CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The United States has positioned an advanced anti-ship missile system on Batan Island in the Philippines, a strategic location near Taiwan and the contested South China Sea. This move represents a significant boost in military activity in the region and comes at a time of heightened tensions, particularly following the Chinese Coast Guard's takeover of the Tiexian Reef.
Strategic Context Of Deployment
The missile launcher deployment was part of the annual Balikatan joint military exercises, which this year involved around 9,000 American and 5,000 Filipino troops. These drills are designed to improve coordination, boost defence preparedness, and counter potential threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of escalating competition between the US and China.
Tiexian Reef And Spratly Islands Dispute
The Tiexian Reef, also known as Sandy Cay, is a small 200-square-metre land feature in the Spratly Islands, located near Thitu (Pag-asa) Island, which hosts a Philippine military outpost and a coast guard base. The reef has recently become a flashpoint following China's assertive control over it.
Spratly Islands Overview:
Comprise over 100 tiny islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
Located north of Malaysia, midway between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Territorial Claims:
Entirely claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Portions are claimed by the Philippines and Malaysia.
Brunei claims nearby maritime areas but not the islands themselves.
Historical Background:
Controlled by France (1933–1939), then Japan during World War II.
Post-WWII, the Chinese Nationalists established a presence on Itu Aba.
Japan relinquished claims in 1951.
Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines have asserted claims since the mid-20th century.
US-Philippine Defence Cooperation
Although the Philippines closed US military bases in the early 1990s, American troops have returned in recent years under a mutual defence treaty. Joint exercises such as Balikatan highlight the renewed strategic partnership, aimed at countering regional threats and supporting Philippine sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
The geopolitical climate in the South China Sea remains volatile. Continued joint military operations underscore a commitment to regional defence and deterrence. In response to increasing maritime pressure, the Philippines is actively enhancing its defence infrastructure, while broader international dynamics continue to shape the power balance in this critical area.
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