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TIMELINE
South China Sea tensions persist despite global pandemic
by Timothy Gerard
Published 01 Jan 2021
Southeast Asia is in constant military alert while casualties of the SARS COV 2 outbreak increase and some governments struggle to respond to the pandemic. China, the United States, and claimant countries have either expanded, trespassed, or conducted freedom of navigation exercises and drills in the disputed waters.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has yet to agree on a Code of Conduct and unite against creeping Beijing imperialism. In basic terms, the US is accusing China of exploiting the pandemic to further expand its military infrastructure, and China is accusing the US of escalating conflicts while painting itself as an ally of Southeast Asia.
Both countries have made aggressive military manoeuvres in the South China Sea.
In this special report, dozens of news items related to activities of claimants and global superpowers in the South China Sea have been summarised into single paragraphs, spanning December 2019 to 31 December 2020, accompanied by photos of locations where conflicts have occurred across the region.
Photo courtesy of the Voice of America.
Take note: this map does not show Taiwan's claims to parts of the South China Sea
04 December 2019
A military alliance of Atlantic countries has set its sight on China due to its growing military and economic strength. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's leaders affirmed that China presents a strategic challenge with its spending on weaponry and infrastructure, although some diplomats emphasised it is not Europe's interest to antagonise China. NATO was formed in 1949 to combat the Soviet Union, and United States officials are keen on influencing European allies to counter Beijing, particularly by banning communications equipment from Chinese telco Huawei since it allegedly could be used for spying.
13 December 2019
China’s chief diplomat has criticised the US for damaging its ties with China by supporting the revolution in Hong Kong and condemning its treatment of Muslim Uighurs. The US had proposed sanctions on Beijing officials over human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang in northwest China.
China's aircraft carrier Shandong. Photo courtesy of Tyg728
17 December 2019
China’s first locally built aircraft carrier Shandong has been declared ready for service during a ceremony at the southern island province of Hainan, as part of a plan to modernise its armed forces by developing stealth jets and anti-satellite missiles among others. Satellite images show China is producing more carriers at the site.
17 December 2019
China has protested Malaysia’s recent filing of its continental shelf limits in the northern part of the South China Sea, which extends beyond the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
26 December 2019
China’s first locally built aircraft carrier Shandong has sailed into the Taiwan Strait during presidential election campaigns in Taiwan. An anonymous senior Taiwan official said the navy patrol was Beijing’s latest move to meddle in the election. Taiwan has historically opposed China’s One-China Principle which claims Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.
Location of the Natuna Islands
30 December 2019
A Chinese coastguard vessel had been spotted by Indonesian authorities trespassing into its exclusive economic zone, near the northern islands of Natuna. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang maintained that Beijing has sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and that both countries have “normal” fishing activities in the area. Although Indonesia’s foreign ministry reiterated that it claims no island in the South China Sea, the country had issues on fishing rights around Natuna Islands.
01 January 2020
Indonesia says China has no legal basis for its disputed claims on Spratly Islands, which overlaps with ASEAN countries’ exclusive economic zones. The country also noted that Beijing’s historical argument has already been debunked in its legal defeat against the Philippines in 2016 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
03 January 2020
Indonesia has increased its patrols around Natuna Islands after a Chinese coastguard vessel was spotted accompanying fishing vessels in the area.
06 January 2020
Indonesia calls on its fishermen to join warships in the South China Sea and operate in the area to defend against trespassing Chinese vessels. President Joko Widodo emphasised: “there is no negotiation when it comes to our sovereignty.”
07 January 2020
Four fighter jets have been deployed by Indonesia to the South China Sea after a Chinese coastguard vessel and fishing boats were found trespassing around Natuna Islands. The F-16 jets have been conducting flights and standard patrols over the islands.
08 January 2020
Indonesia President Joko Widodo visited an island in Natuna to assert sovereignty after a Chinese coastguard vessel had reportedly accompanied fishing boats and trespassed in the area.
