Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Sails Near Spratley Islands.

Is China Building a Naval Base in Cambodia?

Along pristine Cambodian beaches, past parades of elephants in its largest national park, sits an area half the size of Singapore that is raising alarm bells among military strategists in the U.S. and beyond.

Dara Sakor, a $3.8 billion China-backed investment zone encompassing 20% of Cambodia’s coastline, is unlike any other in the developing Southeast Asian nation. Controlled by a Chinese company with a 99-year lease, it features phased plans for an international airport, a deep-water seaport and industrial park along with a luxury resort complete with power stations, water treatment plants and medical facilities.

The size and scope of the plans for Dara Sakor have fanned U.S. concerns the resort could be part of a larger Chinese plan to base military assets in Cambodia, according to an official familiar with the situation. A naval presence there would further expand China’s strategic footprint into Southeast Asia, consolidating its hold over disputed territory in the South China Sea and waterways that carry trillions of dollars of trade.

link.

Cambodia denies it.

China downplays it.

China to Begin "Freedom of Navigation" Ops in US Territories

In a commentary on May 27, Global Times said Beijing will soon be able to send ships and aircraft to U.S. territories in response to Freedom of navigation (FON) operations conducted by the Pentagon in China’s territories.

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Could China's Seizure of the US Navy Drone sub set a Precident for Satellites?

China’s mid-December abduction of a US Navy unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) as the vessel was returning to its mothership after a scientific excursion showed that China is willing to play hardball with US hardware. In previous confrontations, China took custody of an EP-3 reconnaissance plane and its crew in 2001, and has harassed multiple unarmed US Navy survey ships with dangerous maneuvers. As part of its “peaceful rise”, China has focused on gaining ground in new domains of strategic interest outside of its traditional focus. As a result, it has adopted assertive and asymmetric strategic postures in the maritime, cyber, and space domains.

Lessons that China learns in one domain tend to find their way into others. In June 2016, China launched Aolong-1, the first of a planned series of satellites equipped with a robotic manipulator, purportedly for the purpose of capturing and de-orbiting space debris. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy destroyer that picked up the UUV in the South China Sea is tasked with and equipped for submarine recovery operations, a similarly benign mission with apparent dual-use utility. Being robotic, the UUV made for an easier, less risky, target. China learned quickly after the EP-3 incident that holding US personnel hostage for however long a period had a highly escalatory effect and was a public relations liability. A drone, though, is simply hardware, sending the desired message to the United States—and to South China Sea claimant nations—without the wetware liability.

China demonstrating its willingness to assert itself in contested domains, using tools it has developed for peaceful uses, means its assets in orbit must receive renewed scrutiny. China’s predominant doctrine for space remains a theory of “space deterrence,” its aim to hold an adversary’s space assets at risk for asymmetric advantage. What better way to send a deterrent message in space than by grabbing a high-value satellite for some period of time, potentially under the pretext of “safety of flight,” similar to the justification used by the PLA Navy in the South China Sea?

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Terminator Times #24

Drones:

The British committed funds to developing its version of the Reaper, the so-called Protector drone.

DARPA & Northrop Grumman's TERN gets more profiling ahead of its 2018 flight.

US drone pilots defend their tactics in Afghanistan. 

US drone pilot is being called one of the worst jobs in the US military.  I suspect some hyperbole here.

The USMC wants an armed drone to escort its V-22s into battle by 2026.

The USMC posted an RFI for a Group 2 class UAV.

 

China's Xianglong HALE UAV is about to enter service.

How Department 13's anti drone system works.

Israel is purchasing more Hermes 900 drones.

Israel has also awarded BlueBird a contract for target UAVs.

General Atomics has flight tested the US Army's improved Grey Eagle drone.

North Korea may be developing a long endurance drone.

Poland wants 1000 drones for combat operations.

Russian drone flights increased by 1.5 x in 2016.

The Skeldar VTOL UAV has a new meteorological payload.

New sensors are being tested on the ScanEagle drone.

TCI International showed off its counter drone system.

Tunisia has confirmed US drones are patrolling its border with Libya.

Why drone proliferation matters.

The drones provided to Ukraine by the US for the Donbass war have been very disappointing and virtually worthless.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles:

The first robotic targets have made their debut.

Robo Boats (Unmanned Surface Vehicles):

The US Navy's Office of Naval Research has demonstrated more advanced capabilities with its swarming USVs.

Boeing has bought USV builder Liquid Robotics.

DARPA's Sea Hunter has begun operational testing.

