China's blunders in the Philippines

In Asia, China's worst enemy is called China. Xi's international missteps are more disastrous for his country than the previous ones.

Whether we think of the suppression of the democracy movement in Hong Kong, which led to the election of a pro-independence president in Taiwan, or the hostage-taking of the two Michaels, which permanently deteriorated relations with Canada, to Chinese support for Russia against China. As for Ukraine, which contradicts all Chinese propaganda calling for respecting borders, Xi's international policies are not at all enlightened. Xi's stupidest policy is against the Philippines, in Philippine waters. It seems that no one is able to oppose Xi on this issue. China claims vast maritime areas that clearly do not belong to it. This is also what the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded in 2016. But the Chinese government is determined to establish its military power there. The Philippines is on the front line of this Chinese offensive.

1) What Philippine territory does China claim?

China claims ownership of international territorial waters as well as maritime territories located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. These marine areas are more than 1,000 kilometers away from the Chinese coast, but about 200 kilometers away from the Philippine coast. The conflict centers on the coral reefs of the Philippines, which are located in the middle of very rich fishing grounds.

2) Why is Xi's policy towards the Philippines wrong?

China has become an invading maritime power, which favors an alliance of countries in the region against it. US-led coalition. Without this aggressive policy, it would be easy for the Chinese government to divide the countries of the region among themselves and reduce the influence of the United States there.

3) Why is Xi targeting the Philippines so much?

The Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte had approached China, but the victory of his opponent Ferdinand Marcos J.^s, making the country much closer to the United States. The Chinese government is leading a propaganda campaign in the Philippines aimed at supporting the candidacy of Duterte's sister in the presidential elections. However, even under Duterte, China has taken aggressive measures against Philippine maritime territory. But above all, since 2023, the United States has opened four military bases in the Philippines, just opposite Taiwan.

4) Does this policy have advantages for China?

China's aggressive policy towards the Philippines does not carry any international benefits. In addition, it risks provoking a reaction from the US military, since the Philippines has signed a defense treaty with the Philippines. On the other hand, such actions flatter Chinese nationalism.

5) Who will talk to Shi?

No one seems able to come to terms with Xi Jinping, whose power has become increasingly dictatorial. Xi has decimated the Chinese General Staff, replacing most of the generals still able to openly oppose his will. Vladimir Putin, who is visiting Vietnam on Thursday, saw the situation as an opportunity to launch the idea of ​​a new security structure in the region. But given Russia's proximity to, if not dependence on, China, the Russian offer will not be taken seriously by countries in the region.