In China yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States wants a peaceful resolution to the simmering dispute in the South China Sea. The call came during the annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing but, as we hear from Neal Conan in the Pacific News Minute, it came after new warnings from senior officials on both sides.
The South China Morning Post cited Army Sources, as saying that China may impose an Air Defense Identification Zone over the South China Sea. Under an ADIZ, China would demand that all aircraft seek permission to enter what's now regarded, as international airspace. En route to Beijing, Secretary Kerry described such a step as "a provocative and destabilizing act which would automatically raise tensions."
Still, it might follow a ruling by a UN court on the Philippines claim that China illegally seized two features near the Philippine Coast, Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal. A decision is expected soon.
China may also decide to develop Scarborough Shoal into an artificial island...over the last two years, China has constructed airfields atop several other rocks and reefs in the area. Last month in an interview with the New York Times, outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino said if that happens, the US would be obligated to take military action. Over this past weekend, US defense secretary Ash Carter told a meeting in Singapore that Chinese construction on Scarborough Shoal would prompt - quote - actions from the US and other countries. He declined to be more specific. At that same meeting, Chinese admiral Sun Jianguo said China advocates patience and dialogue, but rejects the UN court's authority and will not be bullied. "We do not make trouble," he said, "but we have no fear of trouble."
