Category: China News Watch

China News Watch matters because it creates awareness, promotes understanding, highlights important issues, provides context, and facilitates the potential for international cooperation. It helps people to be informed, engaged, and aware of what is happening in the world, and could also lead to positive change.

Posted on

US and Philippines Condemn China’s “Gray Zone” Activities in the South China Sea

The United States and the Philippines have issued a joint statement condemning China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea. These activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region. The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Key takeaways:

The US and the Philippines have condemned China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea.

China’s activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region.

The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Source: The Manila Times

What are the Gray Zones?

U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea:

In a 2020 U.S. Secretary of Defense the statement, the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claim to (or derived from) James Shoal, an entirely submerged feature only 50 nautical miles from Malaysia and some 1,000 nautical miles from China’s coast. James Shoal is often cited in PRC propaganda as the “southernmost territory of China.” International law is clear: An underwater feature like James Shoal cannot be claimed by any state and is incapable of generating maritime zones. James Shoal (roughly 20 meters below the surface) is not and never was PRC territory, nor can Beijing assert any lawful maritime rights from it.

The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law. We stand with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push to impose “might makes right” in the South China Sea or the wider region.


Posted on

Tomahawk Missiles for Australia

.

The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) successfully launches Tomahawk cruise missiles off the coast of southern California in 2018.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced a possible sale of Tomahawk cruise missile systems to Australia. The proposed deal is worth an estimated $1.5 billion and would involve the sale of 200 Tomahawk Block V All-Up-Round missiles, along with associated equipment, spare parts, and support services.

The Tomahawk missile system is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile that is designed for precision strike missions against heavily defended targets. It is a proven weapon system that has been used extensively in combat operations, most recently in the strikes against Syrian chemical weapon facilities in 2018.

The proposed sale would enhance Australia’s capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its interoperability with the US. It would also support Australia’s maritime security and provide it with an enhanced ability to conduct naval operations independently or in coordination with other allies.

The sale of the Tomahawk missile system to Australia is part of a broader trend of increasing defense cooperation between the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region, as they seek to counterbalance China’s growing military power and assertiveness in the region.

The proposed sale is still subject to approval by the US Congress, and it remains to be seen how Australia’s neighbors, particularly China, will respond to the move. However, if approved, the sale could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and could potentially escalate tensions between the US and China.

Overall, the proposed sale of the Tomahawk missile system to Australia highlights the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region in global affairs and the growing significance of defense cooperation among allies in the region. It also underscores the continued rivalry between the US and China, which is likely to shape the region’s security landscape in the years to come.

CNN reports that:

So far only the UK has bought Tomahawks from the US, but recently Japan announced its intention to buy hundreds of the missiles, which cover a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), to boost its defense capabilities.

About Tomahawks

First deployed in the Gulf War in 1991, Tomahawk missiles fly at extremely low altitudes at high subsonic speeds and are controlled by several mission-tailored guidance systems. According to the US Navy, they can be launched from submarines made by the US and the UK, as well as from US Navy ships.

  • The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range, all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile that is primarily used by the United States Navy and Royal Navy in ship and submarine-based land-attack operations. Source: Wikipedia
  • Maximum speed: Subsonic; ~Mach 0.74. about 567.7 mph (493.3 kn; 913.6 km/h)
  • Engine: Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan; using TH-dimer fuel; and a solid-fuel rocket booster
  • Manufacturer: General Dynamics (initially); McDonnell Douglas; Hughes Aircraft Corporation; Raytheon Missiles & Defense
    Length: Without booster: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) With booster: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
  • Diameter: 20.4 in (0.52 m)
    Mass: 2,900 lb (1,300 kg), 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) with booster
    Unit cost: : $1.87M (FY2017) (Block IV); $2M (FY2022) (Block V);
Posted on

Fast Warship Building

Dry Dock Charleston

The article “How Fast Can We Build Warships Today?” discusses the challenges of rapidly building warships in times of crisis, specifically in response to China’s increasing naval power. The author notes that the US Navy’s shipbuilding process is currently slow and inefficient, with complex procurement procedures and limited shipyards.

Key takeaways from the article include:

  • The US Navy needs to be able to rapidly increase its shipbuilding capabilities to counter China’s growing naval power.
  • Current shipbuilding processes are slow and inefficient, and the Navy needs to streamline its procurement procedures and expand its shipyard capacity.
  • Private shipyards could play a larger role in building warships for the Navy.
  • Building a large number of smaller, simpler warships may be a more effective strategy than building a few large, complex ones.

Credit: The National Review, a conservative media outlet that covers politics, policy, and culture. The article was written by Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and former director of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Posted on

Increased Cyber-attacks and other Forms of Aggression to U.S.

Republican lawmakers have sounded the alarm on the growing threats to the US from China, Russia, and Iran according to news reports today. The lawmakers released a report highlighting the challenges faced by the US military, including increased cyber-attacks and other forms of aggression.

