South China Sea at risk of military crisis if tensions between Beijing and Manila continue to escalate

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. drew a "red line" in his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 regarding the recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31. (Source: AFP)

In a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, President Marcos Jr. warned that any action that leads to the death of any Filipino citizen in the current conflict with Beijing in the South China Sea would be virtually an “act of war.”

Responding to a question from reporters about the issue of mutual defense between the US and the Philippines, Mr. Marcos emphasized that - in such an incident - the Philippines "would cross an irreversible limit".

A senior US military official issued a similar warning in March, stressing that if current trends continued, tensions in the disputed South China Sea would lead to a military crisis. Washington’s moves to bolster its deterrence in the region have failed to change Beijing’s calculus.

Predicting a serious military crisis in the South China Sea is not an alarmist exercise. Incidents involving Chinese coercive actions—snatchings, use of water cannons and lasers, mass gatherings—are being reported with increasing frequency and have even resulted in injuries to Philippine naval personnel.

China has also become more assertive in its legal system, imposing rules to arrest anyone suspected of violating Beijing’s boundaries in the South China Sea. This could be a prelude to a dangerous incident in the coming months. Manila also shows no signs of stopping its activities in Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal (called Huangyan Island by China), two major flashpoints in the South China Sea.

The US has shown strong support for the Philippines and affirmed its “unwavering” commitment to its ally. When it comes to confronting Beijing, it seems that Manila is “opening the door” for Washington. The rapid involvement of other US allies such as Australia, France and Japan in the region is another worrying development in the dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The situation in the East Sea is becoming tense and complicated, with the risk of military conflict if there is no reasonable and timely resolution from the parties involved.

It is important to have deep understanding and careful consideration from countries to avoid unwanted escalation of tensions and maintain peace and stability in the region.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bien-dong-nguy-co-xay-ra-khung-hoang-quan-su-neu-cang-thang-giua-bac-kinh-va-manila-tiep-tuc-leo-thang-273410.html