South China Sea Forum

[grey boy 2]

PLAN Philippines port visit updates: welcome ceremony (中国海军远航访问编队今抵达菲律宾访问

】当地时间4月31日13时，中国海军远航访问编队抵达菲律宾南部城市达沃，开始为期三天的友好访问。这是中国海军远航访问编队出访第一站，也是中国海军舰艇编队首次访问达沃。菲律宾青年跳起民族舞蹈欢迎中国海军舰艇编队，达沃市市长萨拉·杜特)

 

[samsara]

Well said. There were some people here pinning their hope on an anti-China alliance in this region led by the US. I have always believed that the leaderships in our region has always been more prudent, historical and forward-looking to be played out by the US - than the leaderships, say, in the Middle East. Hence, we may have bumpy relations here and there, but, what we abhor the most is to let our region go into flames while the US watches from a safe distance.

In the end, people killed and people killing will always be the same people in our region. We are so closely and deeply intertwined.



That's very good. I think the Taiwan weapons sale incident has been handled through silent, backdoor diplomacy. In some instances, keeping the laymen outside the high politics is the best option because large crowds tend to be emotional, short-memoried, and hasty.
[...] /removed

It's imperative to make sure that the next time the US starts a conflict with any major power, incl. China, its continental US won't be safe, will not go untouched like in the WW2 or many wars after that. One of the main reasons the US is quite fond of starting a war is because so far, the CONUS is safe, so they have no war trauma! However the Russian Federation has been declared openly that it won't let this thing happen again in any serious conflict between RUS - USA... the CONUS won't be safe. Here from Express (UK).

----------

Ganquan Island 甘泉岛 - Xisha Islands 西沙群岛, South China Sea

Amazing scenery of Ganquan Island 甘泉岛 in South China Sea! It has underground fresh water!

https://twitter.com/x/status/858448350852599808

 

[TaiShang]

21.04.2017

That's some serious engineering, turning small islands into inhabitable cities, as per UNCLOS.

***

PLAN Philippines port visit updates: welcome ceremony (中国海军远航访问编队今抵达菲律宾访问

】当地时间4月31日13时，中国海军远航访问编队抵达菲律宾南部城市达沃，开始为期三天的友好访问。这是中国海军远航访问编队出访第一站，也是中国海军舰艇编队首次访问达沃。菲律宾青年跳起民族舞蹈欢迎中国海军舰艇编队，达沃市市长萨拉·杜特)

You know this will break some hearts over this board.

It's imperative to make sure that the next time the US starts a conflict with any major power, incl. China, its continental US won't be safe, goes untouched like in the WW2 or many wars after that. One of the main reasons the US is quite fond of starting a war is because so far, the CONUS is safe, so they have no war trauma! However the Russian Federation has been declared openly that it won't let this thing happen again in any serious conflict between RUS - USA... the CONUS won't be safe. Here from Express (UK).

Definitely agree. The only way to keep the US in check is to assure them that in case of an aggression, their mainland won't be saved.

The US should not just worry about some minority expandables located in Japan, Korea and Guam.

***

Chinese submersible retrieves seamount sample in South China Sea
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-04-30

Jiaolong, China's manned submersible on Saturday retrieved a basalt sample from the Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea which scientists say could shed light on the formation and evolution of seamounts in the area.

Jiaolong stayed underwater for nine and a half hours in its third dive in the second stage of China's 38th ocean scientific expedition, which will last until May 13.

The maximum depth of the dive was 2,930 meters beneath the sea surface.

Aside from the five-kilogram basalt sample, it also brought back samples of sediments and seawater near the seabed as well as biosamples, in addition to high-definition photos and video footages.

"It is not easy (to acquire such a basalt sample). This valuable 'rock' will lay the foundation for our study of formation and evolvement of seamounts in the South China Sea during the Cenozoic period," said Shi Xuefa, a researcher with the State Oceanic Administration.

"It is very important for the study of the region's structural evolution," Shi said.

Jiaolong has already completed two dives in the South China Sea on Wednesday and Thursday. A fourth dive has been planned on Sunday.@ The 38th oceanic scientific expedition started on Feb 6. Jiaolong completed a dive in the northwestern Indian Ocean earlier this year in the mission's first stage. It will also conduct surveys in the Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the third stage. "

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.

