Fwd from @ 📝Systemic Pressure📝 Chinese-Philippine standoff in the "gray zone" Incidents in the South China Sea continue with enviable frequency for the second month already. A serious escalation seems far off for now, however the very regularity of these incidents sets a negative trend. The Philippine Coast Guard, with support from the Marine Corps and Navy, once again drove away a Chinese maritime militia vessel and 22 fishing boats from disputed waters near Loaita Island in the Spratly archipelago. This marks the second similar incident involving the same vessel with boats in the same area. The previous incident occurred on September 28. 📌What is happening is a typical example of "gray zone" competition. The Chinese side uses numerous civilian vessels to establish presence and pressure, but without resorting to open use of force. The Filipinos respond by demonstrating readiness to defend their claims, but only where it does not lead to escalation. ❗️However, the regularity of such incidents, even within the framework of low-intensity struggle for control over disputed areas, constantly maintains tension and preserves the risk of escalation in the South China Sea. 📍Online maps available by subscription at map.rybar.ru #China #Philippines 🏮@rybar_pacific — your ticket to Pacific chaos 💸 Support us Original msg
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