David Day, Chairman of the Angels of the Sea strategy, joins to discuss the Philippines' tactics against China, including the Angels of the Sea strategy, China's aggression in the South China Sea, the shift in Philippines-China relationship, power dynamics and economic warfare, Chinese Communist Party's control over the US, and the importance of learning from allies in the new Cold War.
The Philippines has been employing clever political warfare strategies, such as 'Angels of the Sea', to push back against China's aggressive tactics in the South China Sea.
China's aggressive tactics in the South China Sea, including militarizing islands and reef, pose a significant threat to the Philippines' territorial claims, making strong alliances and economic security crucial in countering China's influence.
Deep dives
Philippines vs. Chinese Armada
The podcast episode discusses the ongoing conflict between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including islands and shoals close to the Philippines. The latest incident involved a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines aimed to rotate sailors and supply food and water. China sent 38 vessels to block the mission, while the Philippines had only five ships. The tension between the two sides has escalated, with China employing aggressive and bullying tactics. The Philippines has been pushing back, using political warfare strategies, including inviting journalists on board their ships to document the harassment. The episode highlights the importance of the Philippines standing up to China's territorial claims and the need for consistent support from the United States and other allies.
Escalation of Conflicts in the South China Sea
The podcast covers the increasing dangers and risks in the South China Sea due to China's aggression. The Chinese strategy involves surrounding islands and reefs with a fleet of ships, making it impossible for other countries to access those areas. Mischief Reef, which lies within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, has been heavily militarized by China, with a major military base and facilities built there. China aims to remove all sovereignty claims of the Philippines within their claimed nine-dash line. The episode discusses how China gradually increased its presence through salami-slicing tactics, resulting in the loss of Scarborough Shoal for the Philippines. The Philippines is determined to resist China's advances and protect its territorial claims.
The Philippines' Resilience and Pushback
The episode highlights the resilience and pushback demonstrated by the Philippines against China's aggression. The Philippines, tired of being pushed around, is determined to protect its sovereignty and not give up any more territory to China. The Philippines has been actively resupplying the Sierra Madre, a World War II rusting ship on Second Thomas Shoal, which serves as a symbol of national pride. The Philippines has showcased its ability to outmaneuver China's naval forces and has implemented creative strategies like using female communicators on their ships to psychologically surprise and frustrate the Chinese. The episode emphasizes the importance of the Philippines' unwavering stance and highlights the increasing support the country is receiving from the United States, Japan, and other allies in the region.
The Need for Strong Alliances and Economic Security
The episode emphasizes the importance of strong alliances and economic security in countering China's aggression. The United States is urged to learn from the Philippines' resilience and consistency in standing with its allies. The podcast underscores the need for the United States to develop awareness of economic warfare and its implications and to support its allies in strengthening their economies through real trade agreements and business deals. The episode discusses how China's economic control over critical sectors in the Philippines, such as power and telecommunications, poses a significant threat to national security. It emphasizes the importance of the United States providing support in mitigating economic vulnerabilities and encouraging allies to diversify their supply chains away from China. Strong alliances and economic security are seen as crucial factors in containing China's influence and strategic moves.
The Philippines has been on the front lines of fighting against China's political, economic and military warfare, and it's come up with some pretty clever tactics to fight back. One of its most brilliant strategies is called Angels of the Sea, which we discuss in this episode of China Unscripted, along with the history of China's claims to the Philippines' territory, the US role in the conflict and how things are changing in the region. Joining us in this episode is David Day, the chairman of the Global Risk Mitigation Foundation, and one of the leading international legal practitioners on the Indopacific region, including the Philippines.
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