The South China Sea Comes to a Boil

China's claims date back to 1930s maps based on British nautical charts and national mythology
The "nine-dash line" claim includes nearly the entire South China Sea
Initially these claims were seen as unrealistic due to China's limited maritime capabilities
KEY HISTORICAL EVENTS:
1974: China seized the Paracel Islands from South Vietnam
1988: Battle at Johnson South Reef resulted in 64 Vietnamese soldiers' deaths
1994: China placed "fishing shelters" on Mischief Reef, within Philippines' exclusive economic zone
1999: Philippines grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal as a counter-measure
CURRENT SITUATION:
China has intensified aggressive tactics against Philippines over past two years
USES VARIOUS INTIMIDATION METHODS INCLUDING:
Ship swarming
Ramming
Lasers
Water cannons
Long-range acoustic devices
China's improved maritime capabilities make its goal of pushing the U.S. out of the "first island chain" more feasible
HISTORICAL PROGRESSION:
Post-Base Era (Early 1990s):
US reduced presence after Philippine base closures
China followed Deng's "hide and bide" strategy
XI JINPING ERA (2012-PRESENT):
2012: China seized Scarborough Shoal
2013: Philippines filed UNCLOS case
2016: China built artificial islands/military bases
2022-24: Escalating confrontations under Marcos
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
Philippines adopted "assertive transparency" strategy in 2023
Tensions peaked at Second Thomas Shoal (BRP Sierra Madre)
June 2024 confrontation led to a limited truce
China expanded control over additional areas
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRUMP ADMINISTRATION:
Partner with Philippines to explore Reed Bank's natural gas
Assert freedom of navigation rights beyond FONOPS
Deploy joint US-Philippine mission to Thitu Island
Add West Philippine Sea outposts to Enhanced Defense Cooperation sites
The article argues that US caution has only enabled Chinese expansion and that bold, decisive action is needed to prevent China from completing its "maritime occupation and area denial" strategy in the South China Sea.

547 people read this News!
16/01/2025
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