South China Sea: how ideological differences between Philippines and China could heat up tensions in disputed waters

The countries’ opposing ideologies amid clashing sovereignty claims could lead to years of militarisation and confrontation in the region if not contained, analysts warn

Manila has been boosting defence ties with various countries with the aim of building ‘collective deterrence’ in the event of conflict in the region

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A Philippine supply boat sails near a Chinese Coast Guard ship during a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea, on October 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:00am, 26 Jan 2024

The recent trading of barbs between China and the Philippines over ideological differences highlights the “perennial mistrust” between the two neighbours, experts say, noting that their disparate approaches to democracy and authoritarianism are likely to further escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

After Taiwan’s ruling-party candidate Lai Ching-te emerged victorious in the island’s presidential election earlier this month, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr congratulated Lai, referring to the latter as president.

This earned a rebuke from China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who said Marcos Jnr should “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue”.

In response, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr lashed out at Mao for “insulting” his president and stooping to “low and gutter-level talk”.

Describing his country as one that “[enjoys] the privileges, rights and freedoms of a democratic society”, Teodoro Jnr said it was unsurprising that “an agent of a party and system of government incompatible with our way of life … would go that far and that low”.