Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Troubled waters: On the tensions between China and the Philippines” which was published in the Hindu. Tensions between China and the Philippines soared after Manila spoke of China’s “reckless and illegal” actions in the South China Sea, blocking its resupply mission near Second Thomas Shoal.

South China Sea Dispute: China Philippines Tensions

• Contesting Claims on Scarborough Shoals: 

• • In 2012, China seized Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, defying a favourable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
  • Last September, Philippine forces removed a barrier installed by China near Scarborough Shoal, resulting in a warning from Beijing.
  • Despite China’s claims and warnings, the Philippines continues to send regular resupplies to Second Thomas Shoal, located about 200 km from Palawan.
  • In the recent incident, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that its boats were stopped near Second Thomas Shoal.
  • China, in response, blamed the Philippines for illegal intrusion in the waters around Second Thomas Shoal.

• China’s asserting claims in the South China Sea: 

• • The root cause of the tensions lies in the contested claims over the South China Sea, with China asserting nearly all of the region. 
  • China seized Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012, ignoring a favourable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

• Recent Stance of Philippines: 

  • The deterioration in China-Philippines ties is made worse by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s different approach from his predecessor. 
  • He strengthened the Philippines’s strategic and defence cooperation with the U.S.
  • He seems ready to stand up to China’s coercive moves to protect his country’s sovereignty claims.
  • This stance of the Philippines has angered China.

• Involvement of U.S: 

• • The U.S. now has access to nine Philippine military bases, and last year, Manila hosted its largest military exercise with the U.S. In the long term. 
  • On the other side, China sees the growing U.S.-Philippines ties as a key challenge and has accused Washington of using Manila as a “pawn”.

Conclusion

China should opt for benign engagement and dialogue to address disputes in the South China Sea, rather than relying on sweeping unilateral claims and coercive measures.