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Vietnam-China South China Sea conflict developing into dangerous checkmate scenario
The Chinese deployment of Marine Oil 981 offshore drill rig to the coast of Vietnam in early May was yet another serious escalation in an already tense South China Sea. The possibility of a naval clash between China and Vietnam has not been more probable than since their last skirmish on Johnson Reef in 1988 that killed some 70 Vietnamese sailors. Many in Washington perceive Beijing as reckless, but in the Chinese mind, this provocation is rooted in strategic logic. ... more
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Philippines releases photos showing China reef 'reclamation'
The Philippines released photographs Thursday to back its claim that China was reclaiming land on a disputed reef in the South China Sea in an apparent effort to build an airstrip. ... more
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Still no agreement on huge China-Russia gas deal: official
China and Russia still disagree over pricing a multi-billion-dollar gas deal despite years of negotiations, a senior Beijing official said Thursday, ahead of a visit by Vladimir Putin when a contract signature had been expected. ... more
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Gulf Keystone Petroleum expects financial boost from controversial Kurdish oil
Production revenues from oil produced from the Kurdish north of Iraq should increase this year, Gulf Keystone Petroleum said Wednesday. ... more
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