China is building a string of artificial islands to fortify its position in the disputed South China

[Hindustani78]

WATERS TO THE SOUTH OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (May 23, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) conducts a trilateral naval exercise with the French frigate FS Aconit (F-713) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyers Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) and Gang Gam-chan (DDH 979) in support of theater security operations. Lassen is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Evan Kenny/Released)

WATERS TO THE SOUTH OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (May 23, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) conducts a trilateral naval exercise with the French frigate FS Aconit (F-713) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyers Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) and Gang Gam-chan (DDH 979) in support of theater security operations. Lassen is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Evan Kenny/Released)

WATERS TO THE SOUTH OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (May 25, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), front, conducts a trilateral naval exercise with the Turkish navy frigate FTCD Gediz (F-495) and the Republic of Korea navy destroyers Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) and Gang Gam-chan (DDH 979) in support of theater security operations. Lassen is on routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Evan Kenny/Released)

USS Lassen Conducts Multilateral Exercises with Allied Navies
5/27/2015 9:02:00 AM

From Commander, Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) and ships from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) conducted separate one-day multilateral naval exercises with France and Turkey in the waters south of the Korean peninsula May 23 and 25.

The exercises, conducted with French frigate FS Aconit (F-713) May 23 and Turkish frigate TCG Gediz (F-495) May 25, were designed to increase maritime interoperability and strengthen long-standing partnerships with these participating United Nations Sending States.

France and Turkey are two of the 17 nations that have reaffirmed their national commitment as Sending States to the United Nations Command with a promise to return to Korea should the armistice agreement fail.

"It is an incredible experience to conduct high-speed tactical drills with the French, Turkish and ROK navies," said Lt. j.g. Gerie Palanca, the signals warfare officer aboard Lassen. "During both exercises, it was obvious that their ship handling skills were flawless and the communication was very professional. We always look forward to interacting with our partners."

The exercises took place in international waters around the Korean peninsula and consisted of tactical maneuvering drills, non-maneuvering voice drills and signal communication training.

"Through multilateral training, the participating navies can improve operational proficiency and integration," said Cmdr. Lee, Jong-Sik, of the Republic of Korea Fleet Headquarters in Busan. "By working with our allied partners, we help ensure the continued peace and stability throughout the region."

Lassen, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

 

[Hindustani78]

• China 'HAS put weapons on its new artificial islands' despite army previously playing down controversial construction in middle of the sea as 'similar to building a road' | Daily Mail Online

• China has set up weapons on its artificial islands in the South China Sea
• The new development is seen as China trying to solidify its military power
• It will see increased tensions and sparked concerns with military officials
• Australian navy may start conducting more patrols in show of disapproval

Tensions over the South China Sea are set to escalate after it was reported China has set up weapons on its artificial islands that are still being constructed in the much-disputed region.

The Asian superpower and the United States have locked horns over the area, with Washington most recently warning Beijing not to challenge the U.S. Navy operating in the South China Sea saying 'nobody in their right mind is going to try'.

China has bristled at what it sees as U.S. interference in the region and says it is within its sovereign rights in developing islands made from sand piled on top of reefs and atolls. The U.S. and many of China's neighbors see the island-building as an upending of the status quo by China to bolster its claims to the region and possibly pave the way for military installations far from its shores.

In one disputed area, the Spratly Islands, U.S. officials say China has created about 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of dry land since 2014 that could be used as airstrips. The U.S. argues that man-made constructions cannot be used to claim sovereignty and is closely watching for signs that China will seek to back up its claims by basing missile systems and fighter aircraft on the newly formed islands.

 

[Hindustani78]

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 26, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) fires its MK-38 Mod 2 machine gun during a live-fire gunnery exercise. Mustin is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn/Released)

 

[Hindustani78]

U.S. says China has artillery vehicles on artificial island
May 29, 2015

SINGAPORE — U.S. officials say that two large artillery vehicles have been detected on one of the artificial islands that China is creating in the South China Sea.

The discovery, made at least several weeks ago by the U.S., underscores ongoing concerns that China will try to use the land reclamation projects for military purposes.

Pentagon spokesman Brent Colburn says the U.S. was aware of the artillery, but he declined to provide other details, saying it is an intelligence matter. The revelation comes as Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits several Asia Pacific nations.

Another defense official described the weapons as self-propelled artillery vehicles. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.

The sighting was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

 

[Hindustani78]

McCain to Push Change on Vietnam Arms Embargo

SINGAPORE — The leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee plans to introduce legislation next week to ease a decades long ban on selling weaponry to Vietnam, a decision that the committee's chairman said was directly linked to China's growing aggression in the Pacific.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., also called for the Pentagon to keep China away from this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in response to a series of reclamation projects that has ignited controversy in the South China Sea.

Speaking Saturday at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogues in Singapore, McCain referred to China's actions as "a blatant violation of international law" and warned the nation is making a "serious mistake" that is driving other nations in the region toward alignment with the United States.

