South China Sea: Philippines urged to prioritise diplomacy even as navy prepares for ‘worst-case scenario’

Manila is doubling down on efforts to counter China’s ‘aggressive and dangerous attacks’ in its waters, sparking concerns it could raise the risk of an armed conflict

While Manila should engage its allies and bolster its defence capabilities, the key to resolving the row is through ‘negotiations and direct talks’, analysts say

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Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand alert as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks their way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal on March 5. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:30pm, 1 Apr 2024

As tensions escalate in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s administration says it is refining its strategy to protect its territorial claims and ensure the monthly resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, following recent confrontations with the Chinese coastguard.

Analysts expressed concern over the growing military posturing, emphasising the urgent need for diplomatic negotiations alongside bolstering defence capabilities to prevent the dispute from spiralling into open conflict.

Philippine Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner said he had spoken with the nation’s coastguard, navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on updating troop rotations and the logistics for resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II navy ship that was grounded at the Second Thomas Shoal to reinforce Manila’s territorial claims over the surrounding area.

“We discussed many [issues] during our security cluster meeting, not just the ground operation. But we can do it as a country using all the instruments available to us,” he told reporters, adding the agencies were exploring all available countermeasure options.

“We will be adjusting our operations, but we can’t divulge what those adjustments are,” he said.

On March 23, three Philippine Navy sailors were injured when Chinese Coast Guard personnel fired water cannon at their vessels. Manila also accused the Chinese ships of conducting “dangerous” manoeuvres and blocking their civilian chartered resupply ship, the Unaizah May 4.