Beijing vows never to stop construction in South China Sea, says it’s lawful

Сrew members of China’s South Sea Fleet taking part in a drill in the Xisha Islands, or the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. File photo. © AFP Beijing has pledged to “never stop” construction in the South China Sea, insisting its activities are “justified and lawful.” A tribunal at The Hague has rejected…

Selective approach: China slams US statement on Hague Tribunal’s South China Sea ruling

An aerial photo taken though a glass window of a Philippine military plane shows the alleged on-going land reclamation by China on mischief reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines, May 11, 2015. © Ritchie B. Tongo / Reuters China’s Foreign Ministry blasted a statement issued by the US…

After South China Sea Ruling, Beijing Unveils New Guided-Missile Destroyer

On the same day that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, Beijing has commissioned its fourth guided-missile destroyer. The latest 052D Yinchuan destroyer was commissioned at a naval port in Sanya, in the Hainan province. Roughly 150 meters long with a 20-meter beam, the ship is one…

Ill-founded, farcical: Beijing blasts South China Sea ruling, vows to defend its interests

China has gone ballistic over The Hague Tribunal’s rejection of claims to “historic rights” in the South China Sea in a case brought by the Philippines. Beijing called the verdict “ill-founded,” warning its armed forces would defend its maritime interests. President Xi Jinping has acknowledged that China is dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in…