09 January 2020
The Indonesian military has reported that Chinese coastguard vessels and fishing boats have departed waters around the northern Natuna Islands, situated within the country’s exclusive economic zone. The military spokesman said the navy would continue its operations in the area.
10 January 2020
Indonesia has requested Japan to invest in fisheries, energy, tourism, and coastguard coordination in the Natuna Islands after a recent conflict between Beijing and Jakarta when Chinese coastguard and fishing vessels trespassed in the area.
10 January 2020
The US Army plans to expand its artillery and security operations in the Pacific by deploying Multi-Domain Task Forces equipped with long range precision weapons, hypersonic missiles, precision strike missiles, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities.
11 February 2020
The Philippines has terminated the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US to gain independence from American imperialism, and the decision follows the recent US visa revocation of the country’s former police chief who led the war on drugs.
04 April 2020
Vietnam has filed a protest after a Chinese maritime surveillance vessel crashed into a fishing boat manned by eight Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracel Islands in South China Sea. Hanoi’s foreign ministry said the Chinese vessel violated Vietnam’s sovereignty, while the Chinese coastguard noted that the Vietnamese fishermen illegally entered the area and refused to leave, eventually colliding with a Chinese patrol vessel and sank.
Map courtesy of the US Library of Congress
06 April 2020
The US foreign affairs bureau has warned China to stop exploiting the SARS COV 2 outbreak to expand its military infrastructure in the South China Sea. Since the start of the global pandemic, Beijing has announced that it constructed new research stations at Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef, and transported special military aircraft at Fiery Cross Reef.
14 April 2020
Beijing’s Haiyang Dizhi 8 survey vessel has been sighted again in waters within Hanoi’s exclusive economic zone, a year after it was suspected to be conducting oil exploration surveys. The ship was accompanied by at least 10 Chinese coastguard vessels.
16 April 2020
Beijing’s Haiyang Dizhi 8 survey vessel has been observed near the coast of Brunei and Malaysia, tracked by a Malaysian coastguard vessel. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the ship was conducting normal activities.
17 April 2020
Three anonymous regional security sources revealed that Beijing’s Haiyang Dizhi 8 survey vessel has been following an exploration ship owned by Malaysia’s state oil company Petronas in the South China Sea. A Vietnamese vessel was also following Petronas’ ship. The head of Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency noted they “do not know its purpose but it is not carrying out any activities against the law.”
19 April 2020
Vietnam has protested after China announced it had established two self-declared administrative districts on the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands, both under Sansha City in the South China Sea. Sansha City is used by Beijing to administer its illegal nine-dash line claiming the entirety of the South China Sea.
21 April 2020
The US Navy has deployed USS America and USS Bunker Hill near the area where China’s research vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 was spotted, trailing the drillship West Capella which is operated by Malaysia’s oil company Petronas. The two warships specialise in amphibious assault and USS Bunker Hill is a guided-missile cruiser.
Map courtesy of the Centrai Intelligence Agency
21 April 2020
The US military has sailed through Taiwan Strait the same day that China conducted its regular air force drills with fighter jets and nuclear-capable bombers near Taiwan. A senior Taiwanese legislator said China was proving that its military prowess remains unaffected by the pandemic, and is testing if US combat strength has waned.
21 April 2020
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang says Vietnam’s claim in the South China Sea is illegal, and attempts to violate China’s sovereignty are doomed to fail.
The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Parramatta cruises alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as it conducts flight operations in the Persian Gulf. Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway in the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Steel Curtain, an offensive aimed at preventing cells of Al Qaeda from entering Iraq through the Syrian border. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Javier Capella
22 April 2020
Australian frigate HMAS Parramatta and USS Barry has joined two other US warships in the South China Sea as part of a joint exercise. The vessels are situated in the area where China’s research vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 was seen trespassing waters claimed by Vietnam and Malaysia, allegedly exploring for oil.
23 April 2020
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein affirmed that South China Sea disputes have to be resolved by peaceful means, noting that “while international law guarantees the freedom of navigation, the presence of warships and vessels in the South China Sea has the potential to increase tensions (…).” China has been harassing supply ships that service Malaysia’s drillship West Capella, which is operated by state oil company Petronas.
