-(The Diplomat 15/8) Xi Jinping’s Overlooked Revelation on China’s Maritime Disputes: Although unnoticed by foreign analysts, Xi Jinping recently signaled a desire to dial back tensions in the South and East China Seas. –(The Japan Times 15/8) A political maelstrom in the South China Sea 

-(The Bangkok Post 15/8) Asean agrees on South China Sea conduct: Asean foreign ministers agreed yesterday to a code of conduct (COC) to tackle conflicts in the South China Sea. –(Channel NewsAsia 14/8) ASEAN vows unity on South China Sea

-(GMA Network 14/8) Amid protests, talks start on increased US military presence in PHL: The Philippines and the United States on Wednesday started negotiations for the proposed increase in the US forces' rotational presence in the country despite questions on its constitutionality and the possibility that it may become a magnet for anti-US sentiments. –(The Diplomat 14/8) Reaffirming India’s South China Sea Credentials

-(Vietnamplus 14/8) AMM Retreat eyes post-2015 vision for ASEAN: Discussing the East Sea issues, the ministers emphasised the significance of the ASEAN-China relations in maintaining peace, stability and maritime security and safety in the East Sea , the settlement of disputes through peaceful methods, with respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

-(The Bangkok Post 14/8) Ministers discuss South China Sea: Southeast Asian foreign ministers met Wednesday at a Thai beach resort in Hua Hin to discuss conflicts in the South China Sea and other issues related to ties with Beijing. –(Gulf News) Asean ministers discuss South China Sea pact

-(The Economic Times 14/8) US reluctant to take sides in Asian territorial disputes involving China: The more power China has accumulated and the more assertive it has become, the more reluctant the US appears to be to take sides in Asian territorial disputes, although they involve its strategic allies or partners. –(The Jakarta Post 14/8) China and ASEAN: Cooperation or conflict?

-(GMA Network 14/8) South China Sea unlikely topic in China expo: A Malacañang spokesperson on Wednesday said it is not yet confirmed if President Benigno Aquino III will be flying to China for a trade event, adding it is very unlikely that the West PHL Sea dispute will be discussed there. -(PhilStar 14/8) PNoy to visit China to ease sea dispute? 

-(GMA Network 14/8) Despite legal questions, talks start on US 'rotational presence' in PHL: The Philippines and the United States on Wednesday started negotiations for the proposed increase in the US forces' rotational presence in the country despite questions on its constitutionality and the possibility that it may become a magnet for anti-US sentiments. 

-(SCMP 13/8) Manila looks to US military 'assets' to help defend sea claims: Philippines forging closer military ties with US amid rift with China over sea claims. –(Philippine Daily Inquirer 12/8) Philippines vows to ‘tap every resource’ to defend disputed sea

-(Tuoitrenews 12/8) Vietnam not to join any military alliance: Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh has reiterated Vietnam’s stance of neither letting any foreign countries establish a military base in the country nor forming a military alliance with them.

-(The New York Times 11/8) Chinese Foot-Dragging: If there is ever going to be an end to tensions over the South China Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, countries in the region need to find a way to work out their volatile maritime disputes.-(Nippon 12/8) China’s Face-off with ASEAN

-(Gulfnews 12/8) Back off from China bashing, Philippine officials told: ‘Shame China’ policy has contributed largely to the deteriorating relations between the Philippines and China. –(InterAksyon 13/8) US troops' 'rotational presence' constitutional 

-(Malaya 12/8) US to PH: Stop anti-China rhetorics: The US has taken a neutral position   and has always been consistent in urging a peaceful resolution of conflicting claims.’ –(China Focus 12/8) Dangerous Congressional Meddling in the South China Sea

-(Nationmultimedia 12.8) China-Asean relationship: Cooperation or conflict? Consultations on South China Sea must move ahead and progress to avoid conflict. -(Eastasiaforum 10/8) ASEAN the key to security in Asia

-(Philippine Daily Inquirer 10/8) China’s maritime ambitions making waves in Pacific: China’s communist rulers are making waves in the Pacific as they extend their naval strength and reach while Japan and the Philippines bolster their own fleets, increasing the risk of a maritime conflict, analysts say.

-(Vietnamplus 10/8) Russia helps Vietnam improve military capacity: Cooperation with Russia in military technology, personnel training and technology transfer is important for Vietnam in improving its army’s capacity and combat readiness to protect the national sovereignty and integrity. (Thanhniennews 10/8) Vietnam receives another new helicopter from France