 

[samsara]

China begins deep-sea probe in South China Sea

Xinhua | 2017-04-26

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]​

ONBOARD SHIP XIANGYANGHONG 09 - Chinese scientists embarked on a deep-sea mission in the South China Sea on Tuesday, the beginning of the second stage of China's 38th oceanic expedition.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong with her crew of scientists arrived in the location aboard the mother ship Xiangyanghong 09 on Tuesday.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

The submersible is expected to conduct its first South China Sea dive this year on Wednesday if the weather conditions allow, according to Wu Changbin, general commander of the second stage of the expedition.

During the mission, which lasts until May 13, scientists hope to choose a site for experimenting the collection of polymetallic nodules and complete geological and biological surveys.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

The 38th oceanic scientific expedition started on Feb. 6. Jiaolong completed a dive in the northwestern Indian Ocean earlier this year in the mission's first stage. It will also conduct surveys in the Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the third stage.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

 

[Star Expedition]

China begins deep-sea probe in South China Sea

Xinhua | 2017-04-26

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]​

ONBOARD SHIP XIANGYANGHONG 09 - Chinese scientists embarked on a deep-sea mission in the South China Sea on Tuesday, the beginning of the second stage of China's 38th oceanic expedition.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong with her crew of scientists arrived in the location aboard the mother ship Xiangyanghong 09 on Tuesday.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

The submersible is expected to conduct its first South China Sea dive this year on Wednesday if the weather conditions allow, according to Wu Changbin, general commander of the second stage of the expedition.

During the mission, which lasts until May 13, scientists hope to choose a site for experimenting the collection of polymetallic nodules and complete geological and biological surveys.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

The 38th oceanic scientific expedition started on Feb. 6. Jiaolong completed a dive in the northwestern Indian Ocean earlier this year in the mission's first stage. It will also conduct surveys in the Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the third stage.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

China's manned submersible Jiaolong begins its first South China Sea dive this year on April 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]​

we have to do such thing to keep our sea ours.

 

[TaiShang]

Philippines open to joint war drills with China: Duterte
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-05-01

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference after concluding the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, Philippines April 29, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday that he is open to the idea of conducting joint military exercises with China.

"I agree (to the idea). They can have joint exercise(s) here in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea," Duterte told reporters after visiting the Chinese warship docked in Davao City wharf.

Duterte said he was very impressed by the Chinese warship. "It's very impressive. It's all carpeted. It's so beautiful. Inside, it's like a luxury hotel," he told reporters, "It's clean!"

He said the visit to the warship is part of the confidence building and good will between Manila and Beijing.

A Chinese naval fleet has begun a three-day friendly visit after arriving Sunday at Davao City in the southeastern region of The Philippines.

@kecho , @Viet , @terranMarine

 

[samsara]

Duterte open to joint exercises with China in Sulu Sea

Published May 1, 2017 5:37pm
By Trisha Macas, GMA News

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said that he was open to have joint exercises with China not only in the South China Sea but also in the Sulu Sea.

Duterte made the remark after visiting China's flagship destroyer Changchun that docked at the Sasa Port in Davao City.

“Yes, I said I agree. We can have joint exercises in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea,” Duterte told reporters.

Duterte as early as October last year, Duterte said he was open to have military exercises with China and Russia in the South China Sea.

He indicated then that he would end war games with the United States.

The Philippines has claims that overlap with those of China in the South China Sea.

Duterte only had praises for the Chinese warship, which had an array of arms, including missile launchers.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pays a visit to the Chinese warship in Davao City, May 01, 2017​

“Very impressive. It’s clean, and even the carpeting—it’s all carpeted inside. It’s like a hotel, actually,” Duterte said.

He also said that the port call was part of confidence-building and goodwill.

“And to show we are friends, that’s why I welcomed them here, and I am the one who asked for it. ‘Show me your warships,’” he said.

Duterte denied that the Chinese military offered aid to the Philippines’ forces.

“The military is not allowed to do that, they’re only authorized to talk within their own ambit of ships. But very limited information,” Duterte said. —NB, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news...-joint-exercises-with-china-in-sulu-sea/story

* * * * *

 

[samsara]

Duterte inspects China warships, jokes of missiles pointed to PH

During a tour highlighting China's growing military might, Duterte writes a message of peace on a warship's guest book: 'Weather the waves, journey on seas of peace, freedom and friendship'

By Pia Ranada - RAPPLER
Published 11:25 PM, May 01, 2017
Updated 2:00 AM, May 02, 2017

MILITARY MIGHT. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte inspects various equipment aboard
Chinese guided missile destroyer Chang Chun. Malacañang photo, 2017-05-01​

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – While President Rodrigo Duterte said the visit of 3 Chinese warships to his hometown prove the friendly ties between the Philippines and China, he was quick to point out another observation: the Asian giant's military might and the risks this poses to his country.

