-(PhilStar 21/2) Philippines, Japan to hold talks on maritime cooperation: During the meeting, the two countries will discuss various areas of cooperation particularly in maritime safety, maritime security, anti-piracy measures, fisheries and marine scientific research.

-(Inquirer 21/2) Philippines to press UN case on disputed sea despite China rejection: “Even if one party does not join or participate, the process will continue until a decision is made”, said Philippine DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. Philippines sees advantage in China’s sea stand

-(China Daily 21/2) China dispatches fleet to patrol South China Sea: A fleet of Chinese marine surveillance ships departed from Guangzhou on Monday to carry out regular patrol missions in the South China Sea. China reiterates opposition to Philippines' arbitration bid

-(PhilStar 21/2) US backs Philippine move to seek international arbitration in sea row: The United States supports the use of diplomatic and other peaceful means to manage and resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea, including the use of arbitration or other international legal mechanisms. Philippines on 'right track' over China challenge

-(Inquirer 20/2) China rejects UN mediation of sea dispute: China says it has rejected the Philippines’ attempt to seek international arbitration over conflicting claims to territory in the South China Sea. China insists again on bilateral talks on South China Sea dispute with Philippines

-(Vietnamplus 20/2) ASEAN, India talk partnership, prosperity visions: ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh emphasised India’s “Look East” policy that has been implementing since 1991 to enhance its relations with ASEAN members.-(Xinhua 19/2) China rejects Philippines' arbitral request: The Chinese government has rejected a Philippine move to take their dispute regarding sovereignty issues in the South China Sea to the United Nations for arbitration, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday. Wary optimism in South China Sea

-(19/2 PhilStar) Philippines to assert claims over disputed sea: The Philippines will assert its extended western continental shelf as part of efforts to bolster the country’s claim over territories in the disputed South China Sea, a ranking official of the Department of Energy said. Philippines plans wider claim on contested sea water

backdrop.jpg-(19/2 CNN) Fishermen caught out by politics of South China Sea: A year ago, a fisherman Efren Forones came back from fishing trips with up to three and half tons of fish. In return he was able to buy 15 to 20 kilos of rice for his family every month and was planning to send at least one of his six children to college. Not any more. China Decides that South China Sea Oil is a National Asset