China Presses Iran to Rein in Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said.The discussions about the attacks and trade between China and Iran took place at several recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran, the Iranian sources said, declining to provide details about when they took place or who attended."Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran.
China's Latest Weapon Against Taiwan: The Sand Dredger
Taiwanese coast guard commander Lin Chie-ming is on the frontline of a new type of warfare that China is waging against Taiwan. China’s weapon? Sand.On a chilly morning in late January, Lin, clad in an orange uniform, stood on the rolling deck of his boat as it patrolled in choppy waters off the Taiwan-run Matsu Islands. A few kilometers away, the Chinese coast was faintly visible from Lin’s boat. He was on the lookout for Chinese sand-dredging ships encroaching on waters controlled by Taiwan.The Chinese goal…
Opinion: Maritime Freedom & the Global Commons
“Freedom” – the absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic governmentIt has been decades since international relations in the world order dictated true competition for sea control, sea lines of communication, access to world markets, and diplomatic partnerships. However, it is becoming increasingly alarming that nations such as Iran, China and Russia seek to accumulate/consolidate power and re-define international maritime norms, potentially at the peril of diplomatic…
China Defies U.S. Plea for Restraint in South China Sea
China on Monday hit back at "irresponsible remarks" from the United States which has called on Beijing to stop a land reclamation project in the disputed South China Sea that could be large enough to accommodate an airstrip. China lays claim to almost all of the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich with minerals and oil-and-gas deposits and one of Asia's biggest possible flashpoints. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims. The comments by China's foreign ministry signal that Beijing would firmly reject proposals by any country to freeze any activity that may raise tension. Media reports over the weekend cited U.S.
Xiamen to forge itself as model for marine construction
According to a new plan released by the municipal Marine & Fisheries Bureau, Xiamen will power ahead with its blueprint to build itself into a model city for marine construction in the future. Based on the plan, Xiamen is expected to build itself into a city with an advanced marine economy, a beautiful marine ecological environment, innovative marine technology and rich marine culture by the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Over the years, the exploitation of marine resources has become an important aspect of Xiamen's economic development. The new plan has set a short-term target for marine-related construction in the city…
A More Powerful Chinese Navy?
According to a report in the Taipei Times, Chinese President Hu Jintao urged the building of a powerful navy that is prepared "at any time" for military struggle, state media reported yesterday. At a meeting of delegates to a Chinese Communist Party navy forum on Wednesday, Hu reportedly said China was a major maritime country whose naval capability must be improved. "We should strive to build a powerful navy that adapts to the needs of our military's historical mission in this new century and at this new stage," he said in comments splashed on the front pages of the party mouthpiece People's Daily and the People's Liberation Army Daily. "We should make sound preparations for military struggles and ensure that the forces can effectively carry out missions at any time," said Hu.
