date of issue15.04.2015

The maritime domain is a cornerstone of the livelihood of humanity, habitat, resources and transport routes for up to 90 per cent of intercontinental trade. It connects states and regions and makes otherwise distant nations neighbours. Humankind depends on a safe, sound and secure maritime domain in order to preserve peace, enhance international security and stability, feed billions of people, foster human development, generate economic growth and prosperity, secure the energy supply and preserve ecological diversity and coastal livelihoods. As the world’s population grows, our reliance on the oceans as a highway for commerce and a source of food and resources will increase even more. The free and unimpeded use of the world’s oceans undergirds every nation’s journey into the future. Continue reading G7 Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security in Lübeck, 15 April 2015 →

A Chinese vessel works on a building project in the Spratly Islands in 2014. New satellite images show that China has rapidly expanded its artificial islands in the South China Sea. (Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs)

By RALPH JENNINGS Asia World News China United Nations Crime Fishing

latimes.com – China’s moves to explore for oil and undertake land reclamation projects on contested islets in the South China Sea have upset a number of its neighbors, including Vietnam. But none has taken a tougher stance against Beijing’s moves than the Philippines. Continue reading Philippines making waves over China’s moves in disputed waters Philippines Disputed Reef →