Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating as China and the Philippines experience strained relations, exacerbated by the Philippines' strengthening ties with the United States. Some local leaders and a former president in the Philippines have expressed discontent with the closer US ties, believing it undermines their relationship with China. Notably, in northern Philippines, near a US military base to which the US recently gained access and is crucial for Taiwan's defense, Beijing has been actively engaging with local politicians. Manuel Mamba, the governor of Cagayan province, has visited China twice in the past 12 months, signaling deepening ties amidst geopolitical tensions.
China Woos Philippine Elites Near Base US Needs to Defend Taiwan https://t.co/QFLSTucSoM
In northern Philippines, near a military base the US recently won access to that is crucial to any defense of Taiwan, Beijing has made inroads with key politicians. Manuel Mamba, governor of Cagayan province, has traveled to China twice in the past 12 months and has 4 copies of… https://t.co/WN47OWZTaM
Ties between Philippines and the US seem closer than ever, but some local leaders — and a former president — chafe at a relationship they say undercuts ties with China https://t.co/ZJlNolifn0
Ties between Manila and Washington seem closer than ever, but some local leaders — and a former president — chafe at a relationship they say undercuts ties with Beijing My latest from a reporting trip to the Philippines: https://t.co/hAp6DmFMOf
#SouthChinaSea: Why are #China and #Philippines tensions heating up? https://t.co/dv7GMDBOwK