Philippines and U.S. Test Air Defences Amid China’s Seizure of Reef

The Philippines and the United States have intensified their military collaboration through integrated defence drills ("Balikatan" exercises) in response to China's assertive move of seizing control over Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay) in the contested South China Sea region.

Summary:

• Context: Ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
• Event: The U.S. and Philippines conducted joint live-fire defence drills off northern Philippines.
• Participation: 17,000 personnel engaged in full-scale battle simulation exercises.
• China’s Action: Chinese Coast Guard seized control over Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay).
• Philippines' Response: No formal response yet from the Philippine government.
• Regional Monitoring: Chinese warships have been spotted near Philippine waters during the Balikatan drills.

Background of the Conflict

• South China Sea Dispute: China claims nearly the entire South China Sea based on its "Nine-Dash Line" theory. However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis.
• Strategic Importance: The South China Sea is crucial for global trade routes and is rich in oil, gas, and fishing resources.

Recent Developments

• Seizure of Tiexian Reef: The reef, also known as Sandy Cay, is strategically located near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) where the Philippines maintains a military facility.
• Chinese Coast Guard Action: Claimed “maritime control” over the reef, increasing tensions.

Balikatan Exercises 2025

• Participants: 17,000 personnel, both American and Filipino.
• Objective: Strengthen integrated defence mechanisms against external threats, simulate full-scale battle conditions.
• Symbolism: The exercises are seen as a message to China regarding the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense commitment.

Geopolitical Impact

• Regional Stability: Increased militarization could destabilize the Indo-Pacific region.
• India's Concern: As part of the Quad grouping (India, U.S., Australia, Japan), India supports a "free, open, and inclusive" Indo-Pacific. Events like these underline the need for regional cooperation to uphold maritime laws.

Strategic Lessons for RAS Aspirants

• Maritime Security: Understanding South China Sea issues is critical for questions related to India's foreign policy and strategic interests.
• International Law: Familiarity with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is necessary.
• Defence Diplomacy: Bilateral and multilateral defence exercises are tools for deterrence and confidence-building.

Conclusion

The seizure of Tiexian Reef by China and the simultaneous U.S.-Philippines military drills reflect escalating tensions in the South China Sea. For India and global powers committed to upholding freedom of navigation, these developments emphasize the importance of maintaining international maritime order and strengthening alliances to ensure regional stability.

MCQs

1. The “Balikatan” exercises are conducted annually between which two countries?
a) India and Japan
b) Philippines and United States
c) Australia and China
d) India and United States
Answer: b) Philippines and United States 

2. Which reef, recently seized by China, is near the Philippine military facility on Thitu Island?
a) Scarborough Shoal
b) Mischief Reef
c) Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay)
d) Second Thomas Shoal
Answer: c) Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay)