesday. It was to come to Singapore after passing near the Paracel and Spratly island groups at the heart of disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other nations.


The Haixun 31 would monitor shipping, carry out surveying, inspect oil wells and “protect maritime security", the official Beijing Daily said — steps that could lead to confrontation with other countries pressing claims in the sea.

It also said it would carry out inspections of foreign vessels anchored or operating in waters claimed by China.

The Philippines, China, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim territory in the South China Sea.

China’s claim is by far the largest, forming a vast U-shape over most of the sea’s 1.7 million square km, including the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos.

“It is our hope that parties to the disputes in the South China Sea will act with restraint to create conditions conducive to the peaceful settlement of these disputes and the continuation of peace, stability and growth," the Singapore statement said. — Reuters

[macan77]

It's not close. In the Sino-Vietnamese War several decades ago Chinese PLA troops took Hanoi in 2 weeks. Vietnam of course is skilled in guerrilla welfare but their military was nothing. But that war was not a result of territorial conflict, China attacked Vietnam as a response of Vietnam invading Cambodia, at the backing of China's biggest enemy of the time, the Soviet Union.

I don't know what "other island" you are referring to, however. This is the only territorial conflict between China and Vietnam, which the Vietnamese called "Truong Sa", which is from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty administrative name "Chang Sha".

On a side note, a Taiwanese Navy Brigade General Yin Sheng-Hsien, who had been to the Taiping Islands (Itu Aba) 3 times, yesterday told HK media that if a war was to break out between China and Philippines, the Taiwan Navy stationed in Taiping would not be involved militarily but is open to help the Mainland Navy with fresh water (with the precondition that PLA recognizes Taiwan's rights as Republic of China), which he considers absolute necessity to win the war in the region. On the other hand he expects Mainland Navy to help defend Taiping and Tungsha Island against the Philippines if a war breaks out.

The Mainland officials echoed the sentiment. This could be the first military cooperation between the two sides, despite the differences in motives.

don't worry, if war on china and philippines break out, you'll have a good fight because USA would not just stand aside..it will meddle with the war not because philippines and USA are long time wartime partners but because of USA's interest in the region..and you will have russia on your side..and everyone will be at war..and history will repeat itself..by the way, the way the economy of america is going, they might need this war to boost their economy..also, i doubt you can successfully invade philippines, we are good as vietnam in guerilla warfares..hit and run as the say..that's why we are still in war with the communists..ooppss, i forgot you have comrades in our country..the long forgotten marxists idealists and probably a thousand chinoys..

[kerouac82]

Russia and China are actually allies? Dude, Russia has been non-communist even before Nirvana made it to the mainstream. And even before the USSR broke up, there has been a running feud between the two countries. What are you smoking? :D

BTW, Joma Sison's Maoists are in no way connected to China.

[dxjayrock2008]

China tells US to keep out of Spratlys dispute

06/22/2011 | 03:46 PM


(Updated 4 p.m.) BEIJING - China urged the United States on Wednesday to leave the South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea) dispute to the claimant states, saying that US involvement may make the situation worse, its most direct warning to Washington in recent weeks.

Tensions in the South China Sea have risen in the past month on concerns that China is becoming more assertive in its claim to waters believed to be rich in oil and gas.

Part of the waters are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai urged the United States to keep out of the dispute and said China was greatly concerned by frequent provocations by other parties in the South China Sea.

China's claim is by far the largest, forming a large U-shape over most of the sea's 648,000 square miles (1.7 million square km), including the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos.

Navy ships from Vietnam and China held a two-day joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnamese state media reported on Tuesday, in a sign that tension over the disputed maritime border may be easing. — Reuters

[paolylo]

the only thing that might make the Chinese think twice is the USS George Washington patrolling the Spratlys. mi ultimo sawsaw. :D

[dxjayrock2008]

the only thing that might make the Chinese think twice is the USS George Washington patrolling the Spratlys. mi ultimo sawsaw. :D


PLA Navy should finish constructing their aircraft carrier Shi Lang immediately so that it can go toe-to-toe against USS George Washington. Lol.

