Countering China: How the Philippines Became Key to U.S.'s Pacific Strategy | WSJ

Summary

The U.S. is strengthening its military presence in the Philippines to counter China's growing militarization in the Pacific, particularly near Taiwan and the South China Sea. Through a new base deal, the U.S. has expanded its access to key locations in the Philippines, enhancing its ability to project power in the region. Despite China's military buildup and provocative actions, the Philippines seeks to balance its sovereignty with stronger ties to the U.S. and other regional allies, aiming for peace and stability, while preparing for potential conflict over Taiwan.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US is strengthening its military presence in the Philippines to counter China's growing militarization in the Pacific.
• 😀 China's military expansion is a significant concern, with its increasing presence near Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
• 😀 The US and the Philippines have expanded their military cooperation with a new base deal, increasing the number of US military sites from five to nine.
• 😀 The US bases in the Philippines bring American military forces closer to Taiwan and the South China Sea, areas of strategic importance.
• 😀 China has criticized the US-Philippines military deal, accusing the US of stoking regional tensions.
• 😀 Major General Joseph Ryan of the US Army emphasized the importance of controlling the Luzon Strait in any potential conflict over Taiwan.
• 😀 The US and the Philippines' mutual defense treaty obligates the US to defend the Philippines in the event of an attack.
• 😀 US military drills in the Philippines have escalated, including live-fire exercises with advanced weapons like HIMARS, Stingers, and Patriots.
• 😀 The Philippines won a landmark case against China's claims over the South China Sea, but China continues to disregard the ruling.
• 😀 Polls show that most Filipinos support stronger US ties to defend against China's territorial encroachment in the South China Sea.
• 😀 Despite China's military strength, the US relies on its regional alliances with Japan, South Korea, and Australia to balance power in the Pacific.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video?

The video discusses the growing military presence of China in the Pacific and how the United States is countering this through stronger ties with its allies, particularly in the Philippines, and military maneuvers in the region.

Why is the US concerned about China's military buildup?

China's military buildup is seen as a threat to regional stability, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, areas of strategic importance to both the US and its allies. China's growing power could challenge the balance of power in the Pacific.

How has the Philippines responded to China's military presence?

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has leaned more towards the US after years of a pro-China policy. The Philippines has agreed to a new military base deal with the US to bolster its defense capabilities against China's growing influence.

What does the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) entail?

The EDCA allows the US military to use more sites in the Philippines, increasing the number from five to nine. It also allows the US to build facilities, position equipment, and rotate troops, which places the US military closer to Taiwan and the South China Sea.

What is China's reaction to the new US military deal with the Philippines?

China has expressed anger at the new military deal, accusing the US of intentionally stoking regional tensions. It also views the new bases as potentially being used as staging grounds for military actions against China.

How critical is the Luzon Strait in the event of a conflict over Taiwan?

The Luzon Strait is a key strategic waterway and a major shipping lane. Control of the strait would be crucial in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, as it is a significant transit point for both US and Chinese military forces.

What role would the US military play in defending the Philippines in a potential conflict?

Due to the mutual defense treaty between the US and the Philippines, the US would be obligated to defend the Philippines if it is attacked. The US military has been preparing for such a scenario by conducting joint exercises and increasing its presence in the region.

What advanced weapon systems are the US and Philippines testing in the region?

The US and Philippines are testing advanced weapons systems, including the HIMARS rocket system, Stingers, and Patriots, in live-fire exercises. These systems have been used to demonstrate offensive and defensive capabilities in the face of China's military presence.

How does China assert control over the South China Sea, and how has it affected its neighbors?

China asserts control over much of the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line, which it uses to claim territorial rights over the region. China has militarized reefs, turning them into artificial islands with airstrips, missile silos, and communication towers, often harassing the coast guards and civilian vessels of neighboring countries.

What are the concerns of the Philippines regarding China's actions in the South China Sea?

The Philippines is concerned about China's violations of its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, as well as China's use of harassment tactics like military-grade lasers and water cannons against Philippine vessels. Despite winning a court ruling against China, the Philippines continues to face challenges in asserting its territorial rights.