As World Watches Kim, China Quietly Builds South China Sea Clout
- U.S. under Trump shows greater focus on North Korea threat
- Tensions rising over oil exploration blocks with Vietnam
Beijing Builds South China Sea Clout
This article is for subscribers only.
As Kim Jong Un’s antics in North Korea capture global attention, China is quietly moving to bolster its grip on disputed territory in the South China Sea.
Last month, a Philippine lawmaker released photos he said showed Chinese fishing, coast guard and navy vessels surrounding a Philippine-occupied isle in the Spratly island chain, preventing planned repairs to a runway. Vietnam in July halted drilling in an area leased to Spain’s Repsol S.A, amid reports it did so under Chinese duress.