[macan77]

Russia and China are actually allies? Dude, Russia has been non-communist even before Nirvana made it to the mainstream. And even before the USSR broke up, there has been a running feud between the two countries. What are you smoking? :D

BTW, Joma Sison's Maoists are in no way connected to China.
im just about to smoke but seems you are already on high..mg isip ka muna bago buka mo yang bibig mo..ng mumukha kang tanga..trans..idiot has no cure..both china and russia has been allies for ages..even if they have misunderstanding on some issues, they would still stand beside each other..they love each other as much as they hate america..marxism is the real communism (russia had them before), other principles of communism are just offshoot of marxism..but they share the basic principles..may nalalaman ka pang smoking jan..with regards to JOma's brotherhood, there's a chance that they would help their brother communist, that's how they hate the government..

[kaiziken_pinas]

China only has a HUGE army and a bunch of nukes. In terms of Air superiority, NUKES and weapons, US still kicks ass.

Although China's pretty cautious everytime this issue is brought up in the International Court.

Alam nila na maraming sawsaw eh.

Trans: I love it when there are countries that love acting as the world Police.

@jayrock : Shi Lang will get owned. ^^

[b3lowzro]

im just about to smoke but seems you are already on high..mg isip ka muna bago buka mo yang bibig mo..ng mumukha kang tanga..trans..idiot has no cure..both china and russia has been allies for ages..even if they have misunderstanding on some issues, they would still stand beside each other..they love each other as much as they hate america..marxism is the real communism (russia had them before), other principles of communism are just offshoot of marxism..but they share the basic principles..may nalalaman ka pang smoking jan..with regards to JOma's brotherhood, there's a chance that they would help their brother communist, that's how they hate the government..

if i were russia, I wouldn't give a damn on this petty issue since they have the largest untapped oil reserves next to the Arabian peninsular.

[sinobball]

both china and russia has been allies for ages..China and Soviet Union were only allies from 1949 to 1956.
if i were russia, I wouldn't give a damn on this petty issue since they have the largest untapped oil reserves next to the Arabian peninsular.Ever heard of Kuril?

http://www.arcticprogress.com/2011/02/russia-to-militarize-kurils-in-response-to-japanese-claims/

[kerouac82]

im just about to smoke but seems you are already on high..mg isip ka muna bago buka mo yang bibig mo..ng mumukha kang tanga..trans..idiot has no cure..both china and russia has been allies for ages..even if they have misunderstanding on some issues, they would still stand beside each other..they love each other as much as they hate america..marxism is the real communism (russia had them before), other principles of communism are just offshoot of marxism..but they share the basic principles..may nalalaman ka pang smoking jan..with regards to JOma's brotherhood, there's a chance that they would help their brother communist, that's how they hate the government..

Ayan ka na naman e. Ikaw ang totoong mukhang tanga. Russia is no longer communist, and their brand of communism was not just Marxist but Leninist. China's brand of communism is Maoist. Leninism and Maoism share a common origin but are two different things. China and Russia were rivals because their leaders wanted to spread their own brand of communism. Would you like me to give you a lecture on the whole political spectrum, or would your stuck-up brain be unable to take it?

Again, your argument does not hold water. As always. You should start avoiding getting into an argument about politics with someone who has manned barricades before if you want to save face in this forum.

On the other hand, I want to have what you're smoking. Take me to your dealer!

[alien space bats]

i agree with phantim that might equals right. china will seize the spratlys by the tip of its sword.
legally, we also dont stand a chance. under international law, the chinese claim of discovery is as valid as our invocation of the 200 mile EEZ. it is also interesting to note that china has veto power in the security council, being a permanent member.
btw, i had a great time in HK. so strong the ang "hit" of the people. ;)

[macan77]

Ayan ka na naman e. Ikaw ang totoong mukhang tanga. Russia is no longer communist, and their brand of communism was not just Marxist but Leninist. China's brand of communism is Maoist. Leninism and Maoism share a common origin but are two different things. China and Russia were rivals because their leaders wanted to spread their own brand of communism. Would you like me to give you a lecture on the whole political spectrum, or would your stuck-up brain be unable to take it?

Again, your argument does not hold water. As always. You should start avoiding getting into an argument about politics with someone who has manned barricades before if you want to save face in this forum.