24 April 2020
The US warship USS Barry has sailed through Taiwan Strait for the second time this month for a “routine Taiwan Strait transit.” China has been conducting navy and aerial routine exercises near Taiwan in recent months.
08 May 2020
Vietnam has rejected China’s annual fishing ban in the South China Sea scheduled from 01 May to 16 August, which Beijing argues is meant to promote sustainable marine fishery and improve marine ecology. China’s historical claim of the entire South China Sea is illegal.
12 May 2020
Malaysia’s oil exploration vessel West Capella has left disputed waters where it was being followed by the Chinese research ship Haiyang Dizhi 8. The vessel contracted by state oil company Petronas has finished its exploration activities in the area. Haiyang Dizhi 8 still remains within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone.
15 May 2020
Chinese research ship Haiyang Dizhi 8 has left Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone and is returning to China. The vessel had previously been spotted trespassing waters claimed by Vietnam and Malaysia, allegedly exploring for oil.
An aerial view of Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island). Photo courtesy of Eugenio Bito-onon, Jr.
10 June 2020
Philippines’ defence and military officials have travelled to Thitu Island in the South China Sea to launch a beaching ramp that will help in constructing infrastructure in the island, such as improvements to the landing strip. National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the island would not be militarised and developments would instead focus on turning the area into a viable community. Lorenzana’s plane had previously been told by Chinese authorities to leave during a visit in 2017, but no warnings were sent this time.
26 June 2020
Manila and Hanoi have expressed alarm over Beijing’s continued military expansion in the South China Sea during a regional summit held online. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte noted that incidents have occurred even as the region struggled to contain COVID-19, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that “while the entire world is stretched thin in the fight against the pandemic, irresponsible acts and acts in violation of international law are still taking place.”
02 July 2020
Philippines and Vietnam have warned that China’s plan to hold military exercises near the Paracel Islands in South China Sea could provoke and impact its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
03 July 2020
China’s planned five-day military exercises near the Paracel Islands has received criticism, prompting Beijing to blame the US over the growing conflict in the South China Sea. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian implied that “non-regional countries” conducting military drills in the disputed waters are affecting the region’s stability.
04 July 2020
The US Navy has deployed aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan to the South China Sea to show its commitment to regional security and stability, and a military officer maintained it is not a response to China’s planned five-day military exercises near the Paracel Islands.
06 July 2020
China’s foreign ministry has accused the US of escalating tensions in the Southeast Asian region after it sent two warships in the South China Sea.
09 July 2020
Japan and Australia have expressed worries over tensions in the South China Sea, particularly “the continuing militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous and coercive use of coastguard vessels and ‘maritime militia’.” Both countries did not explicitly mention China.
14 July 2020
Japan’s annual defence report has concluded that China “is continuing to attempt to alter the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea,” noting that Beijing had established administrative districts around disputed islands and thus forcing countries to respond despite struggling with their COVID-19 response. The report also found that Beijing is responsible for the proliferation of propaganda and disinformation regarding COVID-19. China’s foreign ministry says Japan’s report is biased and full of false information.
14 July 2020
Malaysia’s National Audit Department report has concluded that Chinese coastguard and navy vessels have trespassed the country’s exclusive economic zone 89 times between 2016 to 2019, and often remained in the area after being turned away.
14 July 2020
China’s claim to offshore resources across the entire South China Sea has been rejected by the US, arguing that Beijing’s claims have been rebuked already in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling in favour of the Philippines.
14 July 2020
A US diplomat has warned China that Washington could impose sanctions on Beijing officials and enterprises involved in coercion, while a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson retorted they are not afraid of sanctions.
14 July 2020
A US diplomat has warned China that Washington could impose sanctions on Beijing officials and enterprises involved in coercion in South China Sea, while a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson retorted they are not afraid of sanctions.
16 July 2020
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison affirmed that they support the United States and will continue advocating for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) crewmembers participate in a flag unfurling rehearsal with the help of family and friends on the ship’s flight deck during a relatives cruise (called a Tiger Cruise). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) are en route to San Diego, Calif., following an eight-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth Thompson.
