Report to Congress on China-Philippines Tensions in the South China Sea

The following is the Jan. 23, 2024, Congressional Research Service In Focus report, China-Philippines Tensions in the South China Sea.

Report to Congress on China-Philippines Tensions in the South China Sea

I’ll be updating this, soon: Philippines Game Changer – Project Myoushu – South China Sea Analysis. You can find it, here, as well. I just hope that they don’t end up stationing any US troops at the BRP Sierra Madre (see videos, below)!

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When Do We Say Enough is Enough?: Philippines’ Tipping Point in Upholding Sovereign Integrity

Source.

When Do We Say Enough is Enough?: PH’s Tipping Point in Upholding Sovereign Integrity

Moreover, the involvement of Subic Bay, a location not officially listed as a site/base under the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as the alleged destination of US military fuel from Pearl Harbor, prompts a critical inquiry about its role and whether it might be serving as an unofficial or de-facto EDCA site. Hence, it begs to inquire if Subic Bay is now effectively functioning as a de-facto EDCA site. And if so, could there be other undeclared de-facto EDCA sites serving similar purposes other than the nine declared ones?

Could it be posited that the current Philippine administration appears to prioritize the demands and interests of the United States over its own national interests, sovereignty, and independence, suggesting a level of deference that could be interpreted as reminiscent of a vassal state? This perspective raises questions about the autonomy of the Philippine political leadership and the extent to which it serves the interests of its citizens first and foremost. The lack of public discussion, accountability, and transparency on matters that potentially impinge on national sovereignty could be seen as indicative of a disproportionate influence by the U.S. on Philippine domestic affairs and foreign policy, prompting a reevaluation of the true nature of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Related:

US tanker canceled request to enter Subic – SBMA

Beijing has ‘a lot of legal weapons’ to challenge Manila’s claims in South China Sea, international law expert says

Beijing still has plenty of countermeasures it could use against Manila if tensions between the two countries continue to escalate in the South China Sea, according to a seasoned legal expert who specialises in the region.

Beijing has ‘a lot of legal weapons’ to challenge Manila’s claims in South China Sea, international law expert says

Philippine lawmakers demand US pays for bases to fund cash-strapped military pension scheme

Philippine lawmakers have pushed the Marcos administration to amend two defence treaties with the US and make the long-time security ally cough up for using Manila’s military bases to fund a cash-strapped armed forces pension scheme that is staring at “financial collapse”.

Philippine lawmakers demand US pays for bases to fund cash-strapped military pension scheme

Tiamzons, Catbalogan 10 were held captive, tortured and cowardly killed by the AFP in US-directed operations

The entire leadership and membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the brutal torture and cowardly killing of Party leaders Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan) and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao), together with eight other revolutionaries after they were captured in Samar province on August 21, 2022.

Tiamzons, Catbalogan 10 were held captive, tortured and cowardly killed by the AFP in US-directed operations

Related:

CPP confirms deaths of Tiamzon couple, says they were killed by AFP