Philippines asking for US military presence in South China Sea - DW News

[TexasTowelie]

The United States has committed to defending the Philippines, including in the South China Sea. The word used – ‘ironclad’. It's what President Joe Biden said to Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Junior, during the first White House visit by a Philippines leader in 10 years. The commitment comes at a time that Manila is facing increased Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Beijing unilaterally claims almost the entire expanse of water as its own. This includes islands which Manila claims sovereignty over. Sovereignty that’s increasingly being challenged by Beijing.

[Irish_Dem]

1. I keep saying that China wants regional control over the entire Pacific.

People didn't believe me but now we can see it more clearly.

[TexasTowelie]

2. I think that China also has its eyes set oh Myanmar for its strategic value.

Having access to ports along the Indian Ocean would alleviate the concerns China has about a possible blockade of the Strait of Malacca. Chinese ships have also stepped up activity in the Indian Ocean.

It's difficult to ignore Xi's ambitions--his attempt to achieve Chinese superpower status initially were peaceful with the BRI, but as the financial losses pile up with the program Xi has decided that a posture of military aggressiveness is a more expedient method to achieve his goals.

[Irish_Dem]

3. To become a global superpower, Xi must demonstrate regional control.

He must control the Pacific as a stepping stone to world power.

Yes Xi is facing quite a few economic problems at home and abroad.
Military aggression is the way to get power now and to distract his people
from all the domestic problems.

Yes Xi is hurting from the BRI, many of those projects were loans to foreign countries
from China. Now those countries cannot pay back the loans and Xi has to decide
whether he is going to loan them more money or cut his losses but incur a great deal of
red ink.