-(Vietnamplus 22/3) Vietnam, Singapore relations thrive: The sides voiced their support for strengthening solidarity in ASEAN and increasing the association’s role in settling issues relating to peace and security in the region, as well as encouraging its dialogue partners’ involvement in regional cooperation mechanisms. 

-(Inquirer 22/3) Phlippine sea patrols to check on China naval exercises:  Philippine naval security forces are set to conduct “sovereignty patrols” in the South China Sea to check on possible intrusions by Chinese vessels conducting naval exercises within the country’s maritime boundaries, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. China to hold Spratlys war games

-(Manila Standard Today 22/3) Palace sees no intrusion: Philippines confirmed on Thursday that a Chinese ship entered Philippine territory early this week, but denied that it was an “intrusion” into the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Chinese ship intrudes into Kalayaan Island

-(GMA Network 22/3) Philippines determining areas of China sea drills in disputed South China Sea: The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called on China to respect the Philippines’ maritime zones facing the South China Sea amid reports of ongoing Chinese naval drills in the resource-rich waters that Beijing claims in whole. Slipping away? A South China Sea Code of Conduct eludes diplomatic efforts

-(PhilStar 21/3) Washington keen on intensifying security cooperation: The United States assured the Philippines that Washington is determined to intensify defense and security cooperation with Manila in support of its own efforts to boost its national defense capacity. US: Asian sea lanes should be kept open

 -(Manila Bulletin 20/3) US Committed to Working with Philippines Government in Strengthening Military: The United States is committed to working with the Philippine government in strengthening its military and its ability to defend the country. US assures PH of security support

-(Reuters 19/3) China's new diplomats signal thaw with Japan, keeping U.S. at bay: New Chinese leader Xi Jinping's appointment of two top diplomats last week displays a desire to repair relations with long-time rival Japan after months of disruption, while keeping the United States and its strategic pivot to Asia at bay. China's leaders focus inward, wary of "distraction"

-(Xinhua 19/3) Chinese navy training exercise in South China Sea, western Pacific: A Chinese navy fleet, consisting of four warships, will conduct a training exercise in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean after departing from Sanya in south China's Hainan Province Tuesday.

-(The australian 19/3) Kerry maintains Asian pivot position: THE new US Secretary of State John Kerry has quashed suspicions he harbours secret doubts about the wisdom of Washington's so-called "pivot" towards Asia, saying he is as wedded to the policy as his predecessor, Hillary Clinton.

 -(The New York Times 18/3) Does China Have a Foreign Policy: The challenge is for China’s diplomats, who are not represented at the highest echelons of power in Beijing, to make clear to the government how shortsighted and unwise a confrontational foreign policy strategy would be. Top US officials due to visit Beijing to cement ties with new leadership

-(Stratfor 18/3) Vietnam: Naval Strategy and the South China Sea: Hanoi's naval buildup will improve its position as it pursues Vietnamese interests in the South China Sea.

-(Vietnamplus 18/3) April festival to honour Hoang Sa Flotilla: The Vietnamese central coastal province of Quang Ngai will hold the traditional ceremonies to commemorate the sailors of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Flotilla on April 27-28 in Ly Son island district. ASEAN, China review dialogue relations, cooperation:

-(Manilatimes 17/3) Control of the China sea: a military neecessity for China: A respected Australian analyst of the Chinese armed forces suggests that China’s deepest motives are not economic but military, saying that China needs control of the China Sea to achieve defense in depth—to prevent its coastal heartland from being exposed to seaborne attack. China's fishery research ship explores Spratly islands

-(The australian 18/3) South China Sea dispute a long time coming, but solutions are at hand: THE challenges central to the dilemmas in the South China Sea are neither original nor unique. Philippines to discuss maritime security with 6 ally nations 

-(Manila Bulletin 18/3) New China PM Pledges Strong Ties With US: China’s government is committed to strong relations with the US and sees a rosy outlook for trade and investment between the sides, newly appointed Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday in his first news conference in his new role.

-(Bangkok post 17/3) China president Xi calls for 'great renaissance': China's newly-installed president Xi Jinping said on Sunday he would fight for a "great renaissance of the Chinese nation", in his first speech as head of state of the world's most populous country.

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-(Reuters 17/3) China replaces Britain in world's top five arms exporters: China's volume of weapons exports between 2008 and 2012 rose 162 percent compared to the previous five year period