17 July 2020
The US Navy has deployed aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan to the South China Sea again to reinforce its commitment to allies and partners in the region, and maintains it is not a response to political events.
19 July 2020
The Chinese embassy in Myanmar accused the US of “outrageously smearing” China and escalating tensions in the Southeast Asian region, arguing that US agencies abroad were doing “disgusting things” to contain China.
20 July 2020
US embassies in the Southeast Asian region have published editorials and statements in social media criticising China’s actions in the South China Sea, which follows Washington’s recent rejection of Beijing’s illegal maritime claims. China in response accused the US of “defaming China with untrue words so as to mislead the public.”
21 July 2020
The US military will be conducting naval exercises with India, Japan, and Australia. Aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan will be respectively carrying out drills in the Indian Ocean and in the Philippine Sea.
24 July 2020
US Marine units will be deployed to Japan as part of the “Force Design 2030,” which is a military plan to cut expenses on aircraft and heavy armour and improve air and naval defences using missile-armed troops in contested areas, particularly to counter China.
25 July 2020
Australia has declared its rejection of China’s illegal claim to the entire South China Sea, noting that it violates the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China had also falsely claimed that the international community recognises its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands, despite opposition from Vietnam and the Philippines.
27 July 2020
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reiterates the country can only pursue diplomacy when addressing South China Sea conflicts since the Philippines has no military capability to go to war against China. Duterte has not utilised the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling in favour of the Philippines, which debunked all of China’s arguments claiming the entire South China Sea.
28 July 2020
Vietnam has signed an agreement with Japan to build six patrol vessels that will improve Hanoi’s maritime operations. The vessels will be built by a Japanese contractor and delivered to Vietnam’s coast guard by October 2025.
29 July 2020
Australia’s foreign minister has clarified that although they are committed to holding China accountable for its actions in the South China Sea and Hong Kong, it is in Australia’s interest to maintain a good relationship with China and they “have no intention of injuring it.”
30 July 2020
The US will be funding the construction of a military fuel reserve in Australia, as part of an agreement to boost defences following the two country’s meeting in Washington.
13 August 2020
Taiwan is planning to acquire underwater sea mines and cruise missiles from the US to improve its coastal defence as China remains firm in upholding the One-China Principle which claims Taiwan as part of China's territory.
15 August 2020
US Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan has conducted flight operations and exercises in the South China Sea.
Map of the Paracel Islands courtesy of MODIS Rapid Response Project, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
20 August 2020
Chinese fighter jets and bombers have been sighted by Vietnam in the Paracel Islands, and China’s defence ministry explained the H-6G and H-6J bombers had conducted take-off and landing exercises and long-distance strikes in the area.
21 August 2020
The Philippine government has reported that China’s coast guard had confiscated equipment from the local fishermen at Scarborough Shoal, adding that China has been issuing radio warnings to Philippine aircraft conducting regular maritime patrols.
25 August 2020
China has accused the US of deploying a U-2 reconnaissance plane in an undisclosed location where live-fire military drills were being conducted. The US military has explained that Air Force personnel “will continue to fly and operate anywhere international law allows, at the time and tempo of our choosing.” China has urged the US to stop its provocative actions.
26 August 2020
Vietnam has accused China of conducting military drills within its exclusive economic zone in the Paracel Islands, arguing it is complicating negotiations between ASEAN and China for the creation of a South China Sea Code of Conduct.
26 August 2020
Multiple Chinese military exercises across the region have alarmed Taiwan and the US, with Taiwan reporting that its surface-to-air missiles have tracked approaching Chinese fighter jets while the US has sent another warship to Taiwan Strait. China had announced four separate exercises in the Bohai Gulf, East Sea, Yellow Sea, and the South China Sea.
26 August 2020
Philippines’ foreign affairs secretary has affirmed that US military presence in the South China Sea is necessary "to have a balance of power situation."
