Why Beijing must play a long game in South China Sea
Why must China constantly attempt to prove its stature? What drives it to project superior force at every turn to assert its claims?
The South China Sea has long been a source of contention between China and the Philippines. On July 20, tensions flared at Second Thomas Shoal, known locally as Ayungin Shoal, when a Chinese Coast Guard officer allegedly assaulted a Filipino Navy sailor with a baton. This physical altercation escalated both nations' grievances to the highest diplomatic levels, resulting in President Marcos Jr.'s personal rebuke of the Chinese ambassador in Manila.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, present at the ASEAN talks in Manila, warned that bilateral relations were at a critical juncture. The core issue remains clear: both China and the Philippines claim sovereignty over the same rocks and features in the South China Sea, and neither party is prepared to back down. However, as the region's most powerful nation, Beijing must adopt a long-term strategy rather than engaging in frequent, reactive displays of aggression.
Instead, China should strive to manage its friction with Manila on live-and-let-live terms, thereby avoiding unnecessary escalation. The challenge lies in distinguishing legitimate defensive measures from provocation, as these distinctions are inherently subjective and strategic. While China's need to assert its stature cannot be ignored, the long game demands a more measured and strategic approach to navigating these complex territorial disputes.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
