Chinese Naval Forces Block Asian Countries' Access to South China Sea Resources

The increased presence of Chinese naval forces in the South China Sea is preventing fishing communities in the Philippines and other Asian countries from accessing vital oil and gas resources in the region. The Chinese maritime militia, coast guard, and navy have turned the area around the Second Thomas Shoal, a resource-rich region, into a hazardous point of contention in the ongoing confrontation between the Philippines and China over control of the South China Sea.

Villages like Bagong Bayan in the Philippines' Palawan province are feeling the impact, with reduced catches and shrinking fishing grounds affecting the country's maritime blue economy and national security. The Philippines has asserted its claim over the Second Thomas Shoal by deliberately running aground an old warship there, but China has recently blocked attempts to resupply and rotate the troops stationed on the ship.

Why this matters: China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea threaten the economic livelihoods and security of the Philippines and other Asian countries in the region. The dispute over control of these resource-rich waters has far-reaching implications for geopolitical stability and the balance of power in Asia.

The surge in Chinese naval presence coincides with the start of the annual Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, which have become more expansive this year. Nearly 17,000 Philippine and American troops are participating in the drills, which include a coordinated sail in the South China Sea and exercises in the Philippines' northern provinces. Australia and France are also taking part in the exercises.

Philippine officials have reported a significant increase in the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels, particularly around the Scarborough Shoal and Thitu Island. While the Philippines' exercise director for Balikatan stated that the presence of Chinese vessels was expected, he emphasized that the drills were not aimed at any specific party. However, analysts suggest the increased Chinese presence may be a tactic to portray China as a victim of coercion if a confrontation at sea occurs.

The Balikatan exercises aim to improve collaboration between the participating countries over various defense operations, including cyber defense, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The drills also involve a logistics exercise in the northernmost island province of Batanes, which is believed to hold strategic significance in the event of a conflict between China and Taiwan.

As the Philippines and the U.S. work to improve coordination amid shared concerns over China's actions in the region, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has expressed concern over China's "dangerous and destabilizing" behavior in the South China Sea. The ongoing Balikatan exercises serve as a clear signal of the commitment of the Philippines and its allies to counter China's growing assertiveness and protect their interests in this critical waterway.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese naval forces in South China Sea restrict Philippines' access to oil/gas resources.
• China blocks Philippines' attempts to resupply troops stationed on Second Thomas Shoal.
• China's actions threaten economic livelihoods and security of Philippines and other Asian countries.
• Balikatan military exercises between Philippines and US expanded this year, involving more countries.
• Increased Chinese presence may be a tactic to portray China as a victim of coercion.