The real reasons China is so interested in the South China Sea.

US diplomacy is not served by exaggerating or inventing military threats, such as threats to commercial shipping.

The U.S. has a dangerous tendency of excusing Chinese aggression by blaming it on rogue PLA members.

The Category 4 typhoon left over 60 dead and thousands more homeless.

Hainan provinces new rules about fishing complicate China's relationship with ASEAN.

Plus, China's space program, private banks, and bleak prospects for political reform. Friday China links.

New fishing rules reflect a continued desire to affirm China's maritime sovereignty in a manner inconsistent with UNCLOS.

Hainan, in the South China Sea, is a resort center with international ambitions.

“China is unlikely to significantly increase efforts to interfere with freedom of navigation…”

By acting as though it exercises jurisdiction over disputed areas, China hopes to create a new status quo.

Reports that China could board foreign ships in disputed waters are at least premature.