China is still playing the bully in Asia. As their military forces grow, they are becoming more aggressive, especially with nations many thousands of miles away, that also share the South China sea.
On Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines firmly stated that his nation would resist submission to “any foreign power.” This declaration came after an incident where Filipino navy personnel were injured, and their vessels were damaged by Chinese forces wielding machetes, axes, and hammers in the contested South China Sea. Despite the aggressive encounter, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines would not initiate a war.
“The United States will not and can’t win a war with China”
The United States government is just using the Philippines to stage a conflict with China where there will be HUGE losses to the Philippines.
Listen to what @RealScottRitter sayspic.twitter.com/4qgpRApSoX
— Laina Media (@media_laina) June 20, 2024
The incident unfolded last Monday when Filipino navy personnel attempted to deliver supplies to a military outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal, a region mired in territorial disputes. During this operation, they were assaulted by members of the Chinese coast guard. The confrontation, documented in videos and photos released by the military, showed Chinese personnel attacking a Philippine navy boat with a wooden bar and forcibly taking a supply bag amid the sound of sirens and the glare of strobe lights.
The Chinese government defended its actions, claiming that the Filipino forces had ignored warnings and ventured into what China considers its territorial waters—a stance not recognized by other claimants or international arbitrators.
WAR IS IN THE OFFING
By: Ret. PAF Chief Gen. Romeo PoquizI say again. The Philippines is not the enemy of China in the South China Sea. It is the mighty USA. Why do you think China harasses Filipino citizens doing resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal but allows Vietnam… pic.twitter.com/GAR5DQmb7z
— jcco (@Jjcruz2) June 23, 2024
The skirmish prompted strong reactions from various international actors, including the U.S., the European Union, Japan, Australia, among others, expressing their concern and condemnation. Despite the tensions, Marcos’ administration announced that it would not call upon its mutual defense treaty with the United States, reflecting a preference to handle the situation without escalating to war.
In a speech to the troops, Marcos reiterated the country’s commitment to peaceful resolution and stated, “We are not in the business to instigate wars.” He praised the bravery and restraint of about 80 officers and personnel involved in the confrontation, particularly highlighting one officer who lost a thumb during the skirmish.
Marcos emphasized the historical resilience of the Philippines in his address, declaring, “We stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence.” He also underscored that the Philippines has never yielded to foreign domination throughout its history.
“The escalation of tension in the West Philippine Sea has been happening because of the aggressive action of China. This is a mockery to international law. What’s at stake is the rules based order.”
🇵🇭 Philippine Coast Guard Commodore @jaytaryela exclusively on @IndoPacPodcast: pic.twitter.com/7RBOwf2QeS
— Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) June 20, 2024
The clash at Second Thomas Shoal is part of broader territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. These disputes are a potential flashpoint for international conflict, with the U.S. repeatedly stating its commitment to defend the Philippines, its longest-standing treaty ally in Asia, should Filipino forces come under attack. China wants all neighboring nations to accept their dictates. Without American support, there isn’t a nation in the area that can oppose anything China wants, when all is said and done.
Major Points
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines declared the country’s resolve against yielding to any foreign power after Chinese forces attacked Filipino navy personnel in the South China Sea.
- The attack occurred as Filipino forces attempted to deliver supplies to a military outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in injuries and damage to Philippine military boats.
- The incident caused international concern, with the U.S., EU, Japan, and Australia condemning the aggressive actions, though Marcos chose not to invoke the Philippines’ mutual defense treaty with the U.S.
- Marcos emphasized a peaceful approach to conflict resolution, praising Filipino personnel for their restraint during the confrontation.
- The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve multiple countries and remain a potential flashpoint for larger international conflicts.
