Beijing Turns Up Heat on Manila to Assert South China Sea Dominance, Experts Say
China's use of warships alongside coast guard vessels in its latest confrontation with the Philippines is an escalation in the dispute, an analyst said.
Experts are warning that Beijing is intensifying its coercive tactics to isolate Manila and establish dominance in the South China Sea. This escalation is demonstrated by China’s Maritime Safety Administration announcing live-fire drills in certain South China Sea areas, restricting ship traffic. The drills coincide with actions by the China Coast Guard and PLA Navy that obstructed a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-held reef within its exclusive economic zone.
- Experts warn Beijing is escalating coercion to isolate Manila and assert dominance in the South China Sea.
- China’s Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire drills in parts of the South China Sea on Sept. 28 and Sept. 30.
- Ships were barred from entering the drill area, located south of the Wanshan Islands.
- The China Coast Guard and PLA Navy hindered a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal.
- Second Thomas Shoal is a Philippine-held reef within its exclusive economic zone.
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