China must prepare for ‘people’s war at sea’: Defence minister

BEIJING: China’s defence minister has urged preparations for a “people’s war at sea” to counter offshore security threats and safeguard sovereignty, state media reported on Tuesday.

Chang Wanquan’s comments came several weeks after an international tribunal dismissed the country’s claim to most of the South China Sea, a judgement it angrily rejected.

Chang “called for recognition of the seriousness of the national security situation, especially the threat from the sea”, Xinhua news agency said.

Tribunal rejects China’s expansive South China Sea claims

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An international tribunal rejected China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea in a landmark ruling Tuesday that also found the country had aggravated the seething regional dispute and violated the Philippines’ maritime rights by building up artificial islands that destroyed coral reefs and by disrupting fishing and oil exploration.

While the decision is seen as a major legal declaration regarding one of the world’s most contested regions, China immediately rejected it as a “farce” and the true impact is uncertain given the tribunal has no power of enforcement.

While the findings cannot reverse China’s actions, it still constitutes a rebuke, carrying with it the force of the international community’s opinion. It also gives heart to small countries in Asia that have helplessly chafed at China’s expansionism, backed by its military and economic power.

PLA warships carry out biggest live-fire drills yet in South China Sea

General Wu Shengli, commander of the PLA Navy

 

Exercises in the South China Sea draw South, North and East Sea fleets, and come ahead of an international ruling on Beijing’s claims in the waters

The PLA Navy has carried out its largest live-fire drill yet in the South China Sea, ahead of a ruling by an international tribunal on a dispute with the Philippines over claims to the strategic waters.

Warships from the north and east fleets joined the south fleet in the drills, the army mouthpiece PLA Daily said on its website.

China sends message to US, Japan with frigate near Senkaku

BEIJING — A Chinese frigate on Thursday sailed through a “contiguous zone” near the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands, in the East China Sea.

The move was an attempt to check criticism coming from both Japan and the U.S. over China’s aggressive actions in and above the nearby South China Sea.

Chinese coast guard boats have often sailed into waters near the Senkaku islands, also claimed by China, but this is the first time a Chinese Navy vessel — a 3,900-ton Jiangkai class frigate — has come near the area.

America sounds ‘arms race’ alert over South China Sea amid fears of military conflict

The alleged ongoing land reclamation by China on Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines Photo: REUTERS

The top US commander in the Pacific criticises ‘might is right’ approach as China scorns international tribunal on disputed waters

America’s top military commander for the Pacific has taken a thinly veiled swipe at China as he warned that a dangerous arms race over the disputed waters of the South China Sea could “engulf” the region.

Admiral Scott Swift said that nations could be increasingly tempted to use military force instead of international law to settle territorial claims.