26 August 2020
The US government has blacklisted 24 Chinese individuals and companies involved in the militarisation of the South China Sea. An anonymous US defence official revealed that China had tested four medium-range ballistic missiles in the disputed waters.
27 August 2020
China’s foreign ministry said that the US government’s blacklisting of 24 Chinese individuals and companies involved in the militarisation of the South China Sea is unjust.
27 August 2020
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen said that the risk of conflict in the South China Sea was growing, and Beijing should exercise restraint while communication between countries should remain open to avoid misinterpretations.
28 August 2020
Philippines’ foreign affairs secretary has recommended the termination of deals with 24 Chinese individuals and companies blacklisted by the US government for their involvement in the militarisation of the South China Sea.
29 August 2020
Japan’s defence minister has agreed with the US government to oppose attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea and East China Sea islets claimed by Japan.
31 August 2020
US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey has conducted a “normal” routine transit through Taiwan Strait.
01 September 2020
The Philippine president’s spokesman said they will not terminate infrastructure projects with Chinese individuals and companies blacklisted by the US government for their involvement in the militarisation of the South China Sea.
07 September 2020
The Chinese government has announced further military exercises along the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.
08 September 2020
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen has called for an alliance of democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s military activities in the South China Sea.
08 September 2020
Indonesia’s chief diplomat has advised China and the US to not trap Jakarta in their rivalry in the South China Sea, noting that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ statement last month affirmed its united stance to not taking sides in the US-China conflict.
09 September 2020
Taiwan’s defence ministry has reported that multiple Chinese Su-30 and J-10 fighter jets had passed through the country’s airspace in the southwest.
11 September 2020
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen has visited an air defence missile base and pushed troops to defend the country’s sovereignty after China had conducted air and naval exercises southwest of Taiwan.
11 September 2020
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has urged a diplomatic approach to conflict resolution in the South China Sea while the country is hosting the Chinese defence minister, who is touring four Southeast Asian countries. This statement contradicts the Philippines’ defence secretary’s retracted statement, affirming that the navy will challenge activities violating the country’s maritime territory.
15 September 2020
Indonesia will increase its maritime security operations after a Chinese coastguard vessel was discovered suspiciously lingered within its exclusive economic zone near Natuna Island.
17 September 2020
The Philippines’ third major telecommunications provider with 40% stakes owned by China Telecom has assured it will not install spy equipment in military camps where it was allowed to establish cell sites. Some lawmakers had expressed concerns that DITO Telecommunity Corporation could be a “Trojan Horse.”
21 September 2020
China’s Air Force has published a video showing nuclear-capable H-6 bombers conducting a simulated attack on the United States’ Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
28 September 2020
China has conducted five military drills and live-fire exercises across the Paracel Islands in South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Bohai Sea, and the Yellow Sea.
30 September 2020
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea to strengthen US ties with its East Asia allies.
01 October 2020
Vietnam’s foreign ministry said that China’s recent military drills and live-fire exercises are complicating negotiations between ASEAN and China for the creation of a South China Sea Code of Conduct. Military exercises have also been conducted in the Paracel Islands claimed by Vietnam.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) fires a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) missile from the ship’s forward and aft missile decks during a missile exercise. Mustin is one of seven guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Mustin is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow)
03 October 2020
A Canadian corvette has sailed through Taiwan Strait from the South China Sea, and Taiwan’s armed forces said the situation was normal after monitoring the ship. The US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin had also passed through the area in August, which China said was an extremely dangerous move.
06 October 2020
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken in Japan against Beijing’s military activities in the region during a meeting with the “Quad,” a group of foreign ministers from India, Australia, and Japan. Despite Pompeo’s statement, the three countries have been avoiding calling out China. Pompeo is scheduled to visit two other East Asia countries.
07 October 2020
The Chinese embassy in Japan has accused the US foreign affairs secretary of spreading lies about China, urging the US to “abandon its Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice.” Pompeo is scheduled to visit three East Asia countries.
