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☆ Philippines says Chinese navy ship spotted near disputed island
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, March 4 (Reuters) - The Philippines said on Saturday it had spotted a Chinese navy ship and dozens of militia vessels around a contested Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea, as territorial tensions mount in the area. The Philippine Coast Guard said 42 vessels believed to be crewed by Chinese maritime militia personnel were seen in the vicinity of Thitu island, while a Chinese navy vessel and coast guard ship were observed "slowly loitering" in the surrounding waters. "Their continuing unauthorised presence is clearly inconsistent with the right of innocent passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines' territorial integrity," the coast guard said in a statement. Marcos last month summoned the Chinese ambassador to complain about the intensity and frequency of China's actions in the South China Sea. The Philippines has filed 77 complaints against China's activities in the sea, including a claim that a Chinese coast guard ship on Feb. 6 directed a "military-grade laser" at one a Philippine coast guard ship on a supply mission.

☆ China's defence spending increases have been 'reasonable' - parliament spokesman
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING, March 4 (Reuters) - China's defence spending as a share of gross domestic product has been kept basically stable for many years, with the increases "moderate" and "reasonable", the spokesman of the country's parliament said on Saturday. "The modernisation of China's military will not pose a threat to any country," Wang Chao, spokesman for the National People's Congress, told reporters. Wang was asked at a news conference by how much China's defence budget would increase this year, and whether any increase would be larger than in previous years. The spending figure will be officially unveiled in the national budget to be released on Sunday at the start of this year's annual meeting of parliament. China staged war games near Taiwan in August to express anger at the visit to Taipei of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Lavrov also said the question of when Russia will negotiate an end to the war should be put to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Earlier in the day Blinken had met with his counterparts from the Quad, as the grouping is informally called, and they issued a statement saying "the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible". Late last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended a landmark nuclear arms control treaty and threatened to resume nuclear tests. During their brief exchange on the sidelines of the G20 meeting on Thursday, Blinken told Lavrov to end the war and urged Moscow to reverse its suspension of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) on nuclear weapons. China has denounced the Quad as a Cold War construct and a clique "targeting other countries".

☆ Factbox: What to look for as China kicks off its annual session of parliament
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Laurie Chen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Besides meeting annually to deliberate legislation and appoint government personnel, it oversees the State Council, China's cabinet. Its top body, the roughly 170-member NPC Standing Committee, meets more frequently to pass legislation. The Standing Committee also has the power to amend semiautonomous Hong Kong's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law. The NPC will also appoint top government positions including vice president, NPC chair, vice premiers, state councillors, head of the Supreme Court and ministers. China will announce its central and local government budgets, military spending budget and economic growth target on the opening day of the NPC.

☆ Taiwan reports second day of large Chinese incursion into its air defense zone
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Chinese military jet flies over Pingtan island, one of mainland China's closest points to Taiwan, on August 5, 2022. Taiwan reported on Thursday a second day of large-scale Chinese air force incursions into its air defense identification zone, with its defense ministry saying that over 24 hours it had spotted 21 aircraft, amid Beijing's military pressure campaign. Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has complained for the past three years or so of stepped-up Chinese military activities near the island as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims. Taiwan's defense ministry said the aircraft, 17 J-10 fighters and four J-16 fighters, had flown into the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defense identification zone, according to a map the ministry released. The lightly defended Pratas are strategically located at the top of the South China Sea, and many of China's fly-bys happen nearby.

☆ Taiwan reports second day of large Chinese incursion into its air defence zone
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TAIPEI, March 2 (Reuters) - Taiwan reported on Thursday a second day of a large scale Chinese air force incursion into its air defence zone, with its defence ministry saying that in the past 24 hours it had spotted 21 aircraft, as part of Beijing's ongoing military pressure campaign. Taiwan's defence ministry said the aircraft, 17 J-10 fighters and four J-16 fighters, had flown into the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone, according to a map the ministry released. The lightly-defended Pratas are strategically located at the top of the South China Sea and many of China's fly-bys happen nearby. Taiwan's forces monitored the situation, including sending up its own air force planes, the ministry added, using the normal phrasing for its response to such Chinese incursions. The ministry on Wednesday reported 19 Chinese aircraft flying in Taiwan's air defence zone.

