-(The Diplomat 22/8) ADMM-Plus: Talk Shop or Key to Asia-Pacific Security? The forum has potential, but it needs to be prepared to take on the difficult issues. –(Eastasiaforum 21/8) Japan and the Philippines unite against China 

(VOA News 22/8) Cambodia Urges Closer ASEAN Ties With China: Cambodia's foreign minister says a special meeting between ASEAN ministers and China is "crucial," following meetings with his Chinese counterpart this week. -(Asia Times 22/8) Pacific pivot sparks US-China arms race

-(Vietnamplus 21/8) Vietnam’s marine police website makes debut: The Marine Police Department officially launched an online portal on August 20th in a bid to provide the public with insight into the operations of the Vietnam Coast Guard. –(CPV 21/8) Vietnam purchases more 12 Sukhoi Su-30MK2 from Russia

-(Global Times 20/8) China, US defense chiefs announce series of joint drills: China's defense chief Chang Wanquan said China is determined to defend its territory, sovereignty and maritime rights during his visit to the Pentagon, where he and his US counterpart vowed to expand cooperation and exchanges between the two militaries. –(Eastasiaforum 20/8) What is China’s endgame?

-(Nationmultimedia 20/8) Maritime disputes need not be a zero-sum game: Early adoption of the code of conduct - as some ASEAN members would like - might not quickly solve problems for the Philippines and Vietnam in particular disputed areas. But the earlier it is adopted, the better - to prevent future conflict in the region's seas. –(Asiatimes 20/8) Dual track trouble in the South China Sea

-(The Diplomat 20/8) “Victory Without Bloodshed”: China’s India Strategy: “Subduing India, preferably without striking a blow, remains a major Chinese policy objective.” –(The Diplomat 19/8) Airsea Battle VS Offshore Control: Can the US Blockade China?

-(U.S. Department of State 19/8) Hagel, Chang Seek to Bolster Military-to-Military Relations: U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Chang Wanquan today announced that their countries will take a series of steps to improve military-to-military relations. –(Bloomberg 19/8) Chang Sees U.S. Playing Positive Role in Asia

-(Tribune 19/8) US help in maritime security key focus area in framework deal: Amid tension with China over the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine government is pushing joint activities with the United States military to boost maritime security and maritime domain awareness. -(PhilStar 18/8) FAQs on US troops’ increased presence:

-(PhilStar 19/8) Joint activities with US pushed: The panel tasked to negotiate with the United States regarding the plan to increase rotational presence of American troops in the country is pushing for joint activities that would boost maritime security and disaster response capabilities.

-(The Diplomat 18/8) China’s “Warfare” Strategies and Tactics: China employs military actions to achieve political outcomes in territorial disputes. Understanding them is important if conflict is to be avoided.

-(Philippine Information Agency 16/8) Asean to work toward reinforcing ties with China: Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have agreed that relationship between Asean member countries and China will play a major role in maintaining peace and stability in Asia, local press reported Thursday.