[International] China's Frequent Actions Around Scarborough Shoal; Philippines Worries About Potential Permanent Control
bellala 央廣8h ago
The Financial Times reports that the Philippines is concerned that China may be preparing to permanently control Scarborough Shoal. Scarborough Shoal is a disputed reef in the South China Sea and one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific region.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that Manila is concerned about China's recent activities around Scarborough Shoal (called Demchug Reef in Taiwan). Scarborough Shoal is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, 200 kilometers west of Luzon Island.
"The level of concern is much higher now (than before)," Teodoro told the Financial Times.
Since 2012, China has maintained de facto control of Scarborough Shoal by continuously deploying naval vessels. However, there are concerns that China may attempt to permanently control the shoal, following its actions in other disputed areas of the South China Sea, paving the way for possible construction and militarization.
Earlier this week, China removed floating platforms near Scarborough Shoal, which Manila claimed were "illegal." However, Teodoro said that China subsequently sent a marine research vessel into the area. Beijing has previously used research vessels to conduct activities in disputed waters in this area that aid in the construction of artificial islands.
Ten years ago, an international tribunal rejected Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea.
Teodoro said, "If they... lied before, they will lie now. This might also be a tactic to provoke us on the 10th anniversary of the arbitration ruling, but since they have already entered and are conducting 'research activities,' why take such a risk if they don't plan to act? You have to prepare for the worst."
Beijing recently imposed sanctions on Teodoro, including banning him from traveling to China, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his "irresponsible remarks" about China, without specifying them. Teodoro dismissed these actions, believing they were merely catering to domestic audiences and stated that they do not affect efforts to strengthen military deterrence against China.
Although U.S. President Trump sometimes makes sharp remarks about alliances, causing concern among many U.S. allies, Teodoro said that in the Indo-Pacific region, "alliances are becoming stronger."
U.S. and Philippine forces recently conducted their annual "Balikatan" joint military exercises, with a record number of participating allies, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Teodoro stated that it is crucial for Manila and its allies to take more action to "enhance interoperability to strengthen deterrence against China."
He revealed that Manila hopes to purchase more weapons from the United States, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and the Typhon system, which can launch Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles and strike aircraft, ships, and ballistic missiles.
Teodoro pointed out that the Philippines is negotiating with Tokyo to acquire five Abukuma-class destroyers after their retirement. The Philippines is also interested in Japan's Type 88 surface-to-ship cruise missile, which made its debut during the Balikatan joint military exercises.
In 2024, Manila and Tokyo signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing their forces to train and exercise in each other's countries, a move aimed at strengthening deterrence against China.
When asked if the Reciprocal Access Agreement paves the way for Japan to rotate forces in the Philippines, Teodoro said, "Of course, this also applies to the Philippines rotating forces in Japan and Australia."
Teodoro stated that Manila also intends to acquire the extended-range version of the BrahMos supersonic missile from India, which would give the Philippines greater power projection capabilities in the South China Sea.
In addition to acquiring weapons, Teodoro said that Manila is also beginning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its military systems to enhance its ability to detect Chinese activities and predict future actions.
When asked about the extent of discussions between the U.S. and the Philippines regarding a potential war over Taiwan, he said, "The United States and the Philippines have not had any discussions regarding a Taiwan emergency."
However, he said that the two allies have discussed global contingencies that could affect the Philippines during their annual talks under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
He said, "Any responsible defense exchange will discuss these contingencies... and conduct exercises for these situations. This is also why AI is being used; AI can provide predictions, making various scenarios more realistic and feasible, and keeping contingencies up-to-date."(Editor: Liu Xianghua)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215840
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