CNA Insider – 4-62024

It has been two years since President Marcos Jr won the Philippines’ Presidential race, and tensions are high in the South China Sea. Each day brings new confrontations between Chinese and Filipino vessels in the disputed waters. In a departure from his predecessor, President Duterte’s stance, President Marcos Jr has had a tumultuous relationship with China. From cancelling BRI projects to brinkmanship in the South China Sea, relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated. At the same time, the Philippines draws closer to the US, potentially changing the complexion of US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific. As each side assert their claims, are we one miscalculation away from armed conflict?

Tiếp tục đọc “Marcos’ Philippines Confronts China In South China Sea: Is Conflict Imminent?” →

• The countries’ opposing ideologies amid clashing sovereignty claims could lead to years of militarisation and confrontation in the region if not contained, analysts warn
• Manila has been boosting defence ties with various countries with the aim of building ‘collective deterrence’ in the event of conflict in the region

Maria Siow+ FOLLOW

Published: 10:00am, 26 Jan, 2024 SCMP

The recent trading of barbs between China and the Philippines over ideological differences highlights the “perennial mistrust” between the two neighbours, experts say, noting that their disparate approaches to democracy and authoritarianism are likely to further escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

After Taiwan’s ruling-party candidate Lai Ching-te emerged victorious in the island’s presidential election earlier this month, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr congratulated Lai, referring to the latter as president.

Tiếp tục đọc “South China Sea: how ideological differences between Philippines and China could heat up tensions in disputed waters” →