May 19 U.S. could lift arms embargo on Vietnam (which wouldn’t please China) By Matthew Pennington, Associated Press President Barack Obama could lift restrictions on arms sales when he makes his first visit to Vietnam next week. That would remove a final vestige of wartime animosity but would not please China, which views growing U.S. defense ties in… Continue reading
May 18 2 Chinese jets fly close to U.S. spy plane, Pentagon says By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says two Chinese fighter jets flew within about 50 feet of a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane Tuesday in international airspace over the South China Sea. Continue reading
May 13 China has reclaimed 3,200 acres in South China Sea, Pentagon says By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — A new Pentagon report says China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the southeastern South China Sea. But the country's focus has shifted to developing and weaponizing those man-made islands. Continue reading
Apr 14 Watch 5:16 News Wrap: U.S. military announces South China Sea patrols By PBS News Hour In our news wrap Thursday, in response to Chinese military buildup in the contested South China Sea, the U.S. military announced that joint patrols with the Philippine Navy are under way to tamp down tensions in the region. Also, China… Continue watching
Apr 14 U.S. conducts joint patrols with Philippines in South China Sea By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press MANILA, Philippines — In a military buildup certain to inflame tensions with China, the United States said Thursday it will be conducting joint South China Sea patrols — and eventually air patrols — with the Philippines. Continue reading
Apr 01 Obama hails Iran deal as a model for nuclear diplomacy By Josh Lederman, Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama hailed the nuclear deal with Iran on Friday as a "substantial success" and a model for future diplomacy, as world leaders took stock of the world's most worrisome nuclear threats. Continue reading
Mar 31 Watch 8:25 Signs of growing discontent for Xi Jinping in China By PBS News Hour Pressure has been mounting between the U.S. and China on issues ranging from Chinese military activity to reining in North Korea's nuclear efforts. But tensions are also rising within that country, due to economic instability and a crackdown on dissent. Continue watching
Mar 31 Obama, Xi vow to narrow differences, work closely on North Korea By Matthew Pennington and Josh Lederman, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged Thursday to cooperate to confront the North Korean nuclear threat while working to narrow persistent differences over cybersecurity, human rights and maritime conflicts. Continue reading
Mar 31 China wants to mine the moon for ‘space gold’ By Vikram Mansharamani Tinkering in the heavens has emerged as an important plank of China’s geopolitical strategy. Continue reading
Mar 31 Obama, Asian leaders to huddle on North Korea nuclear threat By Josh Lederman, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Working to display a united front, the United States and key Asian countries will seek Thursday to put more pressure on North Korea as world leaders open a nuclear security summit in Washington. Continue reading