Is South China Sea about to explode?

[hullexile]

Since this thread was started, we have had tankers hijacked, warships attacked by drones, missiles lobbed across international borders, the largest terrorist attack since 911 and a full blown military invasion.

Meanwhile in the South China Sea we have ... a water fight?

Yes George.

[SirNotAppearing]

It might escalate to water balloons.

[hullexile]

It might escalate to water balloons.

Or war, that would be a giggle. But who gives a fuck

[hullexile]

From President Marcos,

The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

I have been in constant communication with our national security and defense leadership, and have directed our uniformed services to conduct their missions with the utmost regard for the safety of our personnel, yet proceed with a mission-oriented mindset.

Let me reiterate what is settled and widely recognized: Ayungin Shoal is within our Exclusive Economic Zone, any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law. Bajo de Masinloc is sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago. No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea. The illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.

To our gallant service members, be assured of our utmost gratitude and fullest support.

We remain undeterred.

(I lost count of the fighters taking off this morning)

Deliberately damaging and colliding with a Filipino ship is sufficient to initiate the defence pact, though it won't until the Chinese start killing fishermen.

[hullexile]

Reports are saying the Chinese Ambassador has been summoned to the Palace and will likely be expelled. The Chief of the Armed Forces was on the rammed Filipino ship. Just water balloons.

The US has stated it will defend the Philippines from attacks.

[GentleGeorge]

The US has stated it will defend the Philippines from attacks.

Alongside Ukraine Israel Taiwan and under a Trump presidency?

[hullexile]

Alongside Ukraine Israel Taiwan and under a Trump presidency?

Trump declared the Philippines to be "a prime piece of military real estate" and he was a lot more committed to the defence treaty than previous presidents. So Trump would probably be good on this if nothing else.

[SirNotAppearing]

Trump can't find the Philippines on a map, dislikes the US military (but especially dead or captured veterans), and admires Xi, Kim and Putin.

[hullexile]

Trump can't find the Philippines on a map, dislikes the US military (but especially dead or captured veterans), and admires Xi, Kim and Putin.

As much as I dislike him, he doesn't need to find it. When he came here last time I guess the pilot knew the way. Anyway let's hope he isn't the next President for America's sake

[SirNotAppearing]

I'm sure a general he now wants to fire told him it is of military importance. Trump is a very special genius and doesn't need outside input. People come to him, tears flowing down their faces, asking for his opinions.