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Mark J. Valencia
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 28, 2015
The South China Sea spats: an alternative point of view
In the eyes of other countries, China has behaved badly in the South China Sea. In China's view so have other claimants — and the U.S. and now Japan.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 10, 2015
New round of China-bashing
What is altering the status quo and 'destabilizing' the South China Sea? Is it China's reclamation activities or is it the U.S. military rebalance?
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 16, 2014
U.S.-China skirmishes beg for guidelines on 'spying'
What do the dangerous encounters at sea and in the air between Chinese and American ships and aircraft have in common, and how can they be prevented or managed?
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 1, 2014
China, U.S. moving closer to viewing war as inevitable
The 'tipping point' in China-U.S. relations has been defined as where the two conclude that conflict is unavoidable and begin preparing for it in earnest while trying to hide their true intentions. Has that point been reached?
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 20, 2014
Ambiguous fisheries law sets up in-your-face conundrum for China
The ambiguity of China's 'new' fisheries law courts conflict by setting up an in-your-face conundrum for its neighbors
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 6, 2013
ADIZs: separating fact from fiction
The fact that China's new air defense identification zone overlaps that of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea is not 'illegal' and is perhaps part of a strategy to level the legal playing field vis-a-vis Japan's claims in the disputed area.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 7, 2013
Sea treaty mutiny simmers
Some of China's political analysts and particularly military officers seem to be questioning why China ratified the Law of the Sea Treaty in the first place.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 30, 2011
Realpolitik drama unfolds in the South China Sea
Observing the diplomatic maneuvering over the South China Sea issues in the runup to and including the July and November Bali summits was like watching a multi-act Shakespearian play unfold. The main protagonist was China, which was bedeviled by several nymphs — the counter claimants to the South China...
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 1, 2011
ASEAN rises to a challenge
Last week a sense of optimism wafted out of the Bali meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN and China agreed on "guidelines" for implementing their previously agreed 2002 Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 10, 2002
Japan's rights and wrongs in the 'fishing boat' incident
HONOLULU -- Japan's violent pursuit of a suspected North Korean boat in the East China Sea has prompted both domestic and international controversy. Domestic opposition critics are questioning Japan's right to use force on the "high seas" and are using this incident to argue against expanding Japan's...
COMMENTARY / World
May 24, 2001
Rampant piracy posing political problems for Southeast Asia's policymakers
Piracy is alive and well in Southeast Asia, and it is posing political problems for policymakers. Piracy incidents in and around the Straits of Malacca and Singapore have recently increased at an alarming rate -- in both number and severity. But these modern pirates are a far cry from the swashbuckling...
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 28, 2000
Protecting Japan's right to freedom of navigation
HONOLULU -- Japan's economic security depends on safe and secure passage of its oil imports and trade through the Malacca/Singapore Straits and the South China Sea. Yet a recent upsurge in piracy, "creeping" jurisdiction and possible conflict between rival claimants in the Spratly Islands threaten these...
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 2, 2000
Cooperation is key to ending Northern Territories impasse
Russia and Japan appear to be creeping toward an interim solution to the Northern Territories imbroglio. There are two possibilities being discussed -- joint administration and control of some or all four islands, and a two-stage agreement in which Russia gives up or shares Shikotan and the Habomai group...

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