09 October 2020
A Chinese military spokesperson has reported that the United States’ guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain had entered Paracel Islands in the South China Sea without China’s permission. China’s nine-dash line claiming the entire South China Sea is illegal.
10 October 2020
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed three vessels, a helicopter aircraft carrier, and a submarine in the South China Sea to conduct anti-submarine exercises.
13 October 2020
China’s chief diplomat has warned Southeast Asian countries to be vigilant over the US strategy aggravating geopolitical competition in the South China Sea, explaining that Washington is attempting to portray itself as a trustworthy ally and is promoting a cold war mentality by arousing confrontations among groups.
15 October 2020
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the Energy bureau’s recommendation to resume oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, previously suspended in 2014 due to territorial disputes.
Dongsha (Pratas) Island seen from space on April 21, 2002, taken by crew of Expedition 4 on International Space Station from orbit.
Photo courtesy of The Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center
15 October 2020
Hong Kong air traffic controllers have blocked Taiwan’s UNI Air charter flight on its way to Pratas Island in the South China Sea, explaining there were “dangerous activities” being conducted 26,000 feet below. Hong Kong had not issued warnings or notice of activities that could affect flights. The weekly charter flights going to Pratas Island carry government officials and coastguard personnel.
16 October 2020
Japan’s newly-elected prime minister will visit Vietnam and Indonesia to boost defence cooperation amid China’s military advances in the South China Sea. Japan plans to sign an agreement to export defence equipment to Vietnam.
16 October 2020
China’s foreign ministry spokesman has expressed desire for cooperation with the Philippines in developing energy projects in the South China Sea, after Manila recently lifted an oil and gas exploration ban imposed in 2014 due to territorial disputes.
16 October 2020
Hong Kong air traffic controllers have sent a danger notice to Taiwan related to a flight path to the Pratas Island in the South China Sea, eliciting worries that China could be blockading the islets. In a full transcript published by Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration, a Hong Kong controller did not elaborate if military exercises were being conducted.
19 October 2020
Japan and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen security and economic ties as Japan plans to supply Vietnam with military gear. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will also conduct a joint military drill with US and Australia in the South China Sea.
20 October 2020
Indonesia has rejected the United States’ request to land and refuel its P-18 Poseidon maritime surveillance planes, a request that surprised the country since it has never allowed foreign militaries to operate within its territory. An analyst from the Center for Strategic and International Studies said it indicates how the US does not understand Indonesia and it is overreaching. Indonesia does not formally claim portions of the South China Sea and it is firm in upholding a neutral foreign policy.
20 October 2020
Philippines’ state oil company has planned an energy exploration venture with China National Offshore Oil Corp in the South China Sea in 2021. Manila recently lifted an oil and gas exploration ban imposed in 2014 due to territorial disputes.
20 October 2020
Japan and Indonesia have agreed to discuss exportation of Japanese military technology to improve security and defence cooperation between the two countries, with Indonesia president Joko Widodo noting an “increasingly glaring rivalry between world’s big powers.”
22 October 2020
China has warned it will retaliate against the recent US approval of a $1.8b arms sale to Taiwan, saying it sends a “wrong signal to Taiwan independence forces.” The arms package includes sensors, missiles and artillery, drones made by General Atomics, and Boeing’s land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
24 October 2020
The US Coast Guard has positioned vessels in the western Pacific to conduct fisheries patrols and enhance maritime-domain awareness and enforcement efforts with regional allies that have limited surveillance and enforcement capacity. US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien also explained that “enhancing the presence of the USCG in the Indo-Pacific ensures the United States will remain the maritime partner of choice in the region.”
26 October 2020
China’s foreign ministry has announced that sanctions will be imposed on Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, Raytheon and other US companies involved in the recent $1.8b arms sale between Taiwan and the US.
26 October 2020
Japan and the US have started conducting air, land, and naval drills south of Japan as part of the Keen Sword exercise, which is held every two years and has included cyber and electronic warfare training for the first time.
26 October 2020
India has signed a military agreement with the US to share sensitive satellite data, while the Indian defence ministry noted that the two countries have also discussed the potential signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement on Geospatial Cooperation (BECA) which will provide India with navigational data for targeting missiles and armed drones.
