Hostilities WILL LIKELY Develop
Two styles suggest that the conflicts between China and the Philippines will likely keep rising.
Second, both parties have made more legal efforts to prove their claims in the dispute. China has implemented a number of laws to support its activities in the South China Sea. Beijing’s coast guard was granted the authority to prosecute foreign ships and officers trespass in its waters for up to 60 days in a fresh sea rule in June.
This expands on a law passed in 2021 that allows the Taiwanese beach shield to fire on any vessel entering its waters. China continues to ignore the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision, which rejected Beijing’s statements to a large portion of the South China Sea.
Manila has even intensified its legal battle to back up its promises. In the Western Palawan area, the Philippines requested in June that the United Nations file its extended western shelf state.
Manila is also working on the Maritime Zones Act, which aims to expand the Philippines ‘ rights and privileges over its maritime districts, including those in conflicted places. China has previously criticized the act’s passage.
The expansion of military capabilities to combat the other party is the next main pattern. Through its military installations on man-made islands, China continues to have a significant and continuous presence in the Philippines ‘ Exclusive Economic Zone, expanding its defense influence over the South China Sea.
The Philippines has increased its military to avoid being left behind, increasing its use of anti-ship missiles and intensifying joint exercises with its classic security companion, the United States, as well as other like-minded lovers.
The administration of Philippine President Ferdinand” Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has also worked to expand the country’s strategic partnerships, passing new defense agreements with Germany and Japan in 2024.
The latter is particularly important. The Chinese troops deployed in the Philippines are permitted to participate in extended tasks and possible handle charitable and disaster relief thanks to the Reciprocal Access Agreement. Beijing has criticized the agreement, saying it is feared as a result of a broader local pattern of defense agreements targeted at China.