-(SCMP 19/3) Beijing plans ‘strategic service and logistics base’ on Woody Island, two islets in SCS: It came after US challenge in the region and criticism of ‘China’s illegal island-building in international waterways’.

-(Washington Post 19/3) The U.S. quietly made a big splash about the SCS: Mike Pompeo just reaffirmed Washington has Manila’s back.

-(New York Times 18/3) US Navy Won't Alter Sail-Bys at Sea Despite China Maneuver: Vice Adm. Phillip Sawyer, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, told that Washington protested that "unprofessional behavior" by the Chinese ship.

-(Nikkei 16/3) Xi's SCS 'Fishermen' Risk Hooking U.S. Into Conflict: Chinese friction with Philippines and Vietnam raises odds of miscalculation.