China, the Philippines and the Disputed Second Thomas Shoal

[Perknose]

Philippines secretly reinforces ship at centre of South China Sea dispute​

Philippine video shows clash with Chinese coastguard that injured soldier​

This is an ongoing flash point that has the potential to get even more violent than it has to date.

 

[trenchfoot]

That mutual defense treaty with the USA Marcos has in his back pocket seems like it's on the verge of being thrown on the table what with Marcos stating if one of his people are killed by the Chinese he'd declare it an act of war.

Can't say how this treaty is affecting China's temperament in the contested zones but I'm sure Xi wouldn't want the US Navy escorting Filipino naval assets that's enforcing their legitimate economic zone in the area that China is, historically speaking, staking claims as the new kid on the block when the Chinese illegally created the 9 dash line in the early 50's. The International Court decided it was invalid and also decided in the Philippine's favor circa 2013 that the Chinese ships harassing and blocking the Filipino ships operating in the area was illegal and the Chinese have simply ignored it.

That China sees itself as being illegally contained by its rivals in the Pacific, makes for some real potential for armed conflicts to occur sooner than later.

https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/international-court-issues-unanimous-award-in-philippines-v-china-case-on-south-china-sea/

 

[hal2kilo]

That mutual defense treaty with the USA Marcos has in his back pocket seems like it's on the verge of being thrown on the table what with Marcos stating if one of his people are killed by the Chinese he'd declare it an act of war.

Can't say how this treaty is affecting China's temperament in the contested zones but I'm sure Xi wouldn't want the US Navy escorting Filipino naval assets that's enforcing their legitimate economic zone in the area that China is, historically speaking, staking claims as the new kid on the block when the Chinese illegally created the 9 dash line in the early 50's. The International Court decided it was invalid and also decided in the Philippine's favor circa 2013 that the Chinese ships harassing and blocking the Filipino ships operating in the area was illegal and the Chinese have simply ignored it.

That China sees itself as being illegally contained by its rivals in the Pacific, makes for some real potential for armed conflicts to occur sooner than later.

https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/international-court-issues-unanimous-award-in-philippines-v-china-case-on-south-china-sea/

So are we friends again?

 

[Jaskalas]

If the Philippines wants China off their back, the restoration of both territorial and international waters, they are going to need to take the Spratly Islands by force. To sink many Chinese ships in the region.

Not convinced they want that, despite the apparent indecision by all the noise and limited resistance they are making.

 

[K1052]

We really should help them replace that with something newer, better, and larger. The Peleliu is available.

 

[trenchfoot]

Would love to see the USA's complete compliment of the 7th Fleet slowly sail near the scene of the incident and make an extended port call at Manila Bay or Subic if possible to you know, rattle that saber and shake that big stick to let the Chinese know how friendly and cuddly we are with them and well, to show them how totally outclassed the Chinese Navy is compared to ours.

 

[sdifox]

It's about time China finds out what happens when you flaunt international law.