MANILA- The Philippines established a fresh coastline guard monitory base in the fiercely contested South China Sea as yet another indication of its growing strategic resolve.
The two-story service, which is located on Thitu Island, the second-largest naturally formed property feature in the Spratlys, boasts “advanced methods” such as radars and satellite communication tools as well as vehicle traffic control and beach cameras.
During the most recent commencement ceremony, Philippine National Security Council Advisor Eduardo Ano stated that” these techniques will greatly enhance the PCG’s [ Philippine Coast Guard ] ability to monitor the motions of the Chinese sea forces, other countries that may be coming here, as well as our own people vessels and aircraft.”
In response to China’s “pure bullying,” the best Philippine national, who had previously held the positions of interior minister and chief of the Philippine Armed Forces, emphasized how crucial it was to strengthen the Philippines ‘ domestic place.
The Philippines and China have been at odds in the disputed areas all season, which has resulted in numerous incidents between their sea causes. The first-ever combined flying patrols in the South China Sea were carried out by the US and the Philippines next week.
Joint maritime patrols have also been carried out in the region by the Philippines and Australia. Additionally, there are plans for formalized combined naval patrols with the US, Australia, and Japan, as well as plane people.
At the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit ( APEC ) in San Francisco last month, conversations between Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to result in any concrete agreements.
Gilbert Teodoro Jr., the defence chief of the Philippines, officially questioned even the importance of direct political wedding with China, demonstrating the nation’s curing stance. Beijing responded by accusing Manila of” large destructive hype-up,” which only” stir]s” conflict and raises conflicts.
Marcos Jr. has consistently adopted a policy of” calibrated weight” against China throughout the year. The current Filipino chief has adopted a much more unyielding position in the contentious waters than his pro-Beijing predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
A vigilant” transparency initiative” has been implemented by the PCG, which regularly reports on alleged Chinese harassment of local supplies missions and naval patrols in the Philippines.
Over the contentious Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the subject of marine brinkmanship with China in the past month, the Spanish Navy ( PN) has made it clear that it will defend the nation’s de facto naval base.
Additionally, as part of an expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement ( EDCA ), the Pentagon and the Philippine Armed Forces ( AFP ) have been finalizing the building of joint facilities across numerous strategic bases.
In addition to all of this, the Marcos Jr. administration has effectively withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ) projects due to worries about a lack of progress on anticipated projects and perceived high interest rates.
But, Marcos Jr. has avoided using any aggressive language toward China, in contrast to his liberal-reformist predecessors like Benigno Aquino III. If anything, he has consistently emphasized his eagerness to meet with Chinese counterparts, make sure that there are no points of contention between the two countries, and look into a South China Sea compromise that both parties can accept.
Marcos Jr. wants to change the nature of the conflicts in the South China Sea by taking a clear “double game” approach to China and combining pleasant language with more forceful operating countermeasures.
As the first foreign leader in recent memory to visit the US Indo-Pacific Command ( INDOPACOM) in Hawaii, the Filipino president met with his Chinese counterpart last month to discuss de-escalation.
However, there are all indications that the Spanish defence establishment is taking advantage of the government’s new proper orientation in favor of a more confrontational stance toward China while working with supporters.
Roads on fire
No less than Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong publicly warned Manila next month that if current trends continue, there will be unwelcome issue in the region. Major Spanish officials, however, have resisted any outdoors criticism and have instead placed the entire blame on China.
” It’s not productive. When asked about political ties with the Eastern superpower last week, Philippine Defense Chief Teodoro responded,” There should be diplomatic discussions, but at a time when we prove, at our certainty- this is my personal belief– that official bilateral negotiations should only be held when it is proven that they are sincere.
In discussing the benefits of self-restraint and potential de-escalation agreements in the region, he said,” We will just be playing into their playbook and it will be an attempt to constrain the Philippines from enforcing its claims, which it rightfully has under international law.”
Teodoro, a Harvard-educated attorney, supported diplomacy only if it was “based on basic principles and it must be based upon sincerity, that it shall not be used only as an instrument in order to confine the Philippines.” However, he disregarded any suggestion that the South Asian country should reevaluate its current strategy.
If anything, various prominent Philippine officials are raising the stakes in an effort to make their redlines to China obvious and improve the standing of the Southeast Asian country there.
Eduardo Ano, a former military chief and adviser to the Philippine National Security, said during his most recent trip to Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands,” We’re open to like-minded countries to join as observers or participants.”
The Philippines has been continuously improving its position in disputed ocean places after years of abuse by modernizing and upgrading its facilities in half a dozen area features under its control, including the 1.3-kilometer airport on Thitu Island, which was built in the late 1970s.
” Chinese sea military vessels, the People’s Liberation Army Navy, and the China Coast Guard can occasionally act in unexpected ways. They do not follow the rule of law and global order. Gray area techniques are no longer used. It’s blatant abuse and completely illegitimate. According to the Philippine protection chief, it’s not appropriate under international law.
Following joint aerial and naval patrols with the US and Australia last week, the Philippine official asserted that other “like-minded countries , ( can ) join as observers or participants,” likely referring to partners in Europe like Britain as well as new defense partners like India.
China has repeatedly warned the Southeast Asian country against “any act that [would ] stir up conflict and heighten tensions” in the South China Sea, infuriated by the Philippines ‘ growing assertiveness.
According to Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the Philippines is interesting in” sheer malicious hype-up” to entice Western forces into the contentious waters.” Defense and security cooperation between countries may not target any third party or damage the interests of third parties and shall neither destroy regional peace and stability.”
Following Richard Javad Heydarian on X, previously Online, at @RicheyDarian.