China's SCS Strategy Thread
- Thread starter lilzz
- Start date
Both nations are playing out their strategies and interests.
China, though the island is 100 miles from Philippine land, and though the Philippines have used the wreck of their own ship there as a base now for 15 years, does not want to allow the Philippines to build anything there and establish what they consider a permanent base or defensive positions....even though China has done this very thing on numerous islands throughout the SCS. including those they have punctuated their claim to by force.
The Philippines want to establish a permanent position on the shoal to punctuate their claim to it, and be better be abe to keep it out of the hands of China. There is no doubt that that is what this is about, and not just feeding the soldiers there.
IMHO, that is exactly what is happening on both sides. No "experienced members " have been fooled by any bait and switch. Perhaps those in the press are, and perhaps they are even promoting it, but that can occur on both sides...either western or Chinese.
China, though the island is 100 miles from Philippine land, and though the Philippines have used the wreck of their own ship there as a base now for 15 years, does not want to allow the Philippines to build anything there and establish what they consider a permanent base or defensive positions....even though China has done this very thing on numerous islands throughout the SCS. including those they have punctuated their claim to by force.
The Philippines want to establish a permanent position on the shoal to punctuate their claim to it, and be better be abe to keep it out of the hands of China. There is no doubt that that is what this is about, and not just feeding the soldiers there.
IMHO, that is exactly what is happening on both sides. No "experienced members " have been fooled by any bait and switch. Perhaps those in the press are, and perhaps they are even promoting it, but that can occur on both sides...either western or Chinese.
joshuatree
Captain
I remember one of Del Rosario's responses to Wang Yi's comment on the grounded Sierra Madre was "We don't have money to move it". That undermines why the Philippines should attempt to rebuild Sierra Madre much less a permanent outpost. Some see the UN filing as a peaceful means of resolving the issue, others will see it as provocation. As that hearing plays out, be sure to expect each claimant ratchet up their moves in the area.
Commenting on strategy, I wonder what the response would be if China started provided food supplies to the contingent on Sierra Madre on humanitarian grounds? Can't say you're starving them but yet prevent construction supplies from fortifying.
Commenting on strategy, I wonder what the response would be if China started provided food supplies to the contingent on Sierra Madre on humanitarian grounds? Can't say you're starving them but yet prevent construction supplies from fortifying.
Blackstone
Brigadier
Got it in one, Mr. Head!
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
A few years back a Chinese Frigate was grounded on another Shoal in the area. The PRC removed her this was back in 2012. For the Philippine Marines that placed them on notice and is part of the reason they tensions are high. It's the ends of the Earth, The Chinese and Philippines are feuding not for the territory as it's virtually non existent it's the resources.
Blackstone
Brigadier
And because it's a resource-based dispute and not sovereignty arguments, there's a better chance of resolution in SCS than ECS.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
For the CCP Sovereignty is Resources.
Blackstone
Brigadier
Least we forget, China had agreements with neighboring countries for joint resource development, so sovereignty and resource can be decoupled.
joshuatree
Captain
You mean 560 Dongguan, a 053H1G Jianghu-V frigate? That wasn't intentional grounding though. Still wondering if this class will get a mid-life refresh or not.