Leaked Report: China Can Shut Off The Philippines' Power Grid At Any Time

Warning: China could shut off the Philippines' power grid at will, a report has warned. The two countries' leaders, Rodrigo Duterte and Xi Jinping, are pictured

CNN: China can shut off the Philippines' power grid at any time, leaked report warns

The Philippines' power grid is under the full control of the Chinese government and could be shut off in time of conflict, according to an internal report prepared for lawmakers seen by CNN.

China's State Grid Corporation has a 40% stake in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a private consortium that has operated the country's power lines since 2009. Concerns over potential Chinese interference in the Philippine energy system have dogged the arrangement since it was first agreed a decade ago.

Lawmakers called for an urgent review of the arrangement this month after the report claimed that only Chinese engineers had access to key elements of the system, and that power could in theory be deactivated remotely on Beijing's orders.

There is no history of such an attack on a power grid by China, nor has any evidence been presented to suggest that any was imminent, only that it was theoretically possible in future.

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Update #1: China can shut off the Philippines power grid at will, report warns - highlighting concerns over allowing Beijing to invest in foreign nuclear plants (Daily Mail)
Update #2: Philippine senator urges probe into Chinese 'threat' to power grid (Bangkok Post)

WNU Editor: If push comes to shove and there is an emergency/conflict between China and the Philippines, I can guarantee that the moment it starts to involve the military, the switch will be turned off. And while the Philippine government can step in and re-assert Philippine control over the grid, it will take time and who knows what may happen between the moment the switch is turned off, and when the lights come back on.

Philippines Navy Has Accepted An Invitation From China To Attend The 70th Anniversary Of The Founding Of The Chinese Navy

Channel News Asia: Philippines Navy to join Chinese naval ships at anniversary celebration amid maritime row

MANILA: The Philippines has accepted an invitation from China to attend the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese navy, amid a maritime dispute over the South China Sea.

Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana told Channel NewsAsia the Philippines is sending a ship to the Chinese event in April this year in what he believes will be a historic first.

Lorenzana said he was informed of the Philippines Navy initiative to send a vessel "upon the invitation of the PLA Navy".

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WNU Editor: It looks like Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has made a decision that it would be better to accept this invitation rather than declining it.

Philippine Foreign Minister Cayetano Says That Duterte Will ‘Go To War’ Against China Over South China Resources

CNN

CNN: Duterte will 'go to war' over South China Sea resources, minister says

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said China will cross a red line if it unilaterally mines the natural resources of the South China Sea, according to the country's Foreign Minister Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a speech during a flag-raising celebration at the Department of Foreign Affairs Monday, Cayetano defended the Philippine government from allegations they were taking a soft policy on Chinese militarization of the South China Sea.

"(Beijing) said some red lines, we said some red lines ... The President has already said that. If anyone gets the natural resources in the Western Philippines Sea, South China Sea, he will go to war. He said, "Whatever happens, happens." He will go to war," Cayetano said.

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WNU Editor: The Philippine Foreign Minister is responding to criticisms that under the Duterte government, the Philippines has "lost islands" to China .... Philippines lost Sandy Cay to China, Alejano tells Cayetano (PhilStar.com). And as for Philippine President Duterte going to war over South China Sea resources .... I do not think anyone believes that.

More News On The Philippine Foreign Minister Saying That Duterte Will ‘Go To War’ Against China Over South China Resources

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will go to war with China if it crosses ‘red lines’ and claims disputed resources, foreign ministry warns -- SCMP/AP
Philippines claims it would 'go to war' over China incursions -- Financial Times
Philippines: Beijing Oil Drilling In Disputed South China Sea A ‘Red Line’ -- OilPrice.com
Duterte will ‘go to war’ if China crosses ‘red lines,’ Philippine FM claims -- RT
Philippines President Duterte warns China of war if it develops disputed islands -- Taiwan News

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Wants His Troops To Train In China

President Rodrigo Duterte is yet to respond to Australia’s offer as the Philippine military fights Isis in Mindanao. Photograph: Reuters

South China Morning Post: Rodrigo Duterte wants to create ‘balance’ by sending troops to China for training

Philippine president’s counterterrorism proposal comes amid concern over growing risk of ‘miscalculation’ and conflict in South China Sea.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to send troops to China for training to combat terrorism, despite worries resurfacing over Beijing’s build-up in the contested South China Sea.

