Rising tensions between the Philippines and China have raised questions about whether the US is prepared to protect its ally from Chinese aggression, particularly in disputed areas of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it is said that America will save this friendly country because there is a mutual defense treaty between America and the Philippines.

This mutual defense treaty between America and the Philippines was first signed in 1951. Then it continues that both countries are obliged to stand together in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific. However, it was never clear whether the disputed reefs and areas in the South China Sea were included in the agreement or whether Washington was prepared to go to war over the Philippines, especially since US forces were already in Taiwan in a possible war with the Chinese Army.

Question – Will America defend if China attacks the Philippines in the future?
– The treaty, signed some 73 years ago, states that if the Philippines is attacked, America will step forward to protect it. Three months ago, in July, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Manila. Even then, he had insisted that America would honor its treaty obligations.
He then said: “This includes armed attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels or aircraft – including the Coast Guard – anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.”
Experts who closely monitor tensions between the Philippines and China also say that since the Trump administration, America has been clear that it will protect its ally when necessary.

Question – Why have tensions between China and the Philippines suddenly increased?
– The main cause of tension between the Philippines and China is territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly related to rights to maritime areas and resources. China claims the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), such as Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines demands its rights based on international law, particularly the law of the sea.

This conflict is not current, but it is old. For example, China captured Scarborough Shoal after a standoff with Philippine forces in 2012, significantly escalating tensions. There have been several confrontations at sea between the two nations in recent months, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive maneuvers and deliberate ramming of ships. Both countries blame each other for the increasing tension. China claims Philippine actions violate its rights while the Philippines insists on sovereignty over its EEZ.

Question – Has this tension increased to the point where China can attack the disputed areas of the Philippines?
– China has already done this work 12 years ago. This time too the situation is tense, but China will really allow the attack situation, there are doubts about it among the population, but China will definitely continue to escalate this dispute so that its claim to these places remains intact.

Question: Will China continue to escalate tensions and take sporadic actions?
– Yes, it seems so. But China will continue to create problems. In recent months, there have been incidents in which Chinese boats rammed Filipino ships and fired water cannons at Filipino sailors. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in an interview with Bloomberg earlier this year that the threat from China was increasing. “As the threat has increased, we must do more to protect our region,” he said.

Question – Will America give China an answer?
– Analysts believe that America will not do anything like that at the moment. He is unlikely to provide a convincing response by standing by the Philippines at this point. This also includes his hesitation. China has a larger navy than America. He is also associated with the American economy. For this reason, the question is raised as to whether America will really be ready to help Taiwan and the Philippines in the event of a war with Ukraine. Think tanks in the Philippines are also raising questions about this.

Question – What is America’s attitude towards China in general?
– Both Republicans and Democrats are aggressive towards China. Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was the first to clearly state that the US would defend the Philippines anywhere in the Pacific.

Question – What has been said in the International Court of Justice about China’s claim to the South China Sea?
– The International Court of Justice rejected China’s lawsuit in its decision in 2016. China continues to claim control over most of the South China Sea. There are disputes with several Pacific countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, but aggression against the Philippines in recent years has been of most concern.

Question – How has America responded to China’s dispute with the Philippines?
– America has criticized China’s aggression after each dispute with the Philippines but has chosen not to intervene for now. However, the danger is increasing. In fact, China continues to put pressure on the Philippines with a special so-called gray zone war strategy.

Question – What is the problem in the alliance between America and the Philippines, what lies in between?
– It is important that both the Philippines and America sit down and discuss ways to stop China. And how can the immunity of the Philippines be increased? Consider this.

Question – What must America do to help the Philippines in the South China Sea?
– It must also step up its diplomatic and military efforts to stop China’s aggression in the South China Sea. The American navy was also in action.

Question – Has there been any reaction from America to the whole matter lately?
— Blinken said Thursday in Laos that the U.S. is “concerned about China’s increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions in the South and East China Seas, which have resulted in injuries and damage to ships.” However, it did not say what America would do about it. Although the US has reportedly offered the Philippines military assistance in the South China Sea, Manila insists on resolving the matter itself. He says he will only ask America for help in serious cases.

Question – How many military bases does America have in the Philippines?
— The U.S. has nine bases in the Philippines, four of which it announced last year, including one in Luzon, about 300 miles from Taiwan. The US military is operating in the Philippines on a temporary and rotating basis. These bases and proximity to Taiwan make the Philippines an important ally of Japan and South Korea.

Tags: China, News from China, South China Sea, United States (USA), United States of America