☆ Lockheed Martin hopes to deliver more F-35s to Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) hopes Australia wants to buy more of its F-35 fighter planes after the country completes an ongoing defence review, an executive at the U.S. manufacturer said on Tuesday. "We hope for the opportunity to deliver additional F-35s beyond" the 72 Australia has on order, Executive Vice President of Aeronautics Greg Ulmer told reporters on the sidelines of the Australia International Airshow. Ulmer also said Lockheed has had initial talks with Australia about teaming the F-35 with Boeing Co's (BA.N) MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter-like drone. Australia has purchased 72 Lockheed F-35A jets to form three squadrons, with all aircraft scheduled to be fully operational this year. A defence strategic review considering Australia's future force posture - including the possible purchase of a fourth squadron of F-35 jets - was handed to the government on Feb. 14.

☆ Thailand hosts thousands of US troops for annual 'Cobra Gold' drills
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Kwang Jirapornkuhakan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

RAYONG, Thailand, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Thailand and the United States kicked off on Tuesday military exercises involving more than 7,000 personnel and forces from 30 countries, with the annual drills including a component focused on space exercises for the first time. "Cobra Gold", launched in 1982, is one of the world's longest-running multilateral military exercises and the biggest in Southeast Asia, serving as a key platform for Washington to shore up alliances in Asia at a time of increasing competition with China. After the drills were scaled back during the pandemic, nearly 6,000 U.S. troops will take part this year, Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said, the highest number in a decade. Tensions have increased in the region between the United States and China over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and over self-ruled Taiwan. Military and civilian space agencies from Thailand, the United States and Japan will take part, it said.

☆ Russia's struggles in Ukraine are showing US special operators that they'll need to fight without their 'tethers' to win future wars
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

For US special operators, the war is a reminder that such a network won't always be available. Ukraine thwarted Russia's initial attack and, with extensive Western support, has driven Russia's forces back. Logistics and special operatorsRomanian, Ukrainian, and US Army Green Berets conduct close quarters battle training in Romania in May 2021. We are trained and mentally prepared to fight without much logistical support," said the Green Beret, who was granted anonymity to discuss potential future operations. "Again, depending on the unit and the mission, we will require some sort of logistical support eventually.

☆ U.S. warns China that helping Russia in war in Ukraine would 'alienate' it from world
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Adam Edelman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks at a press briefing at the White House on Dec. 12, 2022. President Joe Biden's top national security adviser said Sunday that the White House had not yet seen China provide Russia with lethal assistance in its war on Ukraine and warned Beijing that doing so would be against its interests. "We have not seen China yet provide military equipment to Russia for purposes of fighting in the war in Ukraine. We haven't seen it yet," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on NBC News' "Meet the Press." A Chinese fighter jet flew within 500 feet of a U.S. Navy plane over the South China Sea last week.

☆ Chinese Jet Fighter Shadows U.S. Aircraft Over South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Alastair Gale | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

ABOARD A U.S. PATROL AIRCRAFT—A Chinese J-11 jet fighter, armed with four air-to-air missiles, appeared at the rear of an American P-8 patrol aircraft, passed above and settled a few hundred feet from the wing of the U.S. Navy plane. “American aircraft, this is the PLA air force. You are approaching Chinese airspace. Keep a safe distance or you will be intercepted,” a Chinese military ground station broadcast to the P-8, using the abbreviation for the People’s Liberation Army.

☆ Chinese Jet Fighters Step Up Pressure on U.S. Aircraft Over South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Alastair Gale | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A Chinese air force fighter flies close to a U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea on Friday. ABOARD A U.S. PATROL AIRCRAFT—A Chinese J-11 jet fighter, armed with four air-to-air missiles, appeared at the rear of an American P-8 patrol aircraft, passed above and settled a few hundred feet from the wing of the U.S. Navy plane. “American aircraft, this is the PLA air force. You are approaching Chinese airspace. Keep a safe distance or you will be intercepted,” a Chinese military ground station broadcast to the P-8, using the abbreviation for the People’s Liberation Army.

