Shinji Takenaka

Oct 5, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Jenny D Balboa |Shinji Takenaka

On 21 July 2024 the Philippines and China agreed on a ‘provisional arrangement’ that would allow the Philippines to deliver supplies to Filipino naval troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre. The temporary agreement was reached after the Chinese coast guard, armed with knives, guns and spears, attacked a small contingent of Philippine Navy boats on their way to resupply the beached BRP Sierra Madre.

Jun 6, 2023 | asiatimes.com | Jenny D Balboa |Shinji Takenaka

Despite careful words from Philippine officials, the latest US-Philippines Balikatan military exercise was a response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. China’s provocations had become indiscriminate — targeting both uniformed Filipino personnel and small-scale fisherfolk in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China’s aggressive actions had become bolder, making it more difficult to turn a blind eye to the situation.