By Blessing Nweke
The Philippines is set to send a Christmas convoy comprising around 40 boats to Thitu Island this Sunday, the largest occupied island in the hotly disputed South China Sea. This gesture comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over competing sovereignty claims, a situation exacerbated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr assumed the presidency last year.
The Philippines, determined to assert its presence in the region, recently conducted two separate joint air and sea patrols with the United States, and earlier with Australia. These strategic collaborations signify a calculated effort by the Philippines to strengthen its alliances and counter the growing influence of China in the South China Sea.
Despite an international tribunal invalidating China’s claim to 90% of the South China Sea in 2016, Beijing remains unyielding, refusing to recognize the ruling. Instead, China has continued its controversial island-building activities in the disputed waters, causing further consternation among neighboring nations.
The contested South China Sea has become a focal point in the strained relations between China and the United States. Last month, US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning, pledging support to defend the Philippines in the face of any attack. This declaration followed closely on the heels of two collisions between Filipino and Chinese vessels, heightening tensions in the region.
Beyond the Philippines and China, other nations, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei, stake their claims over parts of the South China Sea, creating a complex web of territorial disputes.
As the Philippines prepares to dispatch its Christmas convoy to Thitu Island, the international community watches with keen interest. The convoy symbolizes not only the nation’s commitment to its occupied territories but also serves as a poignant statement amid the escalating geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. The delicate balance of power in the region hangs in the balance as nations navigate the complex waters of territorial disputes and strategic alliances. Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving geopolitical front.