U.S. intelligence chief 8 March said China has capability to provide basic self-defence in Spratlys, though no Chinese navy/coast guard ships permanently based there, and China has paused land reclamation since Oct. Mayor of Sansha City (administrative unit for all SCS islands claimed by China) 11 March said civilian flights to disputed Woody Island to begin within twelve months; followed late Feb announcement of plans for Chinese power grid management station on island, and U.S. report that China had deployed fighter jets to island. U.S. Navy 1-6 March conducted “routine operations” in eastern SCS; officials emphasised operations neither show of force nor formal confrontation. Philippines and U.S. 18 March announced deal opening four Philippine air bases and one army camp to U.S.. Chinese FM Wang Yi 8 March said China exploring possibility of establishing SCS littoral states cooperation mechanism. EU 11 March released statement calling on SCS claimants to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, expressing concern about deployment of missiles on islands. U.S. Army 15 March reported plans to stockpile materials in Vietnam, Cambodia, other Pacific countries to enable quicker deployments. Malaysian defence minister said 14 March he would coordinate pushback with Australian, Vietnamese and Philippine counterparts to ensure China would not militarise Spratly Islands. Chinese coast guard vessel forcefully intervened 19 March when Indonesian fisheries ministry ship arrested Chinese fishermen off Natuna Islands; Indonesia refused Chinese demands that it release the eight fishermen, said they would be prosecuted. Indonesian maritime security official 23 March said China’s actions had created “new ball game” in SCS.

Media reported 16 Feb satellite images indicated China has deployed radar system and two batteries of missile launchers on Woody Island in Paracels, over which Vietnam also claims sovereignty; U.S. and Taiwan confirmed deployment, which Washington said increased regional tensions. Chinese FM said deployment “limited, necessary and defensive”. U.S. President Obama 15-16 Feb hosted first U.S.-ASEAN leaders’ summit; joint statement emphasised commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes by legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to threat or use of force; Vietnamese PM Dung called for greater U.S. involvement against activities changing SCS status quo, urged U.S. to help curb construction of artificial islands and militarisation. Chinese media 2 Feb reported satellite images from Aug and Dec 2015 suggesting Vietnam in process of reclaiming Nanhua reef in Spratlys to build two airstrips; images from Dec show reclaimed area likely destroyed by Typhoon Melor. U.S. think-tank 22 Feb revealed satellite images showing possible deployment of a high-resolution radar on a Spratly island.

China 6 Jan conducted test flights on Fiery Cross Reef using civilian aircraft; Vietnam accused China of threatening regional air safety, sent protest letters to Beijing and UN aviation body; Chinese foreign ministry defended tests as within China’s “indisputable sovereignty”. U.S. and Vietnam FMs discussing test flight by phone reportedly expressed concern over potential militarisation of outposts in Spratlys, decided to explore how to improve Vietnam’s security capabilities. Chinese FM Wang Yi 27 Jan said China will honour commitment not to militarise SCS. U.S. Navy destroyer 30 Jan sailed within twelve nautical miles of Triton Island, claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, in the Paracel Islands, in freedom of navigation operation; China accused U.S. of entering its territorial waters and being “intentionally provocative”. Foreign and defence ministers of U.S. and Philippines met 12 Jan; Philippines military announced it has offered U.S. use of eight military bases on Philippine territory as part of countries’ 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement. Deputy Mayor of Sansha City, administrative unit for all SCS islands claimed by China, 14 Jan announced upgrade to infrastructure on SCS islands. Philippine officials 18 Jan reported they received threatening radio warnings from alleged Chinese navy operators while 18 Jan flying Cessna from Civil Aviation Authority to Philippine-controlled Pagasa Island near Subi Reef 7 Jan. Philippine Civil Aviation Authority deputy director-general stated it would install $1.05mn aviation surveillance system over region.

Beijing 19 Dec reported two U.S. B-52 bombers flew within two nautical miles of Chinese-built artificial island in Spratly islands 10 Dec, in what it called “serious military provocation”; U.S. said overflight unintentional. Australia mid-Dec confirmed it conducted freedom of navigation operations in SCS late Nov. Chinese FM 19 Dec urged countries outside region to steer clear, avoid aggravating tensions. U.S. 25 Nov announced it increased military aid to Philippines in 2015 to

$79mn from previously announced $50mn. U.S. deployed first P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane to Singapore 7-14 Dec, following announcement of new defence cooperation agreement. At conclusion of Philippine legal argument to UN Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague 30 Nov, tribunal gave China until 1 Jan to comment on Philippines’ arguments. AP 6 Dec reported satellite photos show three additional Chinese airstrips under construction in SCS. Taiwan 12 Dec unveiled new lighthouse, harbour and memorial tablet declaring its sovereignty in disputed Spratly islands 12 Dec, prompting protest from Vietnam, which reiterated its sovereignty. Japanese and Indian PMs 12 Dec issued joint statement on SCS calling for countries to avoid unilateral actions that could inflame tensions. China conducted naval exercises in SCS mid-Dec. Indonesia 15 Dec announced plans to boost defense capabilities on Natuna Islands, whose EEZ overlaps with China’s nine-dash line.

