The Philippines & China Clash At South China Sea. Will The US Intervene? | When Titans Clash

CNA Insider2 minutes read

On June 17, 2024, clashes erupted between Filipino and Chinese forces in the South China Sea, highlighting rising tensions and prompting the Philippines to commend its troops for restraint while reaffirming its commitment to peace, backed by a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. Public sentiment in the Philippines strongly favors U.S. support amidst concerns over China’s aggressive actions, as demonstrated by recent military drills and significant public protests against Chinese regulations.

Insights

  • The Philippine government praised the restraint shown by its troops during a recent clash with Chinese forces, highlighting a commitment to peace amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea, while also reaffirming the importance of its mutual defense treaty with the United States, which ensures U.S. support in the event of attacks on Philippine forces.
  • Public sentiment in the Philippines strongly favors closer military ties with the U.S. to enhance national security, with nearly 90% of Filipinos supporting U.S. involvement in countering Chinese incursions, reflecting a recognition of the military imbalance and the strategic significance of locations like the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been a focal point of ongoing maritime confrontations.

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Recent questions

  • What is a mutual defense treaty?

    A mutual defense treaty is an agreement between two or more countries to provide mutual support in case of an attack on one of the parties. This type of treaty typically outlines the obligations of each country to assist the other, which can include military support, logistical aid, and other forms of assistance. Such treaties are often established to deter aggression from external threats and to enhance the security of the involved nations. For example, the mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States, established in 1951, stipulates that any attack on Philippine forces would invoke U.S. support, thereby reinforcing the security framework in the region and promoting stability through collective defense.

  • How do countries resolve territorial disputes?

    Countries typically resolve territorial disputes through a combination of diplomatic negotiations, legal proceedings, and sometimes military engagement. Diplomatic efforts may involve bilateral talks, mediation by third parties, or participation in international organizations to seek a peaceful resolution. Legal avenues can include filing cases in international courts, such as the International Court of Justice, where nations can present their claims and seek binding rulings. In some cases, countries may resort to military action or show of force to assert their claims, although this is generally viewed as a last resort due to the potential for escalation and conflict. Ultimately, successful resolution often requires compromise and a willingness to engage in dialogue to address the underlying issues.

  • What are the benefits of military exercises?

    Military exercises provide numerous benefits, including enhanced readiness, improved interoperability among allied forces, and the opportunity to test and refine tactics and strategies. These exercises allow military personnel to practice responding to various scenarios, which can improve their effectiveness in real-world situations. Additionally, joint exercises foster cooperation and trust between allied nations, as they work together to achieve common objectives. They also serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors by demonstrating military capability and commitment to collective defense. Furthermore, such exercises can help identify areas for improvement in training and equipment, ultimately contributing to a more capable and prepared military force.

  • Why is public opinion important in defense policy?

    Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping defense policy as it reflects the sentiments and priorities of the citizenry, which can influence government decisions and actions. When a significant portion of the population supports certain defense initiatives, such as military alliances or increased funding for national security, policymakers are more likely to pursue those strategies to align with public expectations. Conversely, strong opposition can lead to reevaluation or abandonment of specific policies. Public support can also enhance the legitimacy of military actions and foster a sense of national unity during times of conflict. Ultimately, understanding and addressing public opinion is essential for governments to maintain trust and ensure that defense policies are aligned with the values and interests of their citizens.

  • What is the significance of maritime security?

    Maritime security is significant for several reasons, including the protection of national interests, the safeguarding of trade routes, and the maintenance of regional stability. As a large portion of global trade occurs via maritime transport, ensuring the safety of shipping lanes is vital for economic prosperity. Additionally, maritime security helps prevent illegal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, which can threaten national and international security. In regions with territorial disputes, such as the South China Sea, robust maritime security measures are essential for asserting sovereignty and deterring aggression from rival nations. Furthermore, effective maritime security fosters cooperation among nations, as they work together to address common challenges and enhance collective security in shared waters.

