This month Chinese ships prevented Philippine boats from resupplying the Sierra Madre, not least by using water cannon. The Philippine government summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest against China's “aggressive” behaviour
Sierra Madre
, though it sits more than 1,000km from China’s Hainan, is a persistent thorn in its side, and a potential flashpoint for wider Sino-American rivalry., not least by using water cannon. The Philippine government summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest against its “aggressive” behaviour. China, which suspects that the ship is being repaired to ensure its longevity, accused the Philippines of having violated its sovereignty for the past 24 years and demanded the removal of the ship.
In doing so, China is disregarding a ruling made in 2016 by an international arbitration court, which dismissed most of its claims to “historic rights” as invalid under theConvention of the Law of the Sea. The Spratlys were not islands, it found, so could not generate exclusive economic zones. The Second Thomas Shoal lay within the Philippines’ zone.
Tensions have worsened of late. China’s military build-up gives it a greater presence around disputed features such as rocks and atolls, notes Harrison Prétat of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, an American think-tank. The Philippines has become more vocal about China’s bullying and has moved closer to America under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. America is strengthening its various security accords with countries across the region.
America has warned China that “an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces”—including coastguard ships—would trigger the mutual-defence treaty with the Philippines. What America intends to do is less clear. Its warships conduct “freedom of navigation” patrols to challenge Chinese claims. Its coastguard is training local forces in the western Pacific.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Why China Keeps Antagonizing Others in the South China SeaFrom shining lasers at Philippine ships in February to firing water cannons at them over the weekend, China keeps testing the limits of aggression in the South China Sea
Consulte Mais informação »
Britain’s Chinese student diaspora should not live in fear\n\t\t\tLet our global subject matter experts broaden your perspective with timely insights and opinions you\n\t\t\tcan’t find anywhere else.\n\t\t
Consulte Mais informação »
Chinese economy falls into deflation as recovery stumbles\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Consulte Mais informação »
Chinese ad agency fined for sexist drink adYeah, that's pretty bad.
Consulte Mais informação »
Biden Administration restricts US investment in Chinese techBiden Administration restricts US investment in tech China's military might employ
Consulte Mais informação »
Japanese and South Korean shares surge on return of Chinese tour groups\n\t\t\tExpert insights, analysis and smart data help you cut through the noise to spot trends,\n\t\t\trisks and opportunities.\n\t\t\n\t\tJoin over 300,000 Finance professionals who already subscribe to the FT.
Consulte Mais informação »