- (ASPI 9/10) Freedom-of-navigation operations aren’t all about the SCS: that artificial islands don’t generate territorial entitlements.  

-(VNExpress 8/10) VNese PM highlights Japan's role in maintaining peace in SCS: Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has called on Japan to enhance its role in promoting peace and stability in the SCS.

-(New York Times 18/9) With a Submarine, Japan Sends a Message in the South China Sea: “We are sending a signal that China cannot just do whatever it wants to do and get away with it.”

-(Asia Times 18/9) For first time, a Japanese sub takes part in South China Sea drills: Anti-submarine warfare exercises included helicopter carrier, two destroyers.

-(ASPI 23/8) China’s charm offensive in the SCS: As regional countries get caught up with the code of conduct negotiations, there’s a risk that Southeast Asia will lose sight of the broader picture in the SCS.

- (The Japan Times 22/8)Japan to send helicopter destroyer for rare long-term joint exercises in SCS and Indian Ocean: It will send three vessels — including its largest, the helicopter destroyer Kaga — for a more than monthlong tour set to begin Sunday and run through October.

-(ABS-CBN 8/8) Singapore asserts rule of law to calm SCS tensions, saying even parties without claims to the waters are affected when tensions escalate.

-(The Australian 7/8) China ‘moves to limit US influence’ in SCS code negotiations: The draft reportedly includes a proposed clause from China that countries should not hold joint military exercises with countries from outside the region.