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Summary

00:00

Philippines and China Clash Amid Rising Tensions

  • On June 17, 2024, Filipino and Chinese troops clashed at sea, prompting the Philippine government to commend 80 officers and troops for their restraint amidst provocation, emphasizing a commitment to peace in the escalating South China Sea tensions.
  • The Philippines has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, established in 1951, which stipulates that any attack on Philippine forces or vessels would invoke U.S. support, a point underscored by U.S. officials following the June 17 incident.
  • Tensions have been rising between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, with China claiming most of the area as its traditional fishing grounds, a claim rejected by the Philippines, which filed a lawsuit against China in 2013 that resulted in a 2016 ruling declaring China's claims illegal.
  • Protests erupted in Manila on June 11, 2024, as activists marched towards the Chinese Consulate to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, denouncing China's fishing ban and new regulations allowing the Chinese Coast Guard to detain foreign nationals for up to 60 days for trespassing.
  • On June 14, 2024, a confrontation occurred when a Filipino vessel was surrounded by the Chinese Coast Guard, resulting in injuries to eight Filipino servicemen, including one who lost a thumb, as Chinese troops reportedly used tear gas and damaged the Filipino vessel.
  • Following the June 17 clash, President Marcos awarded medals to the involved troops, reinforcing national support and the commitment to peace, while the U.S. reaffirmed its defense obligations under the mutual defense treaty in response to the escalating situation.
  • Public sentiment in the Philippines shows strong support for U.S. assistance, with nearly 90% of Filipinos favoring U.S. involvement in resupply missions to deter Chinese incursions, reflecting a recognition of the military imbalance between the two nations.
  • The Second Thomas Shoal, where many confrontations have occurred, is strategically significant for both the Philippines and China, as it is located near the Palawan landmass and is crucial for controlling maritime routes in the South China Sea.
  • The Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship grounded at the Second Thomas Shoal, has been a focal point of conflict, with the Philippines sending supplies to it for 25 years, while China accuses the Philippines of attempting to reinforce the ship's structure illegally.
  • The potential collapse of the Sierra Madre poses a dilemma for the Philippines, as it could lead to a Chinese occupation of the shoal, prompting discussions about preemptive actions to secure the area, reminiscent of past conflicts between China and Vietnam over territorial claims.

23:26

Philippines Strengthens Military Ties Amid Tensions

  • The Marcos government assessed that bringing in supplies and reinforcing the ship would be less risky than the alternative, given the increasing intensity and frequency of storms due to climate change, particularly concerning the Sierra Madre, which could fail at any moment.
  • In May 2024, over 16,000 U.S. and Filipino troops participated in the annual Balikatan military exercises, aimed at enhancing bilateral interoperability and trust, with activities including missile and artillery fire against a simulated invasion force.
  • For the first time, the Philippine Coast Guard joined the Balikatan exercises, focusing on maritime confrontations with China, and participated in scenarios simulating armed conflict.
  • The drills were primarily conducted in sensitive areas, including the disputed South China Sea and the Bashi Channel near Taiwan, highlighting the strategic importance of these locations.
  • A significant event during the Balikatan was the destruction of a decommissioned Chinese-built tanker, BRP Lake Kera, which was used as a target ship, showcasing the military capabilities of the U.S. and Philippines.
  • Protests erupted in the Philippines against the Balikatan exercises, with demonstrators expressing concerns about the implications of closer military ties with the U.S. and the potential antagonization of China.
  • Public opinion polls indicated that approximately 79% of Filipinos support closer ties with the U.S. to enhance national security, reflecting a shift in sentiment towards military partnerships.
  • In April 2024, the U.S. Congress approved a multi-billion dollar defense assistance package for the Philippines to bolster its maritime security, granting the U.S. access to nine military bases in the country.
  • Japan's defense budget for fiscal year 2024 was set at a record 7.95 trillion yen (approximately $55.9 billion), marking a 16.5% increase from the previous year, with plans for further increases to counter regional threats, particularly from China.
  • In April 2024, India delivered BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, marking the first export of cruise missiles from India to a friendly nation, further solidifying military cooperation in the region amidst rising tensions with China.

46:14

Balancing National Security and Global Influence

  • The text discusses the importance of a nation maintaining its national security while managing its interests in the international arena.
  • It emphasizes that smaller powers should not be perceived as lacking agency or influence in global affairs.
  • The narrative suggests a balance between protecting national interests and recognizing the roles of smaller powers in international relations.
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