BEIJING — Ramming boats, building militarized islands and threatening perceived trespassers — China is escalating confrontations with the Philippines in a bid to push it out of the South China Sea, analysts say.
One of the most perilous flashpoints between the two nations is a submerged reef called the Second Thomas Shoal, where in 1999 the Philippine Navy intentionally marooned a decrepit World War II ship to assert the country's territorial claims.Still home to a small garrison of Filipino marines, the crumbling BRP Sierra Madre sits around 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China 's nearest major landmass.
Duan Dang, a Vietnam-based maritime security analyst, said Beijing was employing a 'salami-slicing strategy.'That includes boosting 'military, coast guard and militia vessels at uninhabited features in the Spratly Islands,' where the Second Thomas Shoal is located.The broader aim is to push eastwards toward the neighboring Sabina Shoal, encroaching on Manila's exclusive economic zone and 'gradually its presence and control,' he said.
Wants PH Out Of South China Sea Analysts
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China defense minister warns of limits to Beijing's restraint on South China SeaLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
China defense minister warns of 'limits' to Beijing's restraint on South China SeaChina's defense minister warned Sunday of 'limits' to Beijing's restraint on the South China Sea and over the deployment of ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.
Read more »
China's illegal blockades: China has no territorial sovereignty over South China SeaCHINA claims to have territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea. However, it is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) that determines the status of the South China Sea.
Read more »
DFA urged to prepare for legal action amid Beijing's South China Sea detention planSen. Francis Tolentino called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to be ready with legal actions against China that threaten to detain trespassers in the South China Sea, which is said to be enforced starting June 15.
Read more »
Philippine ship, Chinese vessel collide in South China Sea: BeijingDefining the News
Read more »
Philippines says Beijing’s words not matching actions in South China SeaThe Philippine foreign ministry says it 'denounces the illegal and aggressive actions' of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage during Manila's routine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on June 17
Read more »