China's illegal land reclamation in the East Sea. (Source: AFP)
The US is planning to conduct patrols near artificial islands illegally built by China in the East Sea, according to the New York Times.
The paper said the patrols will come within 12 nautical miles of at least one of the islands.
Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David B. Shear told the US Senate at a recent hearing that there haven’t been any patrols that close to a reclaimed island since 2012.
In May, a US Navy surveillance plane flew near three of the five Chinese-built islands but did not enter the 12-mile zones, and were warned eight times by Chinese Navy radio operators to leave the area.
Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, chairman of the national defence and security committee on October 12 welcomed the US patrol decision. He said in a telephone interview that the patrols are necessary and can help remove the bottleneck in the situation while not increasing tension in the region.
Officials in the Philippines said that they have been told of the planned patrols in the last several days. Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F.del Rosario said the US patrols will help maintain stability in the region.
“Failure to challenge false claims of sovereignty would undermine this order and lead China to the false conclusion that its claims are accepted as a fait accompli,” Mr. del Rosario said in a statement.
Earlier, in a report released on August 20, the US Defence Department accused China of increasing their land reclamation in the East Sea archipelago over recent months while intensifying patrols surrounding waters to assert its sovereignty claims.
The US’s report “Asia- Pacific Maritime Security Strategy” said China’s activities to build artificial islands in Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago surged nearly 50 percent compared to May. It stated that China’s latest activities outweighed other efforts in size and level of influence, promoting China’s more powerful presence in the East Sea.
US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter affirmed that the US will “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows”.-VNA
China’s construction of large-scale artificial islands in the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and its deployment of weaponry to these islands have brazenly violated Vietnam’s sovereignty, concerning neighbouring countries and the international community regarding security, safety and freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea.
Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagoes and any activities conducted in the area without permission and agreement from Vietnam are wrong and void.
Vietnam adamantly opposes China’s approval of a national marine functional zoning plan which includes Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said.
Vietnam has sufficient legal and historical evidence validating its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
China's illegal land reclamation in the East Sea. (Source: AFP)