"Very impressive," said Duterte about the warships on Monday, May 1, during a chance interview with reporters.

"It's run by a computer and look at the way their missile launchers are pointed at us. It will be lowered a little. At the angle, sabog tayo dito lahat (we'll all get blown up)," he joked.

The 3 ships Duterte inspected are China's guided missile destroyer Chang Chun (DDG150), guided missile frigate Jin Zhou (FFG532), and type 903 replenishment ship Chao Hu (890).

All are docked in Davao City's Sasa Wharf until Tuesday, May 2.

"It is part really of confidence-building and goodwill. And to show that we are friends," said the Philippine President.

VISITING WARSHIP. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is given a tour inside the Chang Chun
with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. Malacañang photo, 2017-05-01​

It was he, apparently, who asked China to let him aboard their warships.

"That's why I welcome them here and I was the one who asked it, 'Show me your warships,'" said Duterte.

He was accompanied during the inspection by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Chinese navy officers.

Though the tour impressed upon him China's military might, Duterte's message in guided missile destroyer Chang Chun's guest book was one of peace.

"Weather the waves, journey on seas of peace, freedom and friendship," wrote Duterte.

'SEAS OF PEACE.' The Philippine President writes a message of peace as he signs Chang Chun's guest book. (2017-05-01)​

First visit in years

It has been 7 years since Chinese warships docked at a Philippine port. The last time was in 2010 under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was also on friendly terms with Beijing.

During the administration of Arroyo's successor, Benigno Aquino III, no Chinese warship visited the Philippines. It was under the Aquino presidency that the Philippines filed a case against China for its expansive claim in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) before an international court.

The move angered China. It was not until Duterte's state visit to Beijing last year that diplomatic ties were "fully restored."

CAPABILITIES. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is briefed about the Chinese warships.​

The visit of the Chinese warships came after the end of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit chaired by Duterte.

Under his leadership, Southeast Asian leaders acquiesced to China's demands to leave out any mention of the arbitral award won by the Philippines in Duterte's chairman's statement.

Their soft stance toward Beijing is said to signal China's growing influence over the region. Warships in Duterte's hometown also indicate his determination to be on China's good side.

 

[hirobo2]

Duterte inspects China warships, jokes of missiles pointed to PH

During a tour highlighting China's growing military might, Duterte writes a message of peace on a warship's guest book: 'Weather the waves, journey on seas of peace, freedom and friendship'

By Pia Ranada - RAPPLER
Published 11:25 PM, May 01, 2017
Updated 2:00 AM, May 02, 2017

MILITARY MIGHT. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte inspects various equipment aboard
Chinese guided missile destroyer Chang Chun. Malacañang photo, 2017-05-01​

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – While President Rodrigo Duterte said the visit of 3 Chinese warships to his hometown prove the friendly ties between the Philippines and China, he was quick to point out another observation: the Asian giant's military might and the risks this poses to his country.

"Very impressive," said Duterte about the warships on Monday, May 1, during a chance interview with reporters.

"It's run by a computer and look at the way their missile launchers are pointed at us. It will be lowered a little. At the angle, sabog tayo dito lahat (we'll all get blown up)," he joked.

The 3 ships Duterte inspected are China's guided missile destroyer Chang Chun (DDG150), guided missile frigate Jin Zhou (FFG532), and type 903 replenishment ship Chao Hu (890).

All are docked in Davao City's Sasa Wharf until Tuesday, May 2.

"It is part really of confidence-building and goodwill. And to show that we are friends," said the Philippine President.

VISITING WARSHIP. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is given a tour inside the Chang Chun
with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. Malacañang photo, 2017-05-01​

It was he, apparently, who asked China to let him aboard their warships.

"That's why I welcome them here and I was the one who asked it, 'Show me your warships,'" said Duterte.

He was accompanied during the inspection by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Chinese navy officers.

Though the tour impressed upon him China's military might, Duterte's message in guided missile destroyer Chang Chun's guest book was one of peace.

"Weather the waves, journey on seas of peace, freedom and friendship," wrote Duterte.

