-(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.

-(The Diplomat 31/7) US Makes Up Some Lost Diplomatic Ground Over South China Sea: After some setbacks, the U.S. is making progress in its diplomatic struggle with China.

-(Blômberg 30/7) Philippines raises concern over South China Sea radio warnings that demand Philippine aircraft and ships to stay away from newly fortified islands and other territories.

-(VOA 17/7) Surge in SCS Naval Exercises in 2018 Vexes Beijing: A surge in naval maneuvers in the South China Sea by Western allies this year is keeping China from any further expansion into the contested waters.

-(PhilStar 17/7) Philippines Palace denies government inaction on SCS dispute: The Duterte administration acts swiftly but “quietly” on every act of violation of Philippine sovereignty by the Chinese, said Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.