Chinese survey vessels look for oil and gas in contested waters
these days about China’s massive terraforming operations in the South China Sea, which not long ago exercised neighbours as well as the United States. But that does not mean China is any less assertive in the 1.4m square-mile sea which, on the flimsiest grounds, it claims pretty much in its entirety. On the contrary, China seems to think its artificial islands allow it to open a new phase of self-assertion in the face of the South-East Asian countries with overlapping claims in the sea.
Vietnam, in particular, is alarmed. In 2014 China towed an oil platform into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone , sparking a stand-off between Chinese and Vietnamese maritime militias and big anti-China protests in Vietnamese cities. The platform was subsequently removed, but China recently unveiled a new, even bigger one.
Yet not everything is going China’s way. Rumours suggest the new islands’ concrete is crumbling and their foundations turning to sponge in a hostile climate. And that is before considering what a direct hit from a super-typhoon might do.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Abe wants summit with North Korea, keeps distance from SouthJapan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he wants to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un even though he keeps testing missiles. At the same time, Abe gave a cold shoulder to South Korea amid tensions over wartime history. By mariyamaguchi.
Read more »
Songbirds Trapped, Traded On Black Market In South FloridaAbout 40 protected bird species are routinely being trapped in Florida and smuggled into the illegal pet trade. Authorities say some are even caught to be used in songbird competitions. (wlrn)
Read more »
Trump urges China to investigate Bidens despite impeachment inquiryPresident Trump said China should investigate the Biden family’s business ties in the country even as he fights an impeachment inquiry for urging Ukraine to do likewise.
Read more »
NBA-India can emulate basketball's popularity in China: NBA executiveBasketball can become as popular in India as it is in neighboring China and brin...
Read more »
Trump sees 'very good chance' of China trade deal, says no link to Biden probe request'I don’t care about Biden’s campaign, but I do care about corruption’: Trump defends calls for foreign help probing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden
Read more »