SINGAPORE, Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S streaming giant Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) is making preparations to open an office in Vietnam after years of negotiations with authorities and completing a risk assessment, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. Netflix declined to comment in response to Reuters questions about its plans and its current operations in Vietnam. The office could open as early as late 2023 but will require a lengthy regulatory process that could take longer, according to one of the sources. As Vietnamese officials grow more confident in the country's rising consumer power, however, they have begun ramping up pressure on tech firms to abide by the rules. With the fastest growing middle class in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has become a key market for tech giants.

☆ Australia, Philippines discuss joint patrols in South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MANILA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday he discussed with his Philippine counterpart pursuing joint patrols in the disputed South China Sea. Marles was speaking at a joint news conference with Philippines Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez after holding talks in Manila. "We did talk today about the possibility of exploring joint patrols and we will continue that work and we hope that comes to fruition soon." The possibility of the Philippines and Australia holding joint patrols comes on the heels of similar discussions between Manila and Washington about conducting joint coast guard patrols, including in the South China Sea. Reporting by Karen Lema Editing by Ed Davies, Kanupriya KapoorOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Jakarta, ahead of a round of negotiations on the code starting in March. Qin added that China and ASEAN will jointly safeguard peace and stability in the strategic trade corridor, through which about $3.4 trillion of goods pass each year. China would work with ASEAN countries to accelerate consultations on the code, he said. Beijing claims much of the South China Sea and has built islands from which it is capable of deploying advanced weaponry. China and ASEAN countries agreed in 2002 to work towards creating a code of conduct and it was 15 years before moves were underway to create a framework for negotiations.

☆ Explainer: A year into Ukraine war, how has China stood by 'no limits' partner Russia?
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Laurie Chen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Here are the implications for China as the war approaches its one-year anniversary on Feb. 24. While China has repeatedly called for peace, President Xi Jinping has stood by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, resisting Western pressure to isolate Moscow. China has sought to avoid providing support to Russia that would invite sanctions upon itself, including refraining from providing weapons. Beijing has repeatedly opposed any linkage between the Ukraine war and its intentions to "reunify" with the self-ruled island that it claims as its territory. "The result and the cost of the war show the Chinese that an invasion is Taiwan may not be prudent," said Sun.

☆ Chinese air force bombers show off their growing reach with a long-range drill over the South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Kristin Huang | South China Morning Post | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Chinese H-6K bomber patrolling over islands and reefs in the South China Sea. "Probably, the fighter aircraft [was] deployed from the bases on the artificial islands in the Spratly Islands to support simulated strikes in the South China Sea. "The early warning aircraft can help monitor potential threats in the air, most notably enemy fighter aircraft that may try to shoot down the bomber. The early warning aircraft can also help coordinate activities among the different planes. Although the drill showed the enhanced ability of the Chinese air force, the bomber's capability boosted the threat already posed to US military forces by only a little, Heath said.

☆ Philippines, U.S. discuss joint coast guard patrols in South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - The Philippines and the United States are discussing conducting joint coast guard patrols, including in the South China Sea, a Manila official said on Monday. Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) spokesperson on South China Sea issues, told CNN Philippines that talks with the United States have advanced beyond the infancy stage and the likelihood of carrying out joint patrols is high. "There is also a possibility that it will be conducted in the South China Sea in support of the freedom of navigation of the United States government," he said. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the joint patrols. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr last week summoned China's ambassador to relay his concern over the frequency and intensity of China's actions in the South China Sea.

☆ President Marcos says Philippines 'will not lose an inch' of territory
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Summary Philippines to uphold territorial sovereignty -MarcosChina's actions insufficient to invoke defence treaty with U.S.MANILA, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Saturday that the country "will not lose an inch" of territory, his remarks coming on the heels of continuing maritime tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. "This country will not lose an inch of its territory. We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our constitution and with international law. However, Marcos sees the laser pointing incident as insufficient to invoke a mutual defence treaty with United States, a longstanding ally. China's recent actions came just a month after Marcos' state visit to Beijing, where the two countries pledged to handle disputes peacefully and boost cooperation.

