South China Sea: Why the Philippines and China are on a collision course
A new sense of urgency is pushing Manila and Beijing to greater assertiveness in the South China Sea. The Philippines and China are reportedly on a collision course at the South China Sea, where the Philippines has been filming near a sensitive reef known as Second Thomas Shoal, Ayungin Shoal or Ren Ai Reef. This is the second time in weeks that Philippine journalists have filmed close encounters near the sensitive reef. The ship, which was deliberately grounded in 1999, has been slowly falling apart and has been subject to criticism from local media. The Philippines is seeking to maintain its presence on Ayungen Shoal and Beijing is increasing its power. The renewed urgency is pushing both Manila and Beijing to greater assertiveness, particularly in relation to food and water supplies.
Yayınlanan : 2 yıl önce ile By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes içinde Entertainment
As the stern of one bumps the deck of the other, right in the middle of the frame is a Filipino television crew scrambling to get what in the business is called an "action piece to camera".
But in recent months something has changed. The spats at sea are now unfolding in the full glare of the television media. This is the second time in weeks Philippine journalists have filmed a close encounter near a particularly sensitive reef known variously as Second Thomas Shoal, Ayungin Shoal or Ren Ai Reef.
It was deliberately grounded on the reef in 1999. Since then, a tiny contingent of Philippine marines has kept lonely watch aboard the rusting hulk as it has gradually begun to fall apart. In 2014 a BBC team went aboard the ship. Even then it was in terrible condition with huge holes in its sides, and waves splashing through the structure.
Most analysts believe China has been content to play the long game. When relations between Beijing and Manila have been good China's coastguard has allowed resupplies to the Sierra Madre to go ahead. When relations have turned sour, they have moved to block the resupply ships.
There's more. Sources in Manila say food and water is not the only thing the Philippines has been taking out to the Sierra Madre on resupply runs. They say it has quietly been shipping construction materials, including cement and scaffolding. The aim: to shore up the rusting ship.
"It's very hard to see how they could extend the life of the ship," Col Powell says. "I think we're coming to a crisis point. The end is near for the Sierra Madre. It could break up very soon."
Perhaps it is this new sense of urgency that is pushing both Manila and Beijing to greater assertiveness. The Philippines is desperate to cling to its presence on Ayungen Shoal. And Beijing is once again reiterating its power, determined that the Sierra Madre will not survive.
Konular: China, Philippines, Asia