On the other hand, I want to have what you're smoking. Take me to your dealer!

wahahha..ngbuhat ng bangko? ayoss...did i say that russia is still a communist country? naku po..Diyos ko po..bata, wag ka na mgmagaling..tagalogin ko na para maintindihan mo..bago pa lang yang mga Leninism at Maoism mo ay nauna na yang Marxism..at dahil sa Marxism na yan kaya nabuo ang dalawang iyan iho..mga principle ng dalawang sinasabi mo ay kinuha lang nila sa Marxist principles yan..at pinalawalig lang nila at dinagdagan..pero sa totoo, basic principles ng marxism ay andun pa din..dito pa lang sa usaping ito nagmumukha ka nang tanga bata..ok na tayo dun..sa russia at china naman, kung ganu katibay ang samahan ng British at USA, ay masasabi mo ring ganun ang Russia at China..economically at militarily ay magkakampi ang dalawang iyan kahit di na communist ang russia..at alam mo ba ang common ground ng dalawa bakit sila mgkakampi? America..dahil sa ayaw nila sa america kaya mgkakampi yang dalawa..to counter any american domination, silang dalawa ay mgkakampi..tignan mo na lang sa UN, sino parati ang nagve veto pag may resolutions na sponsored ng america? opps tama ka iho, russia at china lagi..weehhhh..trans..i thought you are my dealer..i did not manned barricades because it disgusted me doing it and seeing people doing it..most of those people manning are azzholes..i always tell them to fuck off..weehhhh

ps. mods you can erase this post of mine after he read it..just emphasizing my point to someone who seems not able to comprehend though he is very self conceited..whahhaha

[b3lowzro]

China and Soviet Union were only allies from 1949 to 1956. Ever heard of Kuril?

http://www.arcticprogress.com/2011/02/russia-to-militarize-kurils-in-response-to-japanese-claims/

well i was talking about the sprstly issue here, why would they join arms with china for a small amount of oil deep inside the seabed while those guys can mine more oil and NGC inside their country.

[b3lowzro]

i agree with phantim that might equals right. china will seize the spratlys by the tip of its sword.
legally, we also dont stand a chance. under international law, the chinese claim of discovery is as valid as our invocation of the 200 mile EEZ. it is also interesting to note that china has veto power in the security council, being a permanent member.
btw, i had a great time in HK. so strong the ang "hit" of the people. ;)

lol, hehee well they also have the same issue with us pinoys, its all in the food that different cultures consume. I think their issue with us is that we are salty to them :)

[dxjayrock2008]

China, Vietnam agree to resolve maritime dispute

06/26/2011 | 05:26 PM




BEIJING - China and Vietnam pledged on Sunday to resolve their maritime dispute through peaceful negotiations, a sign of easing tension over rival claims in the South China Sea which is believed to be rich in oil and gas.

Relations between the old rivals have been strained over the past month because of a flare-up in a long-standing disagreement over sovereignty in the South China Sea.

State Councillor Dai Bingguo, China's foreign affairs tsar, and Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son held talks in Beijing after Ho met his Chinese counterpart, Zhang Zhijun, the ministry said on its website (http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/chn/gxh/tyb/) said.

The two sides agreed to "peacefully resolve their maritime disputes through negotiations and friendly consultations", the ministry said.

Both sides also agreed to "strengthen public opinion guidance to prevent words and actions that would be detrimental to the friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries", it said.

"Healthy and steady development of Sino-Vietnamese relations accords with the basic interests and common aspirations of the peoples of both countries and is also conducive to regional peace, stability and development," the ministry added.

China and Vietnam have traded accusations over what each sees as intrusions into its waters in a sea crossed by major shipping lanes and thought to hold large deposits of oil and gas.

Such accusations are not uncommon between China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan, which are also involved in long-standing maritime disputes.

The latest spell of tension began last month when Hanoi said Chinese boats had harassed a Vietnamese oil exploration ship. Beijing said Vietnamese oil and gas exploration undermined its rights in the South China Sea.

The two sides have conducted independent naval exercises but analysts say neither has an interest in pushing the dispute to the brink of violence.

Last week China urged the United States to leave the South China Sea dispute to the claimant states, saying U.S. involvement could make the situation worse, its most direct warning to Washington in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, navy ships from Vietnam and China held a two-day joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, according to Vietnamese state media.

