US, Australia, Canada and Philippines stage drills to promote the rule of law in South China Sea

The United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines held air and naval maneuvers Wednesday in a show of force that they said aimed to promote the rule of law in the disputed South China Sea, where China has increasingly asserted its territorial claims.
In an apparent response, China said it conducted air and sea combat patrols on the same day. The Philippine military said three Chinese navy ships “tailed” the four-nation maneuvers off the western coast of the Philippines, but did not provide more details.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, who heads the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and top military and defense commanders from Australia, Canada and the Philippines said in a joint statement that they “stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order.” They said they were staging the two-day exercises to uphold unhindered passage in the Indo-Pacific region.
China has long claimed much of the South China Sea, a key global trade and security route, and vowed to defend its territorial interests at all costs. Its claims overlap those of smaller coastal states, including the Philippines and Vietnam, hampering their access to traditional fishing areas and disrupting oil and gas exploration in their internationally recognized exclusive economic zones.
#southchinasea #news #canada #usa #australia #philippines

[@itch4travel]

Why no other ASEAN nations except the Philippines joined the US Navy's drill?

[@theworldcountry]

The absence of other ASEAN nations in the U.S. Navy's drills, aside from the Philippines, can be attributed to several factors rooted in regional geopolitics, national interests, and diplomatic strategies:
Neutrality and Non-Alignment: Many ASEAN countries prioritize a neutral stance in international conflicts, particularly when it involves major powers like the U.S. and China. Participating in U.S. military exercises could be seen as taking sides, which these nations generally avoid to maintain diplomatic balance.
China's Influence: China has significant economic and political influence in Southeast Asia, and many ASEAN countries are cautious about actions that could be perceived as antagonistic towards China. Given the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China is a major claimant, other ASEAN nations might have opted out to avoid straining relations with Beijing.
Domestic Political Considerations: Each ASEAN country has its own domestic political landscape, where public opinion and government policies

[@itch4travel]

@@theworldcountry In other words, other ASEAN countries is acting in their own interest and is not dictated by any hegemonic power? Just asking.

[@theworldcountry]

Yes, The other ASEAN countries are primarily acting in their own national interests rather than being dictated by any hegemonic power. Each country evaluates its foreign policy and military engagement based on its unique geopolitical considerations, economic ties, security concerns, and diplomatic relationships.
While the influence of major powers like the U.S. and China is significant in the region, ASEAN countries strive to maintain autonomy in their decision-making. They aim to balance relationships with these powers to avoid over-reliance on any one country and to preserve regional stability. This approach allows them to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while prioritizing their national sovereignty and regional cohesion.

[@itch4travel]

@@theworldcountry Except the Philippines?

[@theworldcountry]

The Philippines, while acting in its own national interest, has a closer and more defined relationship with the United States compared to other ASEAN nations. This is largely due to historical ties, including the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, which obligates both countries to support each other in case of an external attack. The Philippines also faces direct challenges in the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with China, making U.S. support crucial to its defense strategy.
Because of these factors, the Philippines might appear more aligned with U.S. interests than some of its ASEAN counterparts. However, it's important to note that the Philippines' participation in U.S. drills and its strategic alignment with the U.S. are decisions made in the context of its own security needs and geopolitical situation, rather than simply being dictated by the U.S. This close partnership with the U.S. is seen as serving the Philippines' interests, particularly in terms of enhancing its defense capabilities and securing international support in its territorial disputes.