'SEAS OF PEACE.' The Philippine President writes a message of peace as he signs Chang Chun's guest book. (2017-05-01)​

First visit in years

It has been 7 years since Chinese warships docked at a Philippine port. The last time was in 2010 under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was also on friendly terms with Beijing.

During the administration of Arroyo's successor, Benigno Aquino III, no Chinese warship visited the Philippines. It was under the Aquino presidency that the Philippines filed a case against China for its expansive claim in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) before an international court.

The move angered China. It was not until Duterte's state visit to Beijing last year that diplomatic ties were "fully restored."

CAPABILITIES. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is briefed about the Chinese warships.​

The visit of the Chinese warships came after the end of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit chaired by Duterte.

Under his leadership, Southeast Asian leaders acquiesced to China's demands to leave out any mention of the arbitral award won by the Philippines in Duterte's chairman's statement.

Their soft stance toward Beijing is said to signal China's growing influence over the region. Warships in Duterte's hometown also indicate his determination to be on China's good side.

Articles like this make me sick. Enough BS talk, start constructing Scarborough Shoal already. PH won't mind.

 

[samsara]

Articles like this make me sick. Enough BS talk, start constructing Scarborough Shoal already. PH won't mind.

Those Chinese leaders who are guiding through the Giant Mothership over the great waves cannot simply act as such simpleton! Time and again the history has been showing the virtues of acting wisely. Study on Zhou Enlai's great statesmanship (hint: here --see the bottom-- is a quality TV series about the life and times of Premier Zhou, worth of one's viewing time) to learn some insights.

 

[hirobo2]

Those Chinese leaders who are guiding through the Giant Mothership over the great waves cannot simply act as such simpleton! Time and again the history has been showing the virtues of acting wisely. Study on Zhou Enlai's great statesmanship to learn some insights.

They're going to miss the chance.

 

[TaiShang]

Submersible Jiaolong completes 4th dive in S. China Sea

Xinhua, May 2, 2017

​

Chinese submersible Jiaolong completed four dives in the South China Sea within five days. [Photo/Xinhua]

Jiaolong, China's manned submersible, conducted its fourth dive Sunday around the Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea.

Jiaolong stayed underwater for eight hours in its fourth dive in the second stage of China's 38th ocean scientific expedition, which will last until May 13, authorities said Monday.

The maximum depth of the dive was 1,101 meters beneath the sea surface, where it retrieved a number of basalt samples.

In the meantime, it collected a 0.7-kilogram sample of foraminifer grit at the depth of 630 meters, and brought back samples of sediments and seawater near the seabed as well as high-definition photos and video footages.

"We have also caught sight of corals, sea lilies, anemones, and large fishes like sharks above 420 meters," said Yang Gang, a senior engineer on board the submersible. Yang said that the new discoveries could shed new light on the study of the South China Sea's formation and evolution, biodiversity, and the cause of the seamount chain in the area.

Instead of using trawling as a sampling method, Jiaolong is able to conduct refined sampling mission and obtain ample samples, said Shi Xuefa, a researcher with the State Oceanic Administration.

Jiaolong has completed four dives in the South China Sea within five days. The submersible has went through full maintenance on Monday, including its propelling and electrical systems.

"The 38th ocean scientific expedition will be the furthest and longest voyage for Jiaolong in terms of distance and time," said Wu Changbin, general commander of the second stage of the expedition. "Jiaolong will also complete the largest number of tasks since its operation."

The 38th oceanic scientific expedition started on Feb. 6. Jiaolong completed a dive in the northwestern Indian Ocean earlier this year in the mission's first stage. It will also conduct surveys in the Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the third stage.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.

Chinese submersible Jiaolong completed four dives in the South China Sea within five days. [Photo/Xinhua]

 

[samsara]

Opinion: Visit of Chinese warships boosts relations with Philippines (Xinhua pic)

https://twitter.com/x/status/859430444852547591

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/02/c_136251731.htm

 

[samsara]

The South China Sea issue is NOT between the U.S. and ASEAN,
it involves China and a few members of ASEAN: FM spokesman.

https://twitter.com/x/status/859750575780622339

 

[samsara]

"Very impressive": Philippine President Duterte
visits Chinese warship docked in hometown

Published on May 1, 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday visited Chinese warships and appeared impressed with the vessels docked in his hometown of Davao City, highlighting fast-warming relations despite competing claims in the South China Sea.

President Philippines Rodrigo Duterte went aboard China's flagship Type 052C destroyer Changchun
that docked at the Sasa Port in Davao City on Monday, May 1st, 2017​