U.S. national security adviser 2 Nov stated there would be more demonstrations of U.S. military commitment to freedom of navigation in SCS. Meeting of ASEAN defence ministers and regional partners 3-4 Nov failed to issue joint concluding statement, following disagreement on reference to SCS dispute. U.S. announced two B-52 bombers flew mission “near the area” of the Spratly islands 8-9 Nov. Chinese vice FM 17 Nov told reporters China has already shown great restraint in not seizing all disputed islands occupied by other claimants. Hague arbitration tribunal began hearing case brought by Philippines against China in SCS 24 Nov. Earlier in month, Chinese FM Wang met Philippines counterpart; Philippine officials said countries agreed to resume foreign ministry consultations after two-year freeze. Ahead of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Philippines, U.S. President Obama 17 Nov announced U.S. will provide $259mn over two years in aid to ensure maritime security in Asia-Pacific, also reaffirmed commitment to freedom of navigation in region. At both APEC summit and ASEAN Summit in Malaysia 21-22 Nov, Obama demanded China halt land reclamation and militarisation of SCS. Chinese officials responded saying U.S. needs to stop provoking further tensions. Despite strained relations, U.S. Navy destroyer, arrived in Shanghai 16 Nov for planned naval exercises with Chinese navy. Japan and U.S. began first joint naval exercise in SCS late Oct. Chinese President Xi visited Vietnam 5-7 Nov, first such visit in ten years.

Tensions increased as U.S. navy warship 27 Oct sailed within twelve nautical miles of Chinese-claimed reef in SCS as part of U.S. Freedom of Navigation (FON) program. Chinese defence ministry said missile destroyer and patrol vessel had warned U.S. ship to leave; foreign ministry said American warship entered its waters “illegally” and urged U.S. to avoid “dangerous or provocative acts”. The U.S. destroyer sailed around reef originally underwater or submerged at high tide and not entitled to the 12-nm territorial sea under international law. Unnamed U.S. defence official told press additional FON patrols will follow in coming weeks, but will be conducted also around reefs controlled and built up by Vietnam and the Philippines. Spokesperson for Chinese navy said further U.S. missions of this sort could “trigger eventualities” but did not elaborate. Chinese navy 31 Oct released photos of Chinese armed fighter jets training in SCS. Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague 29 Oct ruled that it can hear case brought by Philippines against China over SCS. U.S. aircraft carrier arrived at new homeport in Japan 1 Oct. Philippines addressed UNGA 6 Oct, calling for China to settle SCS disputes peacefully through arbitration; China responded insisting on direct negotiations and consultations. U.S. 8 Oct committed $100m to Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia as part of maritime law enforcement initiative. Chinese state media 9 Oct reported construction of two lighthouses on Cuateron Reef and Johnson South Reef complete; Vietnam 14 Oct protested that construction violated its sovereignty.

Washington-based think-tank Center for Strategic and International Studies 14 Sept released satellite imagery showing Chinese construction of airstrip on a third artificial island in SCS, Mischief Reef, said it could be easily equipped for “full military action” if needed. Japan and Vietnam 15 Sept signed six cooperation agreements, including Japanese pledge to provide further patrol vessels to strengthen Vietnam’s law enforcement capability in SCS. China and Malaysia 17 Sept held first ever joint live-troop exercise in Malacca Strait, largest military exercise between China and an Association of Southeast Asian Nations country. Speaking at U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee 17 Sept U.S. Senator John McCain urged Pentagon to send navy vessels within 12-mile limit of SCS to send clear warning to China. Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet said U.S. should be allowed to exercise freedom of navigation and maritime flight in SCS; China said it was “extremely concerned” by remarks. South Korea 14 Sept called for Code of Conduct on SCS, signed accord with Philippines to allow confidential military information exchanges.

ASEAN FMs summit 1-6 Aug included extensive discussions on SCS, issued joint communiqué reflecting concern over increased tensions, said land reclamations “have eroded trust and confidence” but did not name China or call for halt to such activities; reiterated call for Code of Conduct in SCS; China 3 Aug said SCS “should not be discussed at all” during ASEAN meeting. Chinese FM Yi 5 Aug said China had stopped land reclamation in Spratly islands; Philippines and U.S. raised concerns about constructions on newly-built islands. U.S. Sec State Kerry 5 Aug said U.S. “will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea”. Japan continued cooperation with Philippines and Vietnam; 15 Aug joined U.S.-Philippine humanitarian exercises for first time. U.S. 18 Aug announced drone flights over SCS to increase by 50%; 21 Aug released report accusing China of dramatically increasing land reclamation activities and using naval patrols to aggressively assert territorial claims in SCS.

UN tribunal began deliberations 7-13 July on whether it can hear Philippines’ legal challenge against China’s nine-dash line claim and rights to exploit natural resources in disputed areas of SCS. China, which does not accept court’s jurisdiction, 22 July urged Philippines to return to bilateral talks. Philippine navy 13 July began repairing military ship grounded deliberately on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to mark its claim in SCS; Beijing 15 July said it “strongly protests” refurbishment of “illegally grounded” vessel. Philippines 15 July reopened former U.S. naval base in Subic Bay as military outpost to cover SCS; 21 July stationed fighter jets there. China 23 July commenced ten-day naval drill in SCS, 28 July conducted air and sea drills. U.S. 17 July announced its navy’s readiness for military action in SCS. U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander 18 July joined surveillance flight over area. Vietnam 24 July demanded halt to Chinese naval drill near Paracel islands. Followed visit by senior Chinese official to Hanoi mid-July.

Tensions continued. China 30 June said some island-building projects in SCS already complete, military facilities to be built on islands. China 26 June moved Haiyang Shiyou oil rig – focus of tensions with Hanoi in May 2014 – to area of overlapping exclusive economic zones. Philippines, U.S. and Japan 22-26 June conducted naval exercises in SCS. Japanese and Philippines flew patrol planes over SCS 23-24 June; China issued warning not to increase tension. Japanese military 25 June said it is considering joining U.S. forces in regular patrols in SCS. Japanese PM Abe and Philippine President Aquino signed joint declaration on defence equipment sharing agreement; allows Japan access to Philippine military bases. U.S. and China 12 June signed army-to-army dialogue mechanism, agreed to coordinate on major military activities; expected to lower risk of clashes in SCS.