The Philippines has recently made landmark decisions to stand up to China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. This maritime conflict highlights the geopolitical tensions that persist in this strategic region. The issues are not limited to territorial sovereignty; they also affect the balance of power between great powers like China and its neighbors, supported by allies such as the United States.
What is happening around Luzon?
Everything took a new turn when the Philippines temporarily blocked China’s largest coast guard ship from approaching the island of luzon. This incident took place in a maritime area that Manila considers its territory, thus strengthening its ties with the United States. Yet, China continues to assert its sovereignty over a large part of this sea, despite an unfavorable verdict handed down by an international arbitral tribunal in 2016.
This decision largely rejected Chinese claims, but Beijing still insists on its historic rights in these waters rich in natural resources. According to Guo Jiakunspokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “China’s sovereignty and related rights in the South China Sea have been formed over a long period of history.”
Who really rules these waters?
In this tense climate, the philippine coast guard used its BRP vessel Teresa Magbanua to ward off Chinese vessel 3304 after seven days of intense observation. In response, China sent the ship CGC 5901, nicknamed “the Monster”, a veritable colossus of 12,000 tonnes measuring 165 meters. The BRP Teresa Magbanua managed to keep the Chinese vessel at a safe distance from 176 km off the coast of Zambales in Luzon.
However, after the Philippine vessel left the scene, CGC 5901 moved closer until 124 km from the Philippine coasts. This maneuver clearly shows Chinese determination to impose its presence in this disputed area.
The planet reacts: what are the consequences?
The international scene was quick to react to this maritime confrontation. Jay Tarrielaspokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, strongly denounced China’s aggressive attitude: “It is obvious that the People’s Republic of China believes that its current capabilities and its status in the international community give it the right to intimidate the others. » For his part, Guo Jiakun maintained that Chinese actions were legitimate.
In this tense context, Collin Koh, researcher at the Singapore Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, underlines how important it is to have efficient patrol vessels to keep an eye on the exclusive economic zones (EEZ). He says these boats are vital to countering any attempts at intimidation or encroachment by foreign powers.
-A turbulent past and a strengthening army
Historically speaking, CGC 5901 is not its first provocation against the Philippines. It had previously participated in joint operations with other Chinese maritime forces around the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, a site traditionally frequented by Filipino fishermen. Since then, under the Marcos administration since 2022, military relations between the United States and the Philippines have strengthened.
The Americans now have expanded access to Philippine military bases and have installed a Typhoon missile system on Luzon to conduct training exercises. However, this American military presence is causing even more tensions with Beijing, which is demanding their immediate withdrawal.
The recent incident in the South China Sea highlights how this region remains politically and strategically important. As each country continues to assert its territorial and maritime rights, it becomes essential for all parties involved to work toward a peaceful solution to avoid a potentially dangerous escalation. The issues affect not only national interests but also regional and global stability.
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