China"s bullying of Philippines sparks calls for trade sanctions

On August 26, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard faced a blockade by forty Chinese warships while attempting to resupply its flagship near the Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Chinese aggression in the region, where the Chinese Communist Party has increasingly asserted its claims over international waters, disregarding the Philippines' sovereign rights. The Escoda Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 miles from its shores, and is recognized internationally as part of Philippine territory. China's claims in the South China Sea, based on the vague 'nine-dash line,' have been consistently challenged by the Philippines and other nations. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in July 2016 that China has no legal basis for its claims and affirmed the Philippines' rights over the area. Despite this ruling, China has continued to interfere with Philippine activities, including oil exploration and fishing, while also constructing artificial islands. The blockade of the Teresa Magbanua vessel is a strategic move by China to establish control over the area, potentially limiting access to Philippine vessels. The situation has prompted discussions about U.S. involvement, with suggestions that the U.S. Navy could provide escorts to Philippine ships. However, the effectiveness of such actions remains uncertain, as Chinese forces may resort to harassment rather than direct confrontation. The ongoing tensions highlight the need for a coordinated international response to China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, as the lack of concrete actions has emboldened its military aggression against Philippine vessels.