Chinese state media accused the Philippines of repeatedly infringing on China’s territory in the South China Sea, spreading false information and colluding with extra-territorial forces to cause trouble. The newspapers further accused Manila of relying on US support to continuously provoke China, with extremely dangerous behaviour which could seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
Tensions between China and Philiphines witnessed a sharp spike in recent months as there had been multiple clashes between their militaries and accusations have been traded from both sides over a spate of run-ins in the South China Sea. Historically, China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China’s claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing rejected vehemently
The bilateral relations between Beijing and Manila souring rapidly because of a decade-old territorial dispute between the two countries. That deeply coincides with Manila’s bolstering diplomatic and military ties with the United States, and Japan, which Beijing perceives as containment by its adversaries. Interestingly, the resolute Chinese are not ready to give in to the Western pressure and West’s military tactics that often emerge in the shape of aerial patrol or sea voyages of Western aircraft or warships in the Taiwan Strait or disputed waters in the South China Sea.
In fact, Washington has forged a series of bilateral and multilateral treaties, partnerships and alliances with a number of countries in South and South East Asia including India, Taiwan, Philippines, Veitnam, South Korea, and Japan. The US and NATO warplanes sail through the regional waters throughout the year and often give courtesy calls at neighbouring ports. All those activities directly or indirectly have some consequences for Beijing at present or in the future, which is of great concern for Chinese government and its security institutions.
The lone China is proud of its unforeseeable economic progress and unrestrictable military might, yet it fears from being encircled by it’s enemies either politically or militarily. On the other side, the United States and NATO avoid direct clashes with Beijing and intend to use neighbouring Taiwan, the Philippines or Veitnam as frontline states against ruthless adversary to kick start a conflict that disrupt Chinese growth and trash Beijing’s plan for global supremacy. Hence, the world must wait, for either of the trio-East Asian nations to put it’s sovereignty at risk to fulfil the Western agenda at any time in the future.
