Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday turned down a proposal to equip the country s coast guard vessels with water cannons as a means of defense against China s alleged persecutions in the South China Sea.
Chinese fighter jets intercepted an Australian helicopter by firing flares near the aircraft sending tensions soaring as a disastrous collision was narrowly avoided.
Amid South China Sea tensions, Nicholas Burns’ incorrect assertion that the disputed Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal were Philippine territory may reflect US bias at work. This highlights a hardening US stance against China and Beijing’s communication challenges.
India has pledged support to the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Manila, reaffirmed India s commitment to helping maintain peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific. The recent incident near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands has raised concerns, leading to discussions between deputy foreign ministers. Jaishankar also met with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos to expand bilateral ties, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to address regional challenges.
Washington s increased military activities in the South China Sea could potentially destabilize regional peace and stability as Manila is influenced and urged by the US to follow the path of confrontation.