In
an April 11, 2014 article on reuters.com titled Philippine,
Vietnamese Navies To Unite Against China Over Beers and Volleyball, authors
Manuel Mogato and Greg Torode describe a change in the military dynamic in the
Asian Pacific. The Philippines, Vietnam,
India, Japan and even Russia have taken sides against China in the disputed
Spratly archipelago. According to the authors, these nations are working
closely together for the purpose of deterring Chinese aggression in their
claims over islands surrounding the trillion-dollar trade route. "China's
projection of naval power into Asia's waters is driving them together."
These
nations, many of them longtime enemies, are now coming together to face
increasing Chinese aggression over disputed territories. China responded of
course, by meeting with the United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and
telling "Washington to restrain Japan and chided the Philippines."
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea and "accuses the various
claimants of stirring up trouble."
Although
the Philippines and other small nations are attempting to resolve the situation
with China diplomatically, China refuses to participate. "Manila filed the
case last month with the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. China has
refused to participate."
This
situation continues to escalate and it is likely we will see more alliances in
the coming months. It is not yet known whether China will continue to escalate
already aggressive schemes to force its will on smaller nations in the region.
It is also not yet known if China is willing to risk butting heads with the
United States, as the mutual defense treaties the US has with the Philippines,
Japan, South Korea, and Thailand would ensure an American military response in
at least a minimal capacity.
By Christopher M. Vacek
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/11/us-philippines-vietnam-insight-idUSBREA3901520140411
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