Duterte said there was a need to “balance” the training of Filipino soldiers, who have a strong bond with the US military, The Philippine Star reported.

“Most of the Filipino soldiers … would immediately choose America. They have forged such a bond,” Duterte was quoted as saying on Monday during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club in Manila.

“My suggestion is the next batch should go directly to China ... so there would be a balance,” he said. “I’m sure there is an academy there to train good professional Chinese soldiers. Maybe China can accommodate them also and let them ... not really fight the Americans, but terrorism.”

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WNU Editor: He and his Generals probably read this report .... Beijing Has Started Giving Latin American Generals ‘Lavish,’ All-Expenses-Paid Trips to China (Defense One). It also may explain this .... U.S. Intelligence: Philippine President Duterte Is A Threat To Democracy.

Is China Preparing To Lay The Groundwork To Claim The East Coast Of The Philippines?

George Amurao, Asia Times: China eyes Philippines’ strategic eastern shores

Manila's allowance for a Chinese state-funded think tank to conduct 'scientific' research at Benham Rise has raised concerns of ulterior motives.

After consolidating control over Philippine-claimed features in the South China Sea, China is now casting its gaze on the island nation’s eastern waters opening onto the Pacific Ocean.

Last week, Filipino Congressman Gary Alejano revealed in a privilege speech that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) had approved a Chinese state-funded think tank’s request to conduct a scientific survey of the Benham Rise, a seismically active 13 million hectare underwater plateau.

As part of the agreement, China’s Institute of Oceanology of Chinese Academy of Sciences (IO-CAS) will work with a team from the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute. Largely undeveloped, the marine feature is believed to be rich in natural gas, heavy metals, fisheries and other resources.

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WNU Editor: Using the playbook on the eastern shores of the Philippines as they have did on the western shores in the South China Sea .... who is to stop China if they should decide to build an artificial island(s) in these waters, and when completed then make their territorial claims. It may sound far-fetch .... but this is exactly what happened when China started to explore and construct artificial islands in the South China Sea .... most were not concerned until China completed their island construction, built their defenses, and then lay claim to the the entire region. But it does not even stop there .... need I remind everyone that the Chinese believe they also have a claim to the Arctic .... China Lays Claim To The Arctic (March 9, 2010)

It Looks Like China Wants To Grab More Islands In The South China Sea

Steve Mollman, Quartz: China’s latest moves in the South China Sea have sparked fears of a new land grab

In 2012, China wrested control of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea from the Philippines. With the shoal—reefs, rocks, and a vast lagoon—located just 220 km (137 miles) from the Philippines’ main island Luzon, the incident heightened tensions and embarrassed Manila, which the following year opened a case in an international tribunal challenging Beijing’s territorial moves in the sea.

So alarm bells went off earlier this month when Chinese ships gathered at Sandy Cay, a set of sandbars close to Philippines-occupied Thitu Island in the sea’s Spratly archipelago. The island has a small civilian population and a decrepit runway the Philippines has been meaning to repair.

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Update: South China Sea Update: Assessing the Latest Chinese Maritime Near Thitu Island (The Diplomat)

WNU editor: Philippine President Duterte says that he is not concerned .... Duterte downplays Chinese fleet movements around Thitu island (Asia Times). He should be .... New Chinese Activity in Disputed Sea Challenges Sino-Philippine Friendship (VOA).

Philippine Foreign Minister Says Talk Of China Threatening War Not Serious

Chinese structures are pictured at the disputed Spratlys in South China Sea April 21, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro/File Photo

Reuters: Philippines, China play down Duterte's talk of war in disputed sea

The Philippines and China played down on Monday a warning by President Rodrigo Duterte that China would go to war if the Philippines drilled for oil in the disputed South China Sea.

The outspoken Philippine president has been facing criticism at home for being what some people see as too soft on China over a long-running territorial dispute.

Duterte met China's President Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing last week and later said Xi had warned him there would be war if the Philippines tried to explore for oil in a disputed stretch of sea.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said their meeting was frank and friendly, and the discussion was largely about preventing conflict, not threatening it.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese are shrugging off this threat of war .... South China Sea dispute: Xi Jinping govt sidesteps Philippines' president Duterte's claims of war threat (First POst/AFP).

