The recent US–Philippines Balikatan military exercise was a response to China’s increased aggression in the South China Sea. China had been targeting both Filipino military personnel and small-scale fisherfolk in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China’s provocations had become indiscriminate and bolder, making it difficult to ignore the situation. The 38th Balikatan exercise in April 2023 was the biggest in the three-decade history of their joint combat drills. However, it received a swift warning from Beijing who called for the cessation of such activities, stating that they could aggravate tension in the area.
The United States and the Philippines conducted the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 11 April 2023 in Washington, where they issued clear-cut statements about the South China Sea conflict. The joint statement condemned China’s illegal activities and called for compliance with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision, which rejected Beijing’s claims on territory and maritime rights based on its ‘nine-dash line’. The statement also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines has turned its back on the China appeasement strategy that was present under his predecessor. Former president Rodrigo Duterte moved the Philippines closer to China, which gave ample space for them to construct a mutually beneficial relationship….
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