29 October 2020
China and the United States’ military chiefs have convened for a discussion on crisis communication, with US consequently denying reports that Washington is planning to attack parts of the South China Sea using an MQ-9 drone in case President Donald Trump is expected to lose in the election.
11 November 2020
The Philippine government has suspended its decision to terminate its Visiting Forces Agreement with the US in an attempt to establish a more agreeable long-term mutual defence agreement. The military agreement had been terminated following the US visa revocation of the country’s former police chief who led the deadly war on drugs.
12 November 2020
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has commenced the 37th ASEAN Summit in Vietnam, with leaders expected to address the US-China conflict in the South China Sea and discuss post-pandemic economic recovery. The regional bloc will also sign a trade agreement with China and other Asia-Pacific countries, namely the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
15 November 2020
Asia-Pacific countries have signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), considered as the world’s largest free trade bloc that could uphold China’s position as an economic partner of the region. RCEP intends to lower and remove tariffs on industrial and agricultural products which have yet to be elaborated.
17 November 2020
Japan and Australia have “in principle” signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, Japan’s first agreement since the 1960s that would allow foreign military presence in its territory. The two countries have also agreed to create a framework to allow the Japanese military to defend Australian forces when needed.
23 November 2020
US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien has assured the Philippines and Vietnam it will provide support to defend the countries’ rights in the South China Sea. O’Brien recently led the turnover of precision-guided munitions worth $18m in Manila.
24 November 2020
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has condemned the US after National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien assured support for the Philippines and Vietnam in South China Sea conflicts, arguing that O’Brien’s visit was meant to “create chaos in the region in order to seek selfish interests of the US.”
25 November 2020
Philippines’ defence secretary has argued that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could have done more and united in order to stabilise the growing tensions in the South China Sea, noting that “despite its avowed ASEAN centrality, it is anything but.”
08 December 2020
The US has announced a sixth arms sale with Taiwan worth $280m, causing China to express anger while a foreign ministry spokesperson said, “I hope they can distinguish whether the United States is actually helping them or harming them.”
08 December 2020
The Philippines' defence chief has announced that $29m worth of military equipment, which includes sniper rifles and anti-improvised explosive device gear, has been presented by the US Defence secretary during his two-nation visit in Southeast Asia.
08 December 2020
Australia’s defence chief has expressed concern over China’s militarisation of the South China Sea since it suggests that China is not “prepared to negotiate and has asserted its rights to those features.”
17 December 2020
The US Navy has criticised China after its failure to attend Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA)-related meetings, but Beijing explained that the US “insisted on pushing its unilateral agenda [and] even attempting to force China to participate in the meeting before the two sides reached an agreement on the topics.” MMCA dialogues have been conducted since 1998 to review military incidents between the US and China’s People’s Liberation Army.
20 December 2020
Taiwan has deployed six warships and eight air force aircraft after four Chinese vessels led by aircraft carrier Shandong were sighted in Taiwan Strait. The deployed air and navy force will monitor the Chinese vessels’ movement in the South China Sea.
21 December 2020
China has explained that its aircraft carrier Shandong and four Chinese vessels are on their way to routine drills in the South China Sea after being sighted passing through Taiwan Strait.
30 December 2020
US Navy guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain and USS Curtis had conducted a routine transit into Taiwan Strait, to demonstrate Washington’s “commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” China’s aircraft carrier Shandong had also sailed through Taiwan Strait on its way to conduct military drills in the South China Sea.
Suspected Chinese unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)
Photo courtesy of @Jatosint sourced from @Media Selayar and @detikcom, Twitter
31 December 2020
Indonesia has found an unmanned underwater vehicle near Selayar Island in South Sulawesi, and it appears to be a Chinese Sea Wing. Sea Wings had been deployed in the Indian Ocean last February according to Beijing’s natural resources bureau, explaining they were used for scientific research. Data acquired by UUVs are valuable for plotting routes for submarine operations.
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