Tensions have eased slightly in the South China Sea as Manila and Beijing appear to have come to an agreement on the humanitarian delivery of supplies to the Philippines’ beleaguered outpost, the rusting and rapidly deteriorating remains of a WWII-era warship that was intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal.
To be sure, this new development in the long-running maritime dispute is encouraging. But another crisis could unfortunately be just around the corner as both parties are already arguing about what exactly has been agreed.
In June, Chinese Coast Guard personnel assaulted and took control of a small Philippine vessel that was approaching Second Thomas Shoal. Some commentators even called for the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to be invoked.
With the tenuous situation in Ukraine, ominous signs in the Taiwan Strait, and a tumultuous U.S. election season in full swing, Washington is no doubt loathe to exhibit any hint of weakness.
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