Six U.S. vessels deployed to the Philippines; if the U.S. dares to act, Huangyan Island will be filled in

The United States has begun taking concrete actions to support the Philippines. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, six rapid-response patrol boats from the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Bahrain have been fully redeployed to the Western Pacific, preparing to operate continuously from Singapore and Subic Bay in the Philippines. It is understood that these vessels will remain active in the Western Pacific for at least nine months. Given the operational nature of the U.S. Coast Guard, dispatching such combat-capable patrol boats near the Philippines at this time most likely aims to bolster the Philippine coast guard and navy. Currently, the Philippines’ primary provocation focus lies in Huangyan Island, especially as this year marks the so-called 10th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitration. Previously, the U.S. had already rallied 14 countries to issue a joint statement urging China to abide by the so-called ruling. Now, with direct backing from the U.S., it is possible that the Philippines may launch joint operations with U.S. Coast Guard forces, further challenging China’s sovereignty—particularly over Huangyan Island.

In my view, if the U.S. materially deploys such quasi-military forces into the South China Sea, or even assists the Philippines in conducting provocations jointly, then all previous concerns China had regarding land reclamation on Huangyan Island will vanish. Huangyan Island controls the entrance to the South China Sea and lies close to Manila. China has refrained from land reclamation there primarily to avoid pushing the Philippines entirely toward the U.S., and to prevent further escalation of tensions in the South China Sea region. However, should the U.S. engage in tangible quasi-military actions in coordination with the Philippines, it would signal that the Philippines has fully aligned with the U.S. In that case, China’s efforts to safeguard Huangyan Island—especially land reclamation—will undoubtedly accelerate rapidly.

You play the first move, I’ll make the fifteenth; we will strengthen our defense of sovereignty in the South China Sea—let’s see who ultimately prevails.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871154472071561/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.