Obstructing Philippine activities in the East Sea is having the opposite effect on China?

Tensions continue to increase in the East Sea. Last week, a fleet of Philippine civilian ships was approaching Scarborough Shoal when they were obstructed by China. At the same time, the Chinese Coast Guard issued regulations allowing foreign ships to be detained for up to 30 days for illegal entry. The regulations take effect from next June. Chinese Coast Guard attacked Philippine supply ship - Photo: Al Jareeza Only one ship in the Philippines' fleet reached Scarborough Beach, to deliver fuel and food to the fishermen who remained. This episode illustrates China's efforts to threaten the Philippines, wanting Manila to accept the loss of territory and fishing grounds. The tough move is creating increasingly strong resistance from the Southeast Asian country's public. It also pushes the Philippines to strengthen cooperation with the US and its allies, on defense and security. The Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Junior showed that it would not back down. Influential ...