Philippines Plans South China Sea Escalation With US Support
Washington's increased military activities in the South China Sea could potentially destabilize regional peace and stability, as Manila is influenced and urged by the US to follow the path of confrontation. | Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has told the armed forces to seek the support of foreign militaries as it shifts focus from internal security to maritime defense. The Philippines is a key US ally in the region and hosts its military bases, used during US wars in Vietnam and Korea. But in recent times, Washington has shifted towards "great power competition" with China, co-opting Manila as a tool in its quest to "contain" Beijing.
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