Overview

• The Philippines has adopted a transparency policy to publicize incidents with Chinese vessels, aiming to garner international support.
• Recent confrontations have seen increased aggression from Chinese forces, including violent boarding and attacks on Filipino sailors.
• The U.S. has reiterated its defense commitments to the Philippines but has yet to take concrete action to deter Chinese aggression.
• Manila's approach has drawn both regional and global attention, contrasting with the more cautious stances of other Southeast Asian nations.
• China's new coast guard regulations and continued assertiveness raise the stakes for potential military and economic conflicts.