Some of the key takeaways from the report include the need to increase funding for the military to counter these threats, the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges posed by China and Russia, and the need to prioritize cybersecurity to prevent future attacks.

This report is of interest to Americans for a Stronger Navy because it underscores the importance of a strong and well-funded military, particularly in the face of growing foreign threats. As one of the primary advocates for a stronger Navy, this report reinforces the need for continued investment in naval power to protect American interests both at home and abroad.

Posted on

Chinese Ships Suspected as Cutting Internet to Taiwan’s Outlying Islands

Several news sources including a report from ABC News, report that Chinese ships have cut the internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, which are located close to China. The disruption has affected around 6,000 people, who are now unable to access the internet or make phone calls. The Taiwanese government has condemned the move and said that it is a violation of international law. The incident comes amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

  • Chinese ships have cut off internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, affecting about 6,000 people according press report
  • The move has been condemned by the Taiwanese government as a violation of international law.
  • This incident occurs amidst growing tensions between China and Taiwan.
Posted on

Secretary of the Navy warns China’s warship production outpacing US, emphasizes need for acceleration

Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has expressed concerns over China’s faster production of warships, which could impact the future of the US Navy. Del Toro has called for an acceleration of efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization by building more warships and expanding its fleet. The report emphasizes the significance of the US Navy’s industrial base in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies. Del Toro made these remarks during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Takeaways

The Secretary of the Navy has warned that China is outpacing the US in warship production, posing a threat to American naval supremacy.

The US needs to accelerate its efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization, including building more warships and expanding its fleet.

The US Navy’s industrial base is crucial in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies.

These remarks were made by the Secretary of the Navy during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Posted on

USS Ronald Reagan Rotation Scheduled

USS Ronald Reagan

The United States plans to replace its Japan-based aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, by 2025 with a newer, more advanced vessel capable of accommodating new fighter jets and other advanced systems. The move is seen as part of the US efforts to maintain its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region amid increasing security challenges from China and North Korea. The new carrier is expected to be larger and morpadvanced than the current Ronald Reagan, and will be able to accommodate the latest F-35B fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

In November 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan participated in a joint naval exercise with South Korea, which involved aircraft carrier operations, anti-submarine warfare, and other training scenarios aimed at enhancing the allies’ ability to work together in defending against potential threats from North Korea.

In August 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan arrived in Hawaii for a scheduled port visit, during which sailors had the opportunity to participate in community outreach events and explore the local area.

In July 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan departed from its home port in Yokosuka, Japan, to begin a scheduled deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, during which it would conduct a variety of training exercises and operations aimed at promoting stability and security in the region.

In May 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan participated in a joint naval exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, which involved training in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and other scenarios aimed at improving the two countries’ interoperability and ability to operate together in the region.

Posted on

Chinese boats harass Philippines

The Philippines has reported that it is monitoring dozens of armed Chinese fishing vessels around a disputed island in the South China Sea, with the boats being part of China’s “gray zone” efforts to assert sweeping claims in the energy-rich waters. The unmarked fishing boats, accompanied by a naval and coast guard presence, were described as “a form of harassment” by a Philippine official. China’s ambitious maritime and territorial claims were dismissed in 2016 by an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, but China has rejected the verdict, leading to tensions with the US, which is committed to freedom of the seas.

Posted on

Iran and China join Russia in dredging Volga River, strengthening anti-Western alliance says reports

The Iran Marine Industrial Company is repairing a Russian ship that crashed into ice on the Volga River and is joining China in helping Russia dredge the Volga-Caspian Seaway Canal, further strengthening the emerging Moscow-Tehran axis, integrating Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance, and threatening Ukraine. The involvement of China and Iran in the dredging project benefits Moscow’s ability to address bottlenecks, while allowing larger naval vessels from Russia’s Caspian Flotilla to transit to the Sea of Azov. The move will also counter Western influence and integrate Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance in the military and economic spheres. The Kremlin’s decision to involve Iran in the dredging project will give Russia the advanced ability to project force westward more quickly. The author of the article is Paul Goble and it was published in Eurasia Daily Monitor and the Jamestown Foundation.

Posted on

South China Sea – Chinese Fighter Jet Intercepted

A CNN crew aboard a US Navy reconnaissance jet witnessed a Chinese fighter jet intercepting their plane over the South China Sea. The Chinese fighter jet was so close that the CNN crew could see the pilots turning their heads to look at them. The Chinese fighter jet armed with air-to-air missiles escorted the US plane for 15 minutes before turning away. The incident reveals the tensions simmering between the US and China in the South China Sea. China claims historic jurisdiction over almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is a major potential flashpoint in the Asia Pacific. Islands in the South China Sea, like the Paracels near which the US Navy plane was intercepted, are the subject of overlapping territorial claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.