Robo Subs:

 
China seized a US Navy unmanned underwater vehicle, a SeaGlider, from the South China Sea.  The SeaGlider was taken by an armed People's Liberation Army Navy warship.   The US Navy stated the underwater drone was conducting weather data collection.  The PLAN and USN began discussions over its return and China has stated the return would happen.  China feels the US is overhyping the incident and the Chinese are handling the situation appropriately.  Trump has stated the Chinese ought to keep the drone.  The Chinese have returned the drone.  China says not to read too much into the affair.

3d Printing:

The USMC is working on providing opportunities for Marines to use 3d Printing.

META:

The US Navy wants to weave the LCS corvette/frigates, unmanned systems and subs into a battle network.

The US Navy is also looking into off the shelf, ready to field counter drone tech.

The unmanned era, Robopocalypse, is already here.

The UN wants to ban killer robots.  haha.

What Else the Chinese are Doing on Their Artificial Islands in the South China Sea

link.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #70

China carried out military exercises in the South China Sea with a focus on search and rescue.

China is enjoying Duterte's twist to them, but will it last?

The Chinese have allowed Filipino fishermen back to the disputed shoal after Duterte's last visit.  Originally Manila claimed the Chinese had left and the US & Philippines were looking to confirm.

The future of American-Philippines military exercises is to be determined in the next month (Duterte stating they are over).

The US chastised Duterte again.

Some are saying the US-Philippines alliance is stronger than most realize.

Philippines is attempting to get Japan to invest in Filippino defense industries.  

Duterte lashed out at the US again and wants to have joint military exercises with the Japanese.

The US COngress blocked the sale of guns to the Philippines over the rights abuses for Duterte's drug war.  Duterte referred to the congress as monkeys but stated he'd consider sticking with American weapons all the same.

Philippines' new frigates will primarily be used to hunt subs.

The Philippines special envoy to China has quit.

Australia and Indonesia are considering joint patrols of the South China Sea.

Indonesia is considering placing passive radar stations on the Natuna Islands.

Here are some general updates to the South China Sea dispute.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #69

China has urged Australia to be cautious with the South China Sea dispute.

There have been hints China might give Philippines access to the Scarborough Shoal again, one of the disputed isles.  this may be a carrot to pull Duterte into China's orbit. 

China mocked the US' interventions in Asia.

The US Navy conducted a freedom of navigation operation near one of the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.  This sail-by was also a test of the ability of the US Navy to conduct a two front war in Asia.  China, of course, condemned the operation.

The US & Vietnam have agreed the rule of law is a must for the South China Sea.

Duterte is making everyone frustrated and nervous.  The Philippines President seems to be doing his best Donald Trump impression.  Duterte went to China in a diplomatic visit (and then Japan).  China praised the visit and Duterte was praised by China prior to the visit.  Prior to the visit, he stated the South China Sea dispute would take a backseat to other concerns there.   He announced he would be interested in war games with China and Russia.  

Duterte also stated Philippines would be ending its ties with the US, then walked it back to just to just military ties and then stated cooperation would not end.  The Filippino govies spun it as 'he really didn't mean that exactly.'  The US was puzzled by the affair since no request to change cooperation has been submitted.  The announcement has made things even more uncertainty but the US will be maintaining its commitments to the Philippines. Kerry has stated he can still work with Duterte. (good luck, dude)  If Duterte kicks out the US, there will be consequences.

The Americans in the Philippines are rather jittery given his propensity for killing

China and Philippines have restored ties and have restarted discussions on the South China Sea: this is seen as a victory for China since Philippines is not pressing its win in the International Tribunal.

Filippinos trust the US more than China it seems.

The court ruling has not made the situation clearer in the South China Sea at least on the operational side.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #68

The US Navy sent a reinforced strike group to the South China Sea.

Some defense minister are seeking to reduce tensions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' President made comments that are troubling for the US.

Philippines President Duterte says his country will break with the US at some point.  

Duterte also has stated he may weapons from China and Russia rather than the US.

The Philippines Secretary of Defense has stated his President may be misinformed about the US-Philippines alliance.  Howver, Philippines just announced they informed the US the joint patrols and exercises are now on hold.

Japan launched the second ship for the Philippines.

The US has stated the rhetoric of the Philippines President does not match the actions of the nation.

The US-Philippines war games went forward.   Will they be the last?

Scuffle in the South China Sea #67

A geographer claims China doesn't have much on stand on for the South China Sea dispute.

Some are saying the world needs to chill out over the Sino-Russian exercises in the South China Sea. 

The Sino-Russian exercises ended with an amphibious assault on islands.

Others are stating Chinese artificial islands are a bigger deal than advertised.  They have a strong antiship capability.

Some are advising a stronger stance against China in the South China Sea.

Indonesia may use American funding to build bases in the South China Sea.

US/Philippines military exercise will go forward.

Philippines President Duterte claims to want alliances with China and Russia.

