Chinese analyst predicts more trouble at sea after US-Philippines task force emerges

Ding Duo, deputy director of the Center for Ocean Law and Policy at the National Institute of South China Sea Studies in Hainan, said it was the latest example of the United States “fanning the flames” and fueling fighting in the disputed waters.

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Chinese floating barrier blocks entry to Philippine ships in South China Sea flashpoint

Chinese floating barrier blocks entry to Philippine ships in South China Sea flashpoint

In an article published on Tuesday, Ding, who recently completed a visit to the Philippines and said he contacted local sources familiar with the issue, said such support from the United States encouraged the Philippines to engage in further provocations in the ongoing process. Dispute with China.

It also showed that cooperation between Washington and Manila within the framework of the alliance has become “more structured, mission-oriented, project-based.”

Ding said the task force of about 15 U.S. troops stationed on Palawan Island was officially established in July, at the same time that an agreement was reached between Beijing and Manila to resupply a decades-old warship that deliberately ran aground at Second Thomas Shoal. She is known as Renai Jiao in China.

In June, during what Manila called the worst conflict in years, members of the Chinese Coast Guard boarded two Philippine Navy boats to prevent personnel from transporting food and other supplies, including firearms, to shore-based troops. Several Philippine Navy personnel were injured in subsequent clashes, including one who lost his thumb.