China’s Assertive Push

In recent months, China has deployed military and coast guard vessels to expel the Philippines from three key reefs and islands in the South China Sea.

More about the News

• China has built artificial islands armed with missile systems and runways for fighter jets, and deployed vessels that the Philippines says harass its ships and block its fishers.
• The recent incidents have come as the Philippines has strengthened ties with traditional ally the United States –
  • Sabina Shoal:
    • It is located just 140 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Palawan.
    • It saw tussle between Beijing vessels and the Philippine Coast Guard ships.
  • Second Thomas Shoal:
    • In June, Chinese coast guard personnel brandishing weapons boarded Philippine vessels near the disputed island.
  • Scarborough Shoal:
    • In 2012, Beijing seized control of Scarborough Shoal, another contested area close to the Philippines.

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China’s strong-arm tactics

• Territorial Claims and militarisation:
  • Intensified Military Drills Around Taiwan: China has intensified its military drills around Taiwan, including sending warplanes and naval ships into the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding airspace.
  • Increased Activities Around Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands: China has intensified maritime and aerial operations around the disputed East China Sea islands also claimed by Japan.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Artificial Islands and Military Installations: China has built artificial islands and military facilities in the South China Sea.
  • Increased Military Infrastructure Along the LAC: There has been a notable rise in military infrastructure and troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
  • Expansion in Africa Through Belt and Road Initiative: China is growing its influence in Africa with infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Diplomatic and Economic Coercion:
  • Influence in the South Pacific: China has been expanding its influence in the South Pacific by securing diplomatic and economic agreements with countries like the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
  • Economic Sanctions on Lithuania: In response to Lithuania’s Taiwan representative office decision, China has imposed economic sanctions.
  • Crackdown on Technology Sector: China has imposed fines, investigations, and regulations on major technology firms such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Didi.
• Legal Manoeuvring:
  • Selective Use of International Legal Frameworks: China leverages international legal frameworks selectively to justify its actions while disregarding rulings that counter its interests, such as the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea.

Significance of China’s Strategy

• Regional Dominance: To establish itself as the predominant power in Asia, challenging the influence of other major powers like the United States and India.
• Control over Strategic Resources: To gain access to vital natural resources, such as fisheries, hydrocarbons, and mineral deposits, crucial for its economic security.
• Securing Maritime Routes: To control key shipping lanes, critical for its trade and energy imports.
• Shaping Regional Order: To favour its strategic interests, potentially sidelining multilateral institutions that oppose its actions.

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Way Forward

• Strengthening Alliances: There is a need to strengthen Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in response to China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
  • NATO’s recent emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region as part of its strategic concept.
• Promoting Rule-Based Order: Bolster international support for UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitration ruling to enforce maritime laws and encourage the use of legal mechanisms against unlawful maritime claims.
  • Negotiations for establishing the ASEAN Code of Conduct for managing disputes in the South China Sea should be expedited.
• Economic Diversification: European Chips Act to boost semiconductor production within Europe.
  • Australia’s diversification of its export markets, especially in minerals like rare earths and coal.
• Revive Strategic Dialogues: Reinforce platforms like the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue to address bilateral issues and foster mutual understanding, helping to manage regional conflicts and economic concerns.