The President of the Philippines has stated the exercises with the United States in the future will not be held.

Philippines DOD has shifted its procurements.

The US has stated its alliance with Philippines is iron clad.

Here are some recent developments in the South China Sea.

Taiwan wants Google to blur bases in the South China Sea.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #66

China claims nothing has changed with respect to the Scarborough Shoal. 

China also wants outside interference with the South China Sea to stop.

China and Russia first prepared for and then started the exercises in the South China Sea.

What Chinese ships are involved?

The Chinese amphibious warfare can be viewed through the past.

China feel confident it can improve its relations with Philippines. 

China came under pressure at the recent summit.

China is making decisions that get it cornered over the South China Sea.

The recent developments in the South China Sea.

The US Navy's Chief of Naval Operations has stated the US must continue to engage China.

Indonesia has problems with Chinese weapons.

Japan will start patrolling jointly with the USA.

Obama discussed the South China Sea on the way back from a summit and warned the arbitration ruling was binding.

Philippines' President is rejecting joint patrols between the US and Philippines navies.

Philippines has requested a clarification from China as to what they are doing with the Scarborough Shoal.

Philippines' President...oy.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #65

China is trying to suppress talk of the South China Sea dispute at summits.  ASEAN is complying with its summit.

China and Russia will hold exercises in the South China Sea.

China's Coast Guard has been involved in the clashes in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is worried because of the appearance of more Chinese boats at the disputed shoals.  Philippines is showing pictures of the intrusions.

India has given a $500 Million credit to Vietnam for weapons purchases.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #64

China is increasing its capability to attack the US base on Guam.

Here are some thoughts on China's strategic thinking. 

China has threatened Japan and Australia over the South China Sea dispute.

SecState Kerry stated there is no military solution to the South China Sea dispute and reiterated the US stands by its allies in the dispute.

The US military is stating Australia must choose between the US and China.

What are the implications of the ruling on China and the freedom of navigation acts?

Indonesia is actively trying to resolve the South China Sea disputes.

The Philippines is increasing its defense budget by 15%.

The President of the Philippines is stating talks will begin with China within a year and the dispute has not shifted its ties with the US or China.

The President also stated China must observe the tribunal ruling.

Three Taiwanese officers have been indicted for launching the antiship missile earlier this year.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #63

China has begun combat air patrols over the disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Here's a general update.

The Chinese Shenzhen destroyer has rejoined the South China Sea fleet after a major upgrade.

Some wonder if China is preparing to fight a 'people's war' over the South China Sea.

China is opposing the South China Sea be brought up at the G20 summit.

The US & South Korea had meetings over the South China Sea.

The first US destroyer to visit China since the South China Sea ruling by The Hague has docked.

The US has called for military transparency.

Canada is being called on by some to speak up on the South China Sea dispute.

Philippines has called on China to respect international law.  Japan joined that call.

Philippines seeks to negotiate with China.

Vietnam has supposedly shipped rocket launchers to its garrisons in the South China Sea.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #62

China has reiterated its claims to the South China Sea.

China has also stated it will prosecute 'trespassers' in the South China Sea. 

China continues to fly bombers over the South China Sea.

The undersea competition in the South China Sea.

Russia and China will be exercising in the South China Sea in September. 

Here is a snapshot of China's Southern Theater Command, the command responsible for the South China Sea.

And here's a look at Sino-ASEAN dialogues over the last 25 years.

The Philippines will be acquiring additional helicopters.

Some are claiming the roots of the modern Chinese territorial ambitions in the South China Sea stem from the Opium Wars.

Malaysia is participating in exercises with the US Navy.

Vietnamese forces are practicing retaking islands.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #61

China is calling for more talks.

China has asked for US help to get the Philippines to start negotiations.

China is depending on outside experts like everyone else in the government business.

The meetings between US and Chinese admirals are conditional on the Chinese maintaining professionalism and safety at sea during encounters.

China is removing SAMs from Woody Island.

The US has vowed more patrols in the South China Sea.

China is upset with the Republican Platform's stance on the South China Sea.

Wait!  What?!  The South China Sea spat has impacted...KFC & Apple.

China is planning on sending up to 8 civilian cruise ships to the South China Sea regularly.

China has set up a South China Sea environmental protection fund.

China's nationalism is driving the South China Sea disputes.

What's next for Manila in the South China Sea dispute after the victory over China in The Hague ruling?

Philippines is upgrading old US Coast Guard ships for use in the South China Sea.

The Philippines would like to exploit oil and natural gas in the South China Sea, but the reserves are in the disputed region with China.

Philippines new president is threatening China.  Or at least upsetting enough people that he's getting a very harsh piece written about him.