Two Vietnamese vessels docked in the city of Zhanjiang in China's southern Guangdong province -- the second port call by Vietnamese ships to China since 2009, Vietnamese media reported.
- Reuters

[kerouac82]

wahahha..ngbuhat ng bangko? ayoss...did i say that russia is still a communist country? naku po..Diyos ko po..bata, wag ka na mgmagaling..tagalogin ko na para maintindihan mo..bago pa lang yang mga Leninism at Maoism mo ay nauna na yang Marxism..at dahil sa Marxism na yan kaya nabuo ang dalawang iyan iho..mga principle ng dalawang sinasabi mo ay kinuha lang nila sa Marxist principles yan..at pinalawalig lang nila at dinagdagan..pero sa totoo, basic principles ng marxism ay andun pa din..dito pa lang sa usaping ito nagmumukha ka nang tanga bata..ok na tayo dun..sa russia at china naman, kung ganu katibay ang samahan ng British at USA, ay masasabi mo ring ganun ang Russia at China..economically at militarily ay magkakampi ang dalawang iyan kahit di na communist ang russia..at alam mo ba ang common ground ng dalawa bakit sila mgkakampi? America..dahil sa ayaw nila sa america kaya mgkakampi yang dalawa..to counter any american domination, silang dalawa ay mgkakampi..tignan mo na lang sa UN, sino parati ang nagve veto pag may resolutions na sponsored ng america? opps tama ka iho, russia at china lagi..weehhhh..trans..i thought you are my dealer..i did not manned barricades because it disgusted me doing it and seeing people doing it..most of those people manning are azzholes..i always tell them to fuck off..weehhhh

NOTE: Just to make sure everybody understands where my friend macan77 is coming from, I took the liberty of translating what he said.

wahahha..praising yourself? nice...did i say that russia is still a communist country? oh my god..kid, don't pretend you know anything.. i'll say it in tagalog so you'll understand...even before Leninism and Maoism existed, there was Marxism kid..the principles of the two ideologies you mentioned are derived from Marxist principles..and they just expanded and added to it..but in truth, the basic principles of marxism are still there..in this discussion you are making a fool out yourself kid..we're good with that..with russia and china, if the British and the USA are in good terms, we can say the same with Russia and China..economically and militarily they are allies even if russia is no longer communists..and do you know their common ground for being allies? America..because they hate america they are allies..to conter any american domination, those two banded together..just look at the UN, who vetoes everytime america sponsors a resolution? oops you're right kid, it's always russia and china..weehh..trans (insert snicker here)..i thought you are my dealer..i did not manned barricades because it disgusted me doing it and seeing people doing it..most of those people manning are azzholes..i always tell them to fuck off..weehhhh

ps. mods you can erase this post of mine after he read it..just emphasizing my point to someone who seems not able to comprehend though he is very self conceited..whahhaha

Oooh. Not following forum rules (not posting in English) and posting very dubious information. Check. Disparaging someone as "bata". Check. How old are you anyway? For the record, I'm in my late twenties and am constantly kept abreast of current affairs.

Anyway, just to show you that I'm a good sport, let me present you with facts. When you pointed out that the Russian Federation and China have a tendency to veto Security Council resolutions proposed by the United States, I actually thought it was a plausible scenario. After all, Russia and China both hate the USA, right?

Then, I suddenly realized that there is something called the (Intarwebz? Internutz? Intercourse?) Internet, that people can use to check if one's claims were true. I found this little website maintained by the United Nations that contains Security Council records from 1999 to 2011. And wow, what a gold mine of information it was. For example, between 2001 and 2011, did you know that the Russian Federation and China joint-vetoed only two resolutions, one for Myanmar (see S/PV.5619) (http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/scact2007.htm) in 2007 and one for Zimbabwe (see S/PV.5933) (http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/scact2008.htm) in 2008, and that they vetoed the said resolutions because they felt the UN was overstepping its boundaries?

Furthermore, I found more resolutions passed by the Security Council here (http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/scact.htm). The said list, organized by year, also contains voting results. It turns out that the United States vetoed more resolutions than Russia and China combined. Way to go, America.

