China Promises ‘Firm Response’ if Japan Interferes in South China Sea

China pledged to have a “firm response” if Japan further fans regional tensions and “threatens China’s sovereignty and security.” The statement comes after a Reuters report that Japan will send its largest warship to the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing responds to Sean Spicer's South China Sea remarks

China responded immediately to remarks made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer regarding Beijing's interests in the South China Sea, claiming "indisputable sovereignty" over artificial islands in the region.

Only 'large-scale war' would allow US to block Beijing from S. China Sea islands, state media warns

Chinese state media has warned that the US would have to launch a "large-scale war" to prevent Beijing from accessing islands it has built in the South China Sea. It comes after secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson said such access should be restricted.

China decides to return seized underwater drone to US

China has decided to return a US underwater drone seized by a Chinese warship during a security check in the South China Sea, a defense ministry spokesman said on Saturday.

US does not take position on competing claims to land features in South China Sea: Kerry

The United States does not take a position on the competing sovereignty claims to the land features in the South China Sea, said US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday.

Hague tribunal rejects Beijing’s claim to South China Sea

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague on Tuesday ruled that China has no legal basis to claim “historic rights” to islands in the South China Sea and had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights.

Chinese Foreign Ministry defends oil rig against Viet claims

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the country's operations in the South China Sea are normal business exploration in waters under the undisputed jurisdiction of China, after Vietnam urged on Thursday the country to move an oil rig in waters it claims.

Freedom-of-navigation operation: Beijing Protests US Sail-By in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy warship sailed through South China Sea waters claimed by China Saturday in a "freedom of navigation" exercise, which China denounced as "grave misconduct."

Philippines expects to win UN South China Sea case

The Philippines expects a United Nations tribunal to rule in its favor in an increasingly fraught dispute with China over territories in the South China Sea, a presidential spokeswoman said Saturday.

ASEAN Summit in Burma Set to Discuss S. China Sea Disputes

NAYPYITAW, BURMA — Escalating tensions in the South China Sea are expected to be among the main points of discussion Saturday at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Burma, also known as Myanmar.

Burma, which is hosting the summit for the first time, has tightened security in the capital of Naypyitaw as it prepares to welcome regional leaders beginning Saturday.

Presidential spokesman Ye Htut said Burma wants the summit to focus on reducing tensions through existing agreements.

"We have already had ASEAN's statement called 'Declaration on South China Sea.' We will try to discuss this issue peacefully and avoid using force," he said. "[Burma], as a member of the ASEAN, will continue to follow this rule."