 ASEAN met with Chinese representatives.

ASEAN had heartburn over an anti Chinese statement about the South China Sea.  Cambodia initially blocked the statement.  Vietnam called the South China Sea dispute the defining moment for ASEAN.  In the end, ASEAN released a watered down rebuke.  Very watered down.  This was a diplomatic win for China.  Philippines says it was not a win.  SecState Kerry is happy with the statement.

US, Japan and Australia called out China when ASEAN did not. 

The US Presidential aid sent to China has asked for reduced tensions in the South China Sea.

SecState Kerry urged both sides to find ways to find diplomatic ways to reduce tensions.  China and ASEAN agreed: both sides said restraint was necessary for the South China Sea.

The ruling is seen has having made matters worse, not better.

Just how militarily relevant are the Chinese features in the South China Sea.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #60

China is digging in its position. 

China has made it clear it will not stop building islands.

China has stated the freedom of navigation operations may end 'unfortunately.' 

China is again closing part of the South China Sea for military exercises.

China has admitted it sent H-6K bombers over the Scarborough Shoal.

Can China actually enforce an ADIZ in the South China Sea?

China will conduct regular combat air patrols over the South China Sea.

China has dismissed calls for boycotting Filipino trade over the ruling.

China is floating the island of placing nuclear reactors in the South China Sea.

China is criticizing the intra China protests against the ruling even though they are supportive of the regime.

Top admirals of the US and China met to discuss the South China Sea dispute.

Is it time for the US to take a stand on the Scarborough Shoal?

The Philippines won't sacrifice its recent ruling victory in its negotiations with China. 

Philippines declined a conditional negotiation with China.

Philippines stated its fishermen are still blocked from the Scarborough Shoal.

Japan and Vietnam both agree the ruling must be observed.

China replied Japan must not interfere with the situation in the South China Sea.

The EU's statement on the South China Sea ruling reflects on its internal divisions.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #59

A long document on the Chinese response to the South China Sea ruling.

China's path forward is very unclear at this point to the rest of the world.  They may expand their claims.

However, the Chinese Ambassador to the US blasted ruling and laid out China's position.  China vowed a decisive response to the 'provocations' by other countries.

Chinese civilian airliners have begun landing at two of the reclaimed reefs. 

China and Taiwan are likely to increase patrols in the South China Sea.  Remember!  Taiwan has the same claims as China.  The difference is the ability to enforce them.

Taiwan is sending ships down to the South China Sea now.

A fourth Type 052D destroyer has joined China's South Seas fleet.

The Chinese flew H-6K bombers over Scarborough Shoal.

China protested an Australian comment on freedom of navigation acts in the South China Sea.

Some pertinent questions are asked about what the next US President will face in the South China Sea.

The US is pushing diplomacy, quietly, to keep the South China Sea from boiling up.

US & Chinese admirals are meeting to try to help with the situation.

A defense analyst POV on the Manila win over Beijing in the South China Sea arbitration.  

Manila celebrates. 

The Philippines will send an envoy to China to negotiate.

However, could the victory be hollow?

ASEAN will keep quiet over the ruling it seems.

Indonesia will now press its own claims with fishermen in a reflection of China's Little Blue Men.

Vietnam protested the Chinese actions after the ruling and China is seen as just going to defy the ruling.  

China has called on Vietnam to help keep the peace in the disputed waterways..

Silence by the EU about the decision is seen as due to internal divisions.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #58

The ruling is likely to exacerbate the problems between the US and China.

China has reasserted its claims, stated the ruling has no impact its claims and stated it has the right to set up an ADIZ.

China says American moves in the South China Sea are coercive.

China says Philippines' claims are baseless and that Philippines is the one causing problems.

Clinton welcomes the ruling.

The US still sees China militarizing the South China Sea.

China has long used military force to get its way in the South China Sea.

Interestingly, an aside, the US has not ratified the UN Laws of the Sea.  Democrats are pushing it.

Scuffle in the South China Sea #57

The Hague has ruled in favor of the Philippines over the dispute in the South China Sea.

Beijing has rejected the ruling and then some..  Taiwan has also rejected the ruling.

Japan has stated the ruling is final and binding.

Vietnam has welcomed the ruling while pushing for their own claims.

The US has urged all sides to adhere to the ruling since the US considers it legally binding.

Some are calling for the US to not push hard on CHina after the ruling.  Others want increased sail-bys.

Even so, China claims it will maintain the peace in South China Sea.

China has continued to prep the civilian airports in the Spratley Islands.

Japan will be closely watching what China will do next.

Japan's coast guard cutter has arrived in the Philippines.

Here is a timeline of the events leading up to the decision and some background information.

Why The Hague case matters.