Thanks to you, macan77, I would not have dug up that information in the first place. I would have just relied on conversations shared over beer and sisig, with friends who work in political and social think-tanks, who I think are better-equipped to articulate my arguments since it's their day job anyway. But I digress. What matters, pare, is that you post stuff about Marxism and Leninism and Maoism without knowing that within the progressive side of the spectrum, the rivalries among the social democrats and the Maoists and hard-line Leninists could be even more rabid than those between Republicans and Democrats. What matters is that you state your opinion that Russia and China hate the USA based on what? Conjecture? You could have just cited an article like this (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-06/16/c_13934280_2.htm) and it would have made your case stronger. But no, you had to pepper your post with personal invective. Which makes your opinion even less credible.

By the way, I'm in my late twenties, I work in a BPO, and use the Internet for research. Try it sometime. It works.

[kerouac82]

Anyway, that being said, I have a feeling China and Vietnam will be acting like allies more than China and Russia will. The reason is that Russia does not have any significant stake in the SEA region and would rather focus on the Caucasus. Their only concern in the Pacific would be Sakhalin and the Kuril archipelago and even so, China has little to gain if it interferes in what is actually a Russia-Japan issue. China and Russia have already collaborated in an exploration project in Sakhalin but the Chinese company decided to pull out last year (http://www.energy-pedia.com/article.aspx?articleid=142279).

Did you know that a recent Russia-China naval exercise was supposed to be held in the Taiwan Strait but was moved to the Shandong Peninsula further north. It can be taken as an indication that Russia does not want to aggravate any existing situation in the western Pacific and would rather focus on more pressing issues back home. My gut feel, though, that should Russia's oil giants want a share of the Western Pacific petroleum pie, they will negotiate with individual governments, including the Philippines, with oil exploration (especially in the Palawan area). Our government should play its cards right when dealing with them.

[b3lowzro]

enough of the serious talk here, no one can take spratlys from us :p

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222573_1854748170995_1309542991_31652713_3857645_n .jpg

[weward]

enough of the serious talk here, no one can take spratlys from us :p

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222573_1854748170995_1309542991_31652713_3857645_n .jpg

amazing amphibious submarine for the Philippines! world's first! :p
and its f*ckin durable even if its on the service almost daily. :D :p

[b3lowzro]

can anyone confirm this, a friend of mine who was into weaponry told me that russia used to offer us diesel powered subs in exchange of money and technology transfer of a certain oil (i think it was coconut).

[dxjayrock2008]

China says first carrier to be used for training

07/27/2011 | 03:51 PM



BEIJING - China's first aircraft carrier is being refitted after being bought second-hand from another country, to be used for research and training purposes, state media cited the Defence Ministry as saying on Wednesday.

The carrier will add to regional concerns about China's military modernisation and arms build-up. Defense spending is rising fast, and Beijing continues to test new high-tech equipment, including a stealth fighter.

Xinhua news agency said it was the first time the government had confirmed it was pursuing a carrier programme, though senior defence officials have talked about its existence in recent weeks, without giving details.

The report did not say when the ship would be launched or start sea trials.

The former Soviet carrier Varyag, bought from Ukraine in 1998 and once destined to become a floating casino, is part of President Hu Jintao's grand scheme to modernize the navy.

The announcement comes as China celebrates 90 years since the founding of the ruling Communist Party, and just ahead of Army Day on Aug. 1.

China will likely acquire at least two more carriers, sources have told Reuters.

The aircraft carrier has been one of China's worst-kept military secrets.

Pictures of it undergoing a refit in Dalian harbour have circulated on Chinese websites for months and it has been widely discussed in state media.

The announcement comes as China has been flexing its muscles more aggressively in the South China Sea, where a territorial dispute with Taiwan and several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, has festered for years.

Analysts say in practical terms it is likely to take the Chinese navy years to have a credible carrier operation in Asia's seas, which have largely been the domain of the U.S. navy since World War Two.

China, which would be the third Asian country to have a carrier after India and Thailand, needs hardware, software and pilot training in order for the ship to present a credible deterrence.

Chinese pilots have yet to master takeoffs and landings from carriers, and it is far from certain what aircraft would use it as a base.

While they have been undergoing training, pilots have far fewer flying hours than their U.S. peers and are in any case considered by analysts to be far more poorly trained overall.

"It will be a long while before China develops a fully-fledged carrier capability, it will take a long time to train the necessary crews ... it may be up to decade until China has carrier capability," said Tim Huxley, director for defence and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.

