South China Sea Dispute - What Happens Next?

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- China's decision to militarize the Spratly Islands and claims of sovereignty over vast areas of the South China Sea has created a major challenge for other Pacific nations and for freedom of navigation. On March 21, at 10 a.m., in the National Press Club's Zenger Room, experts will look at the political, legal, economic and security issues at play in the South China Sea dispute and discuss what is likely to happen next. Recent satellite images of China's actions also will be reviewed. National Press Club President Thomas Burr will moderate the news conference.  Guest speakers at the roughly hour-long Newsmaker include:

Gregory Poling of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Asian Maritime Security Initiative. In addition to his remarks, Mr. Poling will display and describe satellite images CSIS has obtained which show the construction of military facilities on the Spratlys.

Dr. Yann-huei Song of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Area Studies, Research Fellow, Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica; and Adjunct Professor, Soochow University School of Law, Taipei, Taiwan, the Republic of China

Captain Donald Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (an organization of American sea captains and deck officers)

Dr. Larry M. Wortzel, of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and formerly a military attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and former director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation (Note: Dr. Wortzel will be speaking as an independent expert and not for any of the organizations he is currently or previously affiliated.)

Each year, $5.3 trillion of trade passes through the South China Sea, $1.2 trillion is U.S. trade; More than half of the world's annual merchant fleet tonnage and a third of all maritime traffic worldwide travel through these waters. 

The National Press Club is located on the 13^th floor of the National Press Building, 529 14^th Street NW, Washington, D.C.  This event is open to credentialed media and NPC members, free of charge. No advanced registration is required.

CONTACT: Jamie Horwitz, NPC Newsmaker Chair, 202-549-4921, [email protected]

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SOURCE National Press Club