China Steps Up South China Sea Pressure on 2 Neighbors as Taiwan Tensions Rise
Updated
Updated · Nikkei Asia · Jul 10
China Steps Up South China Sea Pressure on 2 Neighbors as Taiwan Tensions Rise
1 articles · Updated · Nikkei Asia · Jul 10
Summary
China has intensified military and coast guard pressure in the South China Sea toward the Philippines and Japan, widening friction with two nearby U.S. allies.
Beijing sees both countries as potential obstacles to any push for reunification with Taiwan, linking its maritime posture more directly to the Taiwan issue.
The pressure comes as Manila and Tokyo deepen bilateral ties, a move China has publicly denounced as it pushes back against closer regional security coordination.
That broader pattern suggests Beijing is using nearby maritime disputes to test and deter states it believes could complicate its Taiwan strategy.