"Their actions have united the countries in the region in a way that was unheard of a short time ago," McCain told reporters, echoing comments made earlier in the week by US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.

One of those nations moving closer to the US is Vietnam. McCain cited "a strong desire for closer defense and economic cooperation" between the two nations.

"For our part, we'd like to set conditions for a gradual removal of our lethal arms embargo on Vietnam as soon as possible," he said in his opening comments, noting he and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the committee, hoped to introduce legislation next week to begin that process.

 

[Hindustani78]

The US is giving Vietnam $18 million for patrol boats to counter China - Business Insider
May 31, 2015, 1:47 PM

HAI PHONG, Vietnam (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter pledged $18 million on Sunday to help Vietnam buy U.S. patrol boats, shortly after touring a Vietnamese coast guard vessel that was hit by a Chinese ship during a skirmish in the South China Sea.

Carter, who has been focusing on maritime security during an 11-day trip to the Asia-Pacific, visited the Vietnamese navy headquarters and coast guard headquarters before boarding the ship.

Carter is on his second visit to Asia since becoming defense secretary earlier this year. He said he planned to sign a "vision statement" on Monday with his Vietnamese counterpart to guide the expansion of bilateral military ties.

"We need to modernize our partnership," Carter told reporters during a visit to the northern city of Hai Phong. "After 20 years, there is more we could do together."

As part of that effort, he said Washington would provide $18 million to help Vietnam buy U.S.-made Metal Shark patrol boats to help Hanoi improve its maritime defense capabilities.

U.S. and Vietnamese navies had been "building habits of cooperation" by working together, he said. In April they conducted exercises under rules laid out in the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, a set of regulations approved by multiple maritime nations last year at a meeting in China.

Carter opened his trip to the Asia-Pacific by calling for all countries to stop island-building efforts in disputed, resource-rich regions of the South China Sea. He reiterated that call at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference on Saturday.

Carter recognized that several countries, including Vietnam, had conducted land reclamation projects in the region but said Chinese activity, covering some 2,000 acres, had outstripped the others and raised questions about Beijing's long-term intentions.

"I will be discussing further with Vietnam the proposal that I was talking about in Singapore, namely for all of the claimants to these disputed areas of the South China Sea ... permanently to halt reclamations," he said.

The Vietnamese coast guard vessel toured by Carter was targeted with Chinese water cannons and rammed by a Chinese ship during a confrontation last year.

The incident occurred after China moved an oil drilling rig into waters claimed by Vietnam. The rig remained for about two months protected by Chinese navy vessels, which were repeatedly challenged by Vietnamese ships.

 

[Hindustani78]

China building artificial islands
4 Jun, 2015
Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, ET Bureau

India and US discussed the situation in the South China Sea region and measures that could lead to stability in the area with fresh reports of new artificial islands being built by China raising tensions in Southeast Asia.

ET is in possession of images, released by Philippines, of new construction activities by China in SCS.

Exacerbated tensions
4 Jun, 2015
Construction of artificial islands in SCS, a major sea lane of communication in Asia has exacerbated tensions after Chinese territorial claims in the region since 2010. The matter was a key item on the agenda when US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Need for stability
4 Jun, 2015
Carter coming to India straight from Vietnam emphasized on the need for stability in the South China Sea as his Indian interlocutors stressed on freedom of navigation and right to oil exploration in the area, diplomatic sources said.

The issue of stability in the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as strategic priority for both the USA and India in the backdrop of Joint Vision Statement issued during President Barack Obama's trip here last January.

Fresh tensions
4 Jun, 2015
Fresh tensions have arisen after China strongly rejected US criticism of its land reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

Chinese Admiral Sun Jianguo told Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore that construction work is 'justified, legitimate and reasonable,' and that the projects are for the purpose of providing 'international public services.'

China's stand
4 Jun, 2015
The admiral, who is the deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army asserted 'there are no changes in China's claims in the South China Sea. Nor are there changes in China's position on the peaceful resolution of the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation.'

The comments from Sun raises eyebrows and leads to a conclusion China intends to militarize the disputed islands on which it is building, according to both Indian and US officials.

Carter slammed China
4 Jun, 2015
The Chinese admiral's comments after Carter slammed China for being 'out of step' with international norms amid the unprecedented pace of island reclamation, saying 'it is unclear how much farther China will go.'

The actions are increasing 'the risk of miscalculation and conflict,' Carter said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Carter noted China has reclaimed over 800 hectares, more than all other claimants combined and has done so in only the last 18 months.

Pledging help
4 Jun, 2015
In his subsequent visit to Vietnam the US Defence Secretary pledged $18 million to help Hanoi buy US patrol boats to thwart any aggression.

Last year India extended a Line of Credit of $100 million to Vietnam to buy four patrol boats from Delhi.

