November 24, 2023
1 min read

Philippines Enlisted ‘Foreign Forces’ For SCS Patrol: China

Philippine officials confirmed joint patrols with the U.S. near Taiwan on Tuesday, an island contested by China. This collaboration raised concerns about heightened tensions….reports Asian Lite News

The Southern Theatre Command of China’s military accused the Philippines of enlisting “foreign forces,” widely believed to be referencing the United States, for patrols in the South China Sea, sparking tensions since Tuesday.

The military will maintain high vigilance, resolutely defend national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and resolutely safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, it said, according to Reuters report.

Philippine officials confirmed joint patrols with the U.S. near Taiwan on Tuesday, an island contested by China. This collaboration raised concerns about heightened tensions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized China’s stance that such joint patrols should not compromise its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

Despite this, the Philippine foreign ministry and the national security adviser’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Tensions have intensified between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea, especially under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Manila’s growing alignment with the U.S., which supports the Philippines in its maritime disputes with China, has contributed to the strained relations.

Recently, Philippine Department of Transportation had announced the full termination of major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in favour of competitors from the West and Japan.

As per the Philippine Senate, doubt now shrouds nearly all of China’s crucial investment initiatives in the Philippines, owing to economic and political factors. This has led to a new low point in Philippine-China relations, marking a drastic reversal from the six years of warm engagement during the pro-Beijing Rodrigo Duterte presidency.

China’s diplomatic approach in the Philippines under President Duterte faced criticism for being dubbed “pledge trap” diplomacy, involving substantial investments in exchange for concessions in the South China Sea. However, a vast majority of the promised $24 billion in infrastructure projects failed to materialise, as reported by Asia Times.

ALSO READ: Myanmar Refugees Find Comfort in Mizoram, Long for Home

Previous Story

Myanmar-China Trade Hit By Conflict

Next Story

WHO: China Detects No Novel Pathogens in Respiratory Cases

Latest from -Top News

UNSC Grills Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack

Though Pakistan claimed that the meeting largely served and achieved the objectives of the UNSC’s meeting, reports showed that it flopped miserably…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reportedly

Pakistan’s Terror Link “No Secret”: Bilawal Bhutto

Zardari stated that Pakistan’s intelligence services have since changed course and no longer collaborate with extremist elements..reports Asian Lite News Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has openly acknowledged Pakistan’s

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China urges Philippines to ease South China Sea tensions

The Chinese Foreign Minister’s comments come amid rising bilateral tensions

India-Philippines at 75: A Look Back and Ahead 

As India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of their