More News On The Philippine Foreign Minister Saying Talk Of China Threatening War Is Not Serious

Beijing and Manila end talks as ‘war’ threat recalled -- South China Morning Post
Philippine official downplays alleged China war threats -- Washington Post/AP
China War Talk Not Serious, Philippine Foreign Minister Says -- Bloomberg
The Philippines is starting damage control after Duterte claims China threatened war -- Business Insider/Reuters
China's Threat Of War Against Philippines Is Baseless Scare Tactic -- Anders Corr, Forbes

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Says China's Xi Threatened War If Philippines Drills For Oil

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in Beijing. REUTERS/Etienne Oliveau/Pool

Reuters: Duterte says China's Xi threatened war if Philippines drills for oil

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday Chinese counterpart China Xi Jinping had warned him there would be war if Manila tried to enforce an arbitration ruling and drill for oil in a disputed part of the South China Sea.

In remarks that could infuriate China, Duterte hit back at domestic critics who said he has gone soft on Beijing by refusing to push it to comply with an award last year by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which ruled largely in favor of the Philippines.

Duterte said he discussed it with Xi when the two met in Beijing on Monday, and got a firm, but friendly warning.

"We intend to drill oil there, if it's yours, well, that's your view, but my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth because it is ours," Duterte said in a speech, recalling his conversation with Xi.

"His response to me, 'we're friends, we don't want to quarrel with you, we want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we'll go to war."

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Update #1: Philippines' Duterte: China threatened 'war' over sea row (AFP)
Update #2: Duterte: China warned PH of war over South China Sea (ABS-CBN)

WNU Editor: Beijing is not denying the story.

Has China Changed Its South China Sea Policiy?

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (R) is shown the way by Chinese President Xi Jinping before a signing ceremony held in Beijing, China, October 20, 2016. Reuters/Ng Han Guan/Pool

Reuters: China says 'situation' at disputed Scarborough Shoal has not changed

China said on Monday the situation at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea "has not changed and will not change", after the Philippines said Chinese vessels that blocked the area for four years had stopped harassing its fishermen.

Philippine security officials on Sunday said China had scaled down its maritime presence at the shoal since President Rodrigo Duterte's return from a visit to Beijing aimed at patching-up ties and courting investment.

The disputed territory is significant not only for fishing, but for the broader balance of power in the South China Sea, and the circumstances behind China's apparent softening of its position are not clear.

Read more ....

Update: China and the Philippines have turned the corner on one of their biggest disputes, but the path ahead is unclear (Business Insider).

WNU Editor: I do not see much of a change. Chinese military ships are still there .... China ships still at disputed shoal, fishermen back (ABS-CBN) .... and the Chinese government is making it very clear that and these Philippine fishing boats are only there because of the goodwill of Beijing .... China confirms Philippine fishermen allowed into Scarborough Shoal (Asian Correspondent).

Update #2: There is a lot of truth to this .... Duterte deal with China over Scarborough Shoal exposes US failure (CNN).

Philippine President Duterte Will Not Raise The South China Sea Dispute During His China Visit

Wall Street Journal: Philippines’ Duterte Not Planning to Raise South China Sea Disputes in China Visit

Seeking to reset once-fractious ties with Beijing.

BEIJING—Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he wasn’t planning to pursue substantive talks on the South China Sea disputes during meetings with top Chinese leaders this week, as he seeks to reset Manila’s once-fractious ties with Beijing.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing a day before a scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Mr. Duterte said he would focus on seeking Chinese economic aid during his state visit, setting aside their countries’ discord over overlapping territorial and maritime claims.

If the Chinese leadership wishes to discuss the disputes, “we can set the broad lines, but there will be no hard impositions. There will be no asking of concessions,” said Mr. Duterte, who arrived in Beijing late Tuesday to start a four-day visit.

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Update: Philippines' Duterte says South China Sea arbitration case to take 'back seat' (Reuters)

WNU Editor: This deference to China is raising eyebrows in the Philippines .... Duterte's Deference Delights China but Is Questioned at Home (New York Times). Adding more fuel to the fire .... Rodrigo Duterte says he’d consider holding joint military exercises with China, Russia (News.com.au). And adding even more fