In light of China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, President Joe Biden is poised to tackle the issue head-on during discussions with leaders from Japan and the Philippines.
President Joe Biden is set to address China’s aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea, specifically targeting the issue at the Second Thomas Shoal. This focus comes amid plans for joint naval exercises in the region involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. These nations aim to challenge Beijing’s expansive territorial claims, which have been a long-standing source of tension.
The joint military drills, termed the Maritime Cooperative Activity, will include anti-submarine warfare training. This move seeks to uphold freedom of navigation and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific, presenting a united front against China’s assertive behavior. The exercises underscore the commitment of these countries to a peaceful, stable Indo-Pacific and their opposition to unilateral changes in the status quo.
The coordination between the US, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia follows heightened concerns over possible military confrontations, particularly around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. This area, where the Philippine marines are stationed aboard the Sierra Madre, has been a focal point of Chinese coast guard activities aimed at blocking resupply operations. Experts, including Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund and former CIA analyst Dennis Wilder, warn of the significant risk of direct military conflict between the US and China over these actions.
President Biden intends to issue a warning to China during upcoming summits with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions will emphasize the applicability of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to the situation, signaling the potential for escalation should aggressive actions continue.
These developments come against the backdrop of past incidents, such as China’s military takeover of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, highlighting the ongoing need for proactive measures to safeguard peace and security in the South China Sea. This strategic region, involving multiple nations with overlapping claims, remains a critical concern for international relations and regional stability.
