• ‘Joint oil exploration in WPS to tie PHL’s hands’

AN expert at a leading American think tank said the Philippines’s assertion of sovereignty will be impaired if it actively participates in a joint exploration for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

• South China Sea likely to be high on Asean agenda when Vietnam takes the chair

Territorial disputes over the resource-rich South China Sea are expected to feature prominently in engagements between China and Asean next year as Vietnam prepares to take over as chairman of the regional body.

• ASEAN members optimistic about 2021 target for South China Sea code of conduct

ASEAN members remain optimistic that they can come up with a substantive and effective code of conduct on the South China Sea by 2021. Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen said developing the code of conduct is vital as there is potential for mishaps and incidents to occur in the disputed waters. May Wong reports.

•   Gov’t urged to support diplomatic pressures to stop clam harvesting in West PHL Sea

A US scientist on Tuesday urged the Philippine government to support the ongoing diplomatic pressure to stop the harvest of clams and unsustainable fishing in the West Philippine Sea amid damage to its ecosystem due to Chinese activity.

• Stop Provoking Tensions in South China Sea, Beijing Tells Washington

The Chinese defense chief warned the United States on Monday against provoking military tensions by “flexing muscles” in the contested South China Sea, while his American counterpart urged claimant nations to use their sovereign spaces “or risk losing them.”

• China: U.S. willful trespassing is cause of tensions in South China Sea

Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the U.S. willful trespassing is the cause of tensions in the South China Sea, and its attempt to sow discord is the threat to regional peace and stability.

• US warships conduct back-to-back freedom-of-navigation passes in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy twice over two days sent warships steaming into disputed areas claimed by China in the South China Sea, according to the 7th Fleet at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

• US to rev up sea, air operations in SCS

The United States military intends to further increase sea and air activities over the disputed South China Sea in keeping with its resolve to keep the vital sea lane free and open to maritime and air navigation

• 2016 arbitral ruling allows China to explore untapped resources in the high seas —Carpio

Former Senior Associate Justice and maritime law expert Antonio Carpio on Tuesday said China has actually benefited from the 2016 international tribunal ruling even as it favored the Philippines and denigrated its massive claim in the South China Sea.

• South China Sea shock: Beijing’s radar in Philippine-claimed reef sparks fury with rivals

BEIJING is once again at the centre of controversy in the South China Sea as one of their aerostat radars has been spotted on a Philippine claimed island.