CNA Insider – 23-7-2024
On 17th June 2024, Filipino and China Coast Guards clashed at sea. Armed with knives and axes, this is the worst clash in recent memory. With tensions running high, many question if the USA will step in, and whether Manila will invoke the mutual defense treaty it has with the US.
As confrontations with China increase in frequency, the Philippines has deepened its partnership with Australia, and also Japan. On 8th July 2024, Japan and the Philippines signed the reciprocal access agreement, which is a landmark defence deal that allows both nations to hold joint military drills in each other’s territories.
Why have there been so many clashes between Philippines and China in the South China Sea in the last 2 years? How are countries like the US, Japan and Australia related to the South China Sea conflict?
WATCH MORE When Titans Clash • When Titans Clash | Full Episodes
00:00 Introduction
02:07 Philippines protestors march to Chinese consulate
04:52 Filipino coast guards surrounded by Chinese boats
08:33 When might US-Philippines mutual defense treaty be invoked?
10:47 Will the US get involved in the South China Sea conflict?
14:05 High-tension incidents on the Second Thomas Shoal
16:47 Sierra Madre: Grounded on the shoal for 25 years
21:57 What happens if the Sierra Madre breaks apart?
25:07 Joint US-Philippines military drills “to prepare for the worst”
28:17 Protests against US-Philippines joint exercises
30:33 China’s concerns about new US military bases
33:41 US’ anti-vax campaign to undermine China’s influence
35:41 Chinese vessels spotted near to disputed Senkaku islands
38:10 Tri-lateral summit between US, Japan, Philippines
39:52 Japan’s concerns about China’s actions in South China Sea
41:40 Australia registers its concerns
43:42 India, France provide military support to Philippines
45:38 Is the Philippines becoming a proxy for superpower rivalry?
CVD 