☆ Harris warns against Chinese support for Russia in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MUNICH, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday warned that Chinese support for Russia in its war in Ukraine would reward aggression, as the two powers traded barbs at a prominent security conference in Germany. "Any steps by China to provide lethal support to Russia would only reward aggression, continue the killing, and further undermine a rules-based order," she said. China and Russia announced a "no limits" partnership shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago. Washington warned Beijing not to provide material support for the war effort or to help Moscow sidestep Western sanctions. Harris, meanwhile, said Putin's invasion of Ukraine could strengthen efforts by other "authoritarian" countries, a characterization the Biden administration often uses to describe China's political system.

☆ Philippines, U.S. to hold biggest war games in years
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, Feb 15 (Reuters) - The Philippines and the United States will this year carry out their biggest joint military drills since 2015, Manila's army chief said on Wednesday, against a backdrop of growing tensions with China in the South China Sea. President Marcos on Tuesday summoned China's ambassador to express "serious concern" over the intensity and frequency of China's activities in the South China Sea, most of which China claims as its territory. China's use of a laser against a Philippine vessel on Feb. 6, which its foreign ministry insists was legal, has sparked expressions of concerns and support from Australia, Japan, and the United States. The Philippines has granted Washington greater access to its military bases as part of the latter's efforts to deter China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and tension over self-ruled Taiwan. In 2015, more than 11,000 troops from both countries participated in the joint military exercises.

☆ Philippines urges China to prevent any 'provocative act' after complaint over laser
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

China should restrain its forces to prevent them committing any "provocative act," the Philippine military said on Monday, after Manila accused China's coast guard of using a laser to try to disrupt a resupply mission to troops in the South China Sea. "I think it's time for the Chinese government to restrain its forces so that it does not commit any provocative act that will endanger the lives of people," military spokesperson Medel Aguilar told reporters. Aguilar quoted the Philippine defense chief as saying the Chinese action was "offensive" and unsafe. The incident took place at the Second Thomas Shoal, 105 nautical miles (120.83 miles) off the Philippine province of Palawan. The shoal is home to a small Philippine military contingent on board a rusty ship.

☆ Philippines files protest to China over use of laser, "aggressive activities" by vessels
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The Philippines on Tuesday filed a diplomatic protest calling on Beijing to ensure its vessels cease "aggressive activities" after Manila accused China's coast guard of trying to block one of its ships in the South China Sea using a laser. The Philippine coast guard said on Monday a Chinese coast guard ship directed a "military-grade laser" at one of Manila's vessels supporting a resupply mission to troops in the disputed waterway on Feb. 6, temporarily blinding its crew on the bridge. The actions of China's coast guard vessel were a threat to Philippine sovereignty and security and the country had a prerogative to conduct legitimate activities within its exclusive economic zone, the ministry said. "We urge the Philippines to avoid such actions, and the actions of China's staff are professional and restrained," China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, told a regular briefing. The Philippines has filed 203 diplomatic notes against China since last year, foreign ministry data showed.

☆ U.S. backs Philippines in laser dispute with China
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - The United States on Monday said it stood with the Philippines after Manila accused China's coast guard of using a laser to try to disrupt a resupply mission to troops in the South China Sea. "The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard's reported use of laser devices against the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard ship on February 6 in the South China Sea," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. China's foreign ministry said its coast guard conducted actions according to the law. Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Editing by Sandra MalerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Philippines Says Chinese Ship Flashed Military-Grade Laser to Disrupt Coast Guard Mission
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Feliz Solomon | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

China’s coast guard used a military-grade laser to disrupt a resupply mission by the Philippines in the South China Sea, Philippine authorities said—the latest in a series of encounters that have raised tensions in the disputed waterway. The Philippine coast guard said in a statement Monday that Chinese coast guard vessels accompanied by boats belonging to China’s maritime militia created a blockade Feb. 6 around an atoll known as Second Thomas Shoal, which China also claims. The statement said the Chinese vessels deliberately prevented Philippine vessels from reaching an outpost there that has been a source of contention between the two nations in the past.

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