Experts call for increased collaboration among like-minded nations to counter China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The call comes as China is expected to continue its assertive operations in the coming year, using tactics like disinformation and military exercises.
Experts are urging stronger cooperation among nations that share similar values, anticipating continued aggressive actions from China in the West Philippine Sea this year. This call came during a recent forum on Japan -Philippines strategic cooperation held on Friday, organized by the Stratbase Institute in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
University of Tokyo Professor Shin Kawashima, a China studies expert, stated that Beijing will persist in employing aggressive tactics, including the dissemination of disinformation and fabricated narratives, in the West Philippine Sea, Senkaku Islands, and Taiwan. Kawashima emphasized that China's operations are unlikely to cease, potentially experiencing temporary slowdowns but ultimately continuing their long-term strategy of extending their influence beyond the First Island Chain. In 2024, the China Coast Guard significantly escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea by using military-grade lasers, firing water cannons, and repeatedly ramming Philippine Coast Guard vessels. They also brandished weapons and explicitly threatened the safety of Filipino maritime personnel. In Japanese waters, approximately 1,300 Chinese government ships surrounded the Senkaku Islands, marking a record high for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, over 3,000 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone in the same year, setting another new record. Kawashima explained that the severity of China's actions in the West Philippine Sea will be influenced by the response of the new United States government. He suggested that China will test the new administration's stance, assessing whether it will be firm or accommodating. If a soft approach is adopted, China may implement more aggressive policies. Kawashima stressed the necessity for enhanced cooperation among like-minded nations to effectively counter China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea and Senkaku Islands. He argued that if these nations united against China, increasing their collective strength, it would significantly raise the costs for China if they persisted in their aggressive posture. Professor Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase, echoed the call for regional allies to intensify their collaborative efforts in addressing China's growing assertiveness. He highlighted the strategic importance of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan, which was unanimously ratified by the Philippine Senate on December 16. Manhit emphasized that the RAA sends a clear message that the Philippines and Japan stand united in the Indo-Pacific region and that deepening strategic cooperation is crucial for upholding peace and stability.He noted that leaders from both nations are actively engaged in dialogue, open to new agreements, and committed to fostering partnerships that strengthen collective efforts in addressing regional threats. The RAA will significantly bolster cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defense Forces, allowing the latter to participate in advanced training, particularly in joint US-Philippine exercises such as Balikatan, Kamandag, and Sama-Sama. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Enzo Kazuya expressed Japan's determination to fully realize the potential of its relationship with the Philippines. He stated that once the RAA takes effect, cooperation will enter a new phase, fortifying security and defense cooperation with allies and like-minded partners such as the United States and Australia. Kazuya underscored Japan's unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, anchored in the rule of law
International Relations CHINA WEST PHILIPPINE SEA JAPAN PHILIPPINES STRATEGIC COOPERATION RECIPROCAL ACCESS AGREEMENT ASEAN
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