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Territory disputes growing in South China Sea

June 8, 2011

Tensions are growing between China and its neighboring countries over disputed territory in the South China Sea. Despite its growing naval might, China insists that it poses no threat to its neighbors.

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There has been a recent spate of territory disputes in the South China Sea
There has been a recent spate of territory disputes in the South China SeaImage: AP

China steps up criticism of the Philippines over disputed waters, calling on Manila to stop infringing on its sovereignty with irresponsible claims over the South China Sea. The comments come just after the Philippines denounced what it says is the increasing assertiveness of Chinese ships in the region.

China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim territories in the sea, which covers an important shipping route and is thought to hold untapped oil and gas reserves. China's claim is to most of the sea's 648,000 square miles, including the Spratly and Paracel Archipelagos. Manila has accused China of intrusions into its territory, citing six instances, including one in March when two Chinese patrol boats tried to ram a survey ship.

China's first aircraft carrier might be ready sooner than previously assumed
China's first aircraft carrier might be ready sooner than previously assumedImage: picture alliance / dpa

Vietnamese officials have also complained about Chinese activity in the contested waters, accusing Chinese patrol boats of harassing an oil-exploration ship conducting a seismic survey 80 miles off Vietnam's south-central coast. One incident this month, in which Chinese vessels placed a buoy and posts in a part of the sea it claims, spurred protests in the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

China could launch its first aircraft carrier this year, according to Chinese military and political sources, a year earlier than U.S. military analysts had expected. Despite its growing naval might, China says it poses no threat to its neighbors and that its long-term double-digit increases in military spending are in line with overall growth.

Reuters / AFP