"Japan is basically signaling both to the Philippines and the US, and beyond that, [to] Southeast Asia and others in the region, that they should look to Japan as a leader in this space," John Blaxland, of the Australian National University, told Breaking Defense.
China gets increasingly rambunctious in South China Sea devdiscourse.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from devdiscourse.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Chairman Xi Jinping s hardening stance against the Philippines has led to increased aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the South China Sea, particularly at Second Thomas Shoal. The CCG has been harassing Philippine resupply missions to a garrison there, with incidents including water cannon use and ramming. The Philippines has protested these actions, stating they violate international law. Despite efforts to resolve differences peacefully, China s actions continue to escalate tensions in the region. The Philippines seeks wider international support against China s aggressive expansionist tactics.