Philippines Faces Rising Tensions in South China Sea

Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated in the South China Sea, with incidents such as the Chinese Coast Guard using force against Philippine vessels and seizing supplies, while the Philippines has expanded defense cooperation with the United States. The fallout between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte reflects deeper disagreements on handling China, with Duterte's camp claiming a secret 'gentleman's agreement' with Beijing that Marcos Jr. views as compromising national interests. China has criticized the Philippines for its military exercises with the US, warning that such activities destabilize regional peace and asserting its intent to safeguard its territorial claims. Domestically, the arrest and extradition of former President Duterte to face trial at the International Criminal Court over his 'war on drugs' has polarized the political landscape, potentially weakening the Duterte dynasty and strengthening the Marcos family's hold on power. These developments highlight both shifting political alliances in Manila and the broader strategic contest involving China, the US, and regional security in Southeast Asia.