Explainer: Why is China attacking Philippines, will America help its friend?

Rising tensions between the Philippines and China have raised questions about whether the US is prepared to protect its ally from Chinese aggression, especially in the disputed areas of the Pacific Ocean. Actually, it is being said that America will save this friendly country because there is a mutual defense treaty between America and the Philippines.

This mutual defense treaty between America and the Philippines was first signed in 1951. Then this thing is going on, under which both the countries are obliged to stand together in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific region. However, it was never clear whether the disputed reefs and territories in the South China Sea were included in the agreement, or whether Washington was prepared to go to war with China over the Philippines, especially since US forces were already involved in Taiwan. Preparing for a possible war with the Chinese army.

Question – Will America defend if China attacks the Philippines in the future?
– The treaty signed about 73 years ago says that in case of any attack on the Philippines, America will come forward to protect it. Three months ago in July, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Manila. Even then he had insisted that America would maintain its treaty obligations.
Then he said, “This includes armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft – including the coast guard – anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.”
Experts who closely monitor the tension between the Philippines and China also say that since the Trump administration, America has been clear that it will protect its ally if needed.

Question – Why has China’s tension with the Philippines suddenly increased?
– The main cause of tension between the Philippines and China are territorial disputes arising in the South China Sea, especially related to rights over maritime areas and resources. China claims the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), such as Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines claims its rights based on international law, particularly the law of the sea.

This conflict is not of today but is old. For example, China captured Scarborough Shoal after a standoff with Philippine forces in 2012, significantly escalating tensions. There have been several confrontations at sea between the two in recent months, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive maneuvers and deliberate ramming of ships. Both countries blame each other for increasing tension. China claims that Philippine actions violate its rights, while the Philippines insists on its sovereignty over its EEZ.

Question – Has this tension increased so much that China can attack the disputed areas of the Philippines?
– China has already done this work 12 years ago. This time also the situation is tense but China will really allow the situation of attack, there is doubt among the people about it but China will definitely keep escalating this dispute so that its claim on these places remains.

Question – So will China continue to escalate tensions and take sporadic actions?
– Yes, it seems so. But China will continue to create problems. In recent months, there have been incidents of Chinese boats ramming Philippine ships and spraying water cannons on Filipino sailors. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had said in an interview with Bloomberg earlier this year that the threat from China was increasing. “Since the threat has increased, we have to do more to protect our region,” he said.

Question – Will America give any reply to China?
– Analysts believe that America is not going to do anything like this at the moment. He is unlikely to give a strong answer by standing with the Philippines at this time. This also includes his hesitation. China has a bigger navy than America. He is also associated with the American economy. For this reason, the question is being raised whether America will really come forward to help Taiwan and Philippines in case of war with Ukraine. Think tanks of the Philippines are also raising questions regarding this.

Question – What is America’s attitude towards China in general?
– Both Republicans and Democrats are aggressive against China. Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was the first person to clearly say that the US would defend the Philippines anywhere in the Pacific.

Question – What was said in the International Court on China’s claim on the South China Sea?
– The International Court had rejected China’s claim in its decision in 2016. Even after this, China continues to claim control over most of the South China Sea. It has disputes with several countries in the Pacific region, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, but its aggression against the Philippines in recent years has caused the most concern.

Question – How has America been reacting to China’s dispute with the Philippines?
– America has criticized China’s aggression after every dispute with the Philippines but has decided not to intervene at the moment. However, the danger is increasing. In fact, China continues to put pressure on the Philippines with a special so-called gray zone war strategy.

Question – Where is the problem in the alliance between America and Philippines, what is getting stuck in between?
– It is important for both the Philippines and America to sit down and discuss ways to stop China. Also, how can the immunity of the Philippines be increased? Consider this.

Question – What does America need to do to help the Philippines in the South China Sea?
– It also needs to increase its diplomatic and military efforts to stop China’s aggression in the South China Sea. Also deployed American navy.

Question – Has there been any reaction from America recently on the whole matter?
– Blinken said in Laos on Thursday that the US is “concerned about China’s increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions in the South and East China Sea, which have resulted in injuries and damage to ships.” But it did not tell what America was going to do in this. Although reports are saying that the US has offered to assist the Philippines with military assistance in the South China Sea, Manila has insisted on resolving the matter on its own. He says that he will ask America for help only in serious circumstances.

Question – How many military bases does America have in the Philippines?
– The US has nine bases in the Philippines, four of which it announced last year, including one in Luzon, about 300 miles from Taiwan. The US military operates in the Philippines on a temporary, rotational basis. These bases and proximity to Taiwan make the Philippines a key ally with Japan and South Korea.

Tags: China, china news, south china sea, United States (US), United States of America