"China will need at least two and probably more (aircraft carriers) to have proper capability at sea. That may well be what they're planning, this is probably only one step towards that." — Reuters

[d_viper]

enough of the serious talk here, no one can take spratlys from us :p

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222573_1854748170995_1309542991_31652713_3857645_n .jpg

i think we have a huge armada of this ..... although one had recently sunk in the skyway

[Jeffie]

We have to borrow the technology of Russia real soon, like Tesla Coils and Mind Control.. We are up against a tough adversary:

http://blastr.com/assets_c/2009/04/command-conquer-red-alert-3-uprising--20090123102628455-thumb-400x276-15654.jpg

LOL! :D

[weward]

China lashes out at Manila over island claims
http://news.yahoo.com/china-lashes-manila-over-island-claims-084337349.html

BEIJING (AP) — An official Chinese newspaper accused the Philippines Tuesday of lacking a sincere desire to resolve South China Sea territorial disputes and warned of unspecified consequences if China's concerns are ignored.

Recent construction work by Philippine troops on an island claimed by Manila violates the spirit of a preliminary agreement reached last month to resolve disputes in the South China Sea, the ruling Communist Party's flagship People's Daily said.

That shows Manila had merely been putting on "a little show," the paper said in a signed editorial. China won't sit idly by while its territory is swallowed up by others, it said. China claims the South China Sea and all its islands as its territory.

"Were there to be a serious strategic miscalculation on this matter, the due consequences would have to be paid," the newspaper said.

The agreement reached between China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations last month sought to lower tensions that have spiked in recent months over territorial disputes in the potentially resource-rich South China Sea between the Philippines, China and Vietnam.

Manila and Hanoi complain that increasingly assertive Chinese ships have interfered with their oil-exploration efforts or bullied crews, something Beijing denies. Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have also laid claim to overlapping areas.

China has used force in the past to kick Vietnamese troops out of territory it claims, although recent disputes have largely been peaceful.


LOL anybody sees some hypocrisy,hand washing and lying being done?:D
This is absolutely funny. Philippines is too damn serious in getting this matter on a neutral and legit body,which is the United Nations. But what did China did? They rejected it with too many made up reasons. RP touched ITS island,the Reed bank. which is clearly part of the Philippines and is legitimately stated under the UNCLOS.

I dont know but i always see a common pattern among the chinese, they always favor things on themselves and makes up funny reasonings while they are having a secret desire on something. Common pattern in all chinese that i come across with. Some poor chinese and some rich chinese.

No racism here, just observations.

[lrangels]

It is still best to have a UN arbitrated summit. That's because if the talks or negotiations are just going to revolve around the involved parties, it is not going to end since one would not settle for a compromise with another. An arbitrator or mediator in the middle will surely settle the issue and put an end to this charade that's been going on for as long as I can remember... I guess even way before I was born.

This is going to be a post US-USSR cold war among these nations.

;)

[dxjayrock2008]

Spratlys feuds fuel Asian arms race and US industry

By BOBBY M. TUAZON
08/31/2011 | 11:37 AM


This article deals principally with the military repercussions of the renewed territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the profits they bring to the U.S. war industry. It does not, therefore, discuss China’s military modernization and its impact on the SCS territorial tensions.

Just as the post-9/11 “war on terror" was used to justify the U.S.’ increased militarism in Asia Pacific and elsewhere in the world, the heightened territorial disputes in the South China Sea are now being spun to boost the Pentagon’s China encirclement strategy. The tension triggered by the territorial disputes is giving the U.S. grounds for strengthening and expanding its security relationships with traditional allies, vassal states, and other countries in the region. The immediate beneficiary of this enhanced militarism is America’s arms trade involving weapons suppliers and military training providers. Pushing their war industry is President Barack Obama’s new arms exports strategy in the region including Southeast Asia.

Read the whole article from this link. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230986/special-reports/spratlys-feuds-fuel-asian-arms-race-and-us-industry?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=GMANewsFacebook

[toikins]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym2RiJe0fgI/TfIiotbJWsI/AAAAAAAACE4/_cU-5GAIb9M/s1600/Spratly%2BIslands%2BONLY%2BFOR%2B%2Bthe%2BPhilippi nes%2Bby%2BUNCLOS-710148.jpg

From the infos i sniffed, they are thinking of war already.
Weighing things out like what would it result to and what would be the effect on their economy and how the world would react to them.
But i dont think it will push thru.