South China Sea

[hullexile]

Wasn't sure whether to put this in Trump's final days or Biden's first days so a new thread.

Something is clearly going on in US - Philippines relations militarily and so related to the South China Sea.

Duterte pardons a US marine found guilty of killing a transgender sex worker. The marine had already been ordered released after serving half their sentence but this had been appealed. Duterte was definitely using up political capital to do this so everyone assumed there was something else involved.

Duterte announces a 6 month hold on cancelling the visiting forces agreement to allow renegotiation.

America announces the Philippines will get priority on vaccines

America delivers an early Christmas present of guided munitions and big dollops of aid.

Two senior US military figures arrive for talks a week apart.

[huja]

Duterte only knows how to dance the two-step: Cozy up to the U.S. or cozy up to China.

[Skyhook]

Yep the South China situation will become more interesting. I think If I heard the news correctly that our government is in talks with the US with building another Naval base up North with an alliance with Japan, militarily. lots of things going on in the back ground with the intention of a LOT more monitoring of that stretch of ocean. Where all that will lead is anyone's guess. In the the very least I am hoping they reduce the amount of illegal fishing off our waters that's been going on too.

[hullexile]

Duterte only knows how to dance the two-step: Cozy up to the U.S. or cozy up to China.

No its play the different sides off against each other. At the same time the Philippines is still cozying up to China on other items. In 2016 the US was asked if they would defend the Philippines against China. They would not commit. They recently have hence the change in tack I think.

Duterte is now pushing ASEAN to support the decision of the international body with the US behind it. The Philippines has also said it would need to join in if the US and China start fighting in the West Philippine Sea.

IMHO there is brinkmanship going on against China.

[hullexile]

So is it all about gas and oil? Wouldn't be the first time in the world. And it wouldn't be the first war with oil in the background.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/...ppine-Sea.html

[hullexile]

Another US defence visit and more military equipment. There is clearly something going on.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/09/us-affi...as-asian-ally/