Weekly News 27 December - 3 January

27/12/2010

-(Asahi Shimbun 31/12) China's scenario to seize isles in South China Sea - Its military has drawn up an internal tactical plan to seize control of islands in the South China Sea that are now under the effective control of other nations, sources said. -(International Business Times 30/12) China's new missile won't block U.S., admiral says - China's new anti-ship "aircraft carrier killer" missile has achieved "initial operational capability," but that won't affect the United States military's operations in the commercially vital South China Sea, a top U.S. military commander said. -(Beijing Review 30/12) 2010 in Retrospect: Sino-U.S. Relations -(VOA 30/12) China Calls for US to Play 'Constructive' Role in Asia -(Today Online 29/12) Asia's unstable rise will get tougher in 2011 - Many herald Asia's rise in the wake of the financial crisis. Compared to the United States and Europe, prospects in the region do look good. Events both recent and over the year, however, warn us not to assume the phenomenon is irresistible. While rising, the region is exposed to continuing sources of instability. -(Deccan Herald 29/12) Regional conflicts on cards, but we are prepared: China - As tension simmers in the Korean peninsula, China has said a regional conflict cannot be ruled out, but its armed forces comprising 2.3 million personnel are ''better prepared'' to deal with any eventuality.; (The Diplomat 28/12) China's Military Surprises - In a year in which the region’s news was frequently dominated by questions over whether China had abandoned the path of a ‘peaceful’ rise, it was perhaps inevitable that 2010 would be rounded out with a few bits of news that underscore China’s growing military prowess.