India to continue oil search
4 Jun, 2015
Recently addressing the annual press meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out that India has clarified on oil search in the South China Sea region indicating that Delhi will continue its exploration in the oil blocks offered by Vietnam.

Hanoi has offered over five oil blocks to India off the coast of Vietnam. Officials in Delhi said that the Modi government is closely monitoring the ratcheting of tensions in Southeast Asia that have implications for India's economic and strategic interests in the backdrop of an active Act East Policy.

 

[Hindustani78]

EAST CHINA SEA (June 5, 2015) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) maneuver to conduct a replenishment-at-sea. Bonhomme Richard, the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ty C. Connors/Released)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 4, 2015) An AV-8B Harrier jet assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 takes off from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard. Bonhomme Richard, the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor A. Elberg/Released)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 3, 2015) Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) chalked and chained a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter attached to the 33rd Rescue Squadron (33 RSQ). Green Bay, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Barnes/Released)

 

[BHAN85]

Without AIIB & BRICS bank nobody would speak about those islands

 

[slng]

just start the war already... too much unwanted ads between the movie plot

 

[Hindustani78]

EAST CHINA SEA (June 10, 2015) Sailors from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) bring combat rubber raiding craft into the ship's well deck. Green Bay is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins/Released)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 10, 2015) Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) depart the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) in combat rubber raiding craft. Green Bay is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins/Released)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 10, 2015) Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) wait in the well deck for Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) to return from a combat rubber raiding craft training exercise. Green Bay is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins/Released)

 

[cirr]

China builds the world's most advanced 5000KW（Max 7500KW）self-propelled cutter suction dredger：

振华重工签订世界最先进超大型自航绞吸挖泥船订单_企业动态_资讯频道_中国起重机械网

Length：140m
Beam：27.8m
Draft：6.5m
。
。
。

A new force for land reclamation in the SCS。

 

[cirr]

China High Speed Transmission Equip Grp : NGC Receives Order for Gearbox of World’s Largest Cutter Suction Dredger

04/29/2015 | 04:17am US/Eastern

The world's largest non-self-propelled cutter suction dredger, also known as the world's largest cutter suction dredger, will feature gearboxes provided by NGC Marine used to transfer power for inboard dredge pump, underwater dredge pump, and underwater reamer. The dredger was designed by the Marine Design and Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It is now under construction by Jiangsu Haixin Shipping Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The gearbox order was signed in March 2015, and two dredgers are involved.

The two 6,500 m3 dredgers will be equipped with 2 inboard dredge pump gearboxes, 1 underwater dredge pump gearbox and 1 underwater reamer gearbox. Input power of the inboard dredge pump gearbox will be 6,000 kW and the largest output torque will reach 197 kN.m. The underwater reamer gearbox offers dual input and single output, with the input power of 2 ×2,600 kW and the largest output torque of 180 kN.m. The unit can operate in up to 25 m of water with an inclination of 65°. This is also true of the dual input and single output, with input power of 2×2,600 kW and the largest output torque of 1655 kN.m. Weighing 220 t, it works with an inclination of 65°. The NGC gearbox is anticipated to be delivered in October 2015.

For NGC, the successful signing of this order is the result of years of effort on the part of NGC personnel, and demonstrates the affirmation of markets and also represents the excellent recognition that the NGC brand has gained from its customers. This order shows that more and more ship owners and shipyards are choosing NGC's gears to transfer power for dredgers, thereby strengthening the leading position of NGC in China's dredger market. Ship owners have high expectations in terms of reliability and performance-price ratio for such important dredgers, and NGC has proven to its customers that it has the ability to meet such stringent demands. In the field of dredgers, NGC has already delivered 3,500 m3, 4,500 m3, 5,000 m3 and 6,000 m3 series driving gearboxes for cutter suction dredgers. As evaluated by the industrial experts and competent authorities, the JDTS1350 underwater reamer gearbox is recognized as the first set of heavy equipment in Jiangsu province, and this indicates that independent development in dredging equipment by NGC over many years has gained market recognition.

Upon delivery, the dredgers will be operated in the South China Sea and Middle Eastern waters. (By Chen Yijia)

China High Speed Transmission Equip Grp : NGC Receives Order for Gearbox of World’s Largest Cutter Suction Dredger | 4-Traders

 

[DaiViet]

just start the war already... too much unwanted ads between the movie plot

Im second to that, just start the war, winner takes all. I really want to see how tough China is, so far it see Chinese in here boasting too much with all empty threats. U.S. Japan Vietnam, Philiipines vs China what China ally I can add in ?

 

[S10]

Im second to that, just start the war, winner takes all. I really want to see how tough China is, so far it see Chinese in here boasting too much with all empty threats. U.S. Japan Vietnam, Philiipines vs China what China ally I can add in ?

Heh, Viet monkeys thinking US will go to war for you.