China advances in the South China Sea
Beijing has seized the initiative in the contested area. But Australia and Timor-Leste are nearing agreement in their zone of dispute
China enjoyed an almost free hand in cementing its claims on the South China Sea during 2017 as it continued to aggressively build infrastructure within the self-declared Nine Dash Line in defiance of international laws. As Beijing built more military-type facilities in the Paracel islets, in a maritime zone claimed by Vietnam, it scored a clear victory on land in the diplomatic war. To the dismay of Vietnam, in particular, which has challenged China's ambitions in waters through which a third of the world's shipping passes, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has abandoned his country's former hostility to China and could even be siding with Beijing against America. During the Asean summi
Also in this section
18 April 2024
The Norwegian energy company is concentrating its efforts on specific regions and assets that meet strict cost and carbon criteria
17 April 2024
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan provide opportunities after Europe turns it back, while also offering another gateway to China
16 April 2024
Commentators need to shake off the myths of the past, with rising oil prices a boon for US economy
15 April 2024
Though hampered by methane concerns, US LNG has a crucial role to play for European and Asian energy security, US economic needs and the energy transition drive