China Militarises Island near the Philippines: How will Manila React? | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

Tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea have recently subsided due to a temporary agreement allowing Manila to resupply its outpost without interference from the Chinese Coast Guard. However, China's activities continue, as seen in the militarization of Subi Reef, a disputed area in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines is seeking international support, signing defense deals and conducting joint military drills with several nations to counter China's ongoing incursions and territorial claims.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have been high due to Chinese Coast Guard's incursions into what is considered the West Philippine Sea.
• 🛡️ China has been accused of violating Manila's territory and obstructing Filipino ships, leading to incidents such as a sailor losing his thumb in an attack.
• 📜 A temporary deal was negotiated between China and the Philippines, allowing Manila to resupply its outpost in the Second Thomas Scha without harassment from Chinese vessels.
• 🏝️ Despite the temporary deal, China continues its activities at Subbi Reef, building artificial islands and militarizing them with structures, harbors, and runways.
• 🔄 The Spratly Islands are disputed territories claimed by several countries, including the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
• 🔒 China has militarized not only Subbi Reef but also Mischief Reef and Johnson Reef, installing anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems on these artificial islands.
• 🚢 Even after the temporary de-escalation deal, 122 Chinese vessels were observed in the West Philippine Sea within a week, indicating ongoing incursions.
• 🤝 The Philippines is seeking international partnerships to counter the Chinese threat, signing a defense agreement with Germany and conducting joint military drills with the US, Australia, Canada, and Vietnam.
• 🇵🇭 Manila believes that the militarized islands are being used as staging areas for Chinese activities in Filipino waters, which poses a strategic threat.
• 🛰️ The Filipino Navy has confirmed the presence of military-grade communication equipment on Subbi Reef, indicating a significant military presence.
• 🌳 The script also mentions a news initiative called 'One Tree for Humanity', aiming to combat climate change by planting trees, showing a broader context of global issues.

Q & A

What was the main cause of tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea?

The main cause of tension was the repeated incursions by Chinese Coast Guard ships into the West Philippine Sea, which belongs to the Philippines, leading to confrontations and aggressive actions.

How did China and the Philippines attempt to deescalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea?

China and the Philippines negotiated a temporary deal that allowed Manila to resupply its outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal without harassment from Chinese vessels.

What was China's response to the temporary agreement with the Philippines?

China agreed to the temporary deal at the Second Thomas Shoal, but continued its militarization activities in other disputed areas, such as the Subi Reef.

What did the video mentioned in the script reveal about Chinese activities at Subi Reef?

The video showed extensive Chinese construction at Subi Reef, including buildings, a harbor, hangars, and a massive runway, indicating significant militarization.

Which countries claim the Spratly Islands, including Subi Reef?

The Spratly Islands are claimed by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

How has China militarized the artificial islands in the Spratly Islands?

China has built artificial islands like Subi Reef, Mischief Reef, and Johnson Reef, equipping them with airstrips, harbors, military-grade communications, and anti-aircraft and anti-missile guns.

What recent actions did the Philippines take to counter Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea?

The Philippines signed a defense agreement with Germany and conducted joint naval drills with the US, Australia, Canada, and Vietnam to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Why is the Philippines seeking partnerships with other countries?

The Philippines is seeking partnerships to strengthen its defense against China, hoping that with enough international support, it can deter further Chinese aggression.

How did the Chinese Coast Guard's aggression impact Filipino sailors?

The aggression led to injuries, including a Filipino sailor losing his thumb after a Chinese Coast Guard attack with knives and an axe.

What is the significance of the joint drills between the Filipino and Vietnamese coast guards?

The joint drills signify cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam, despite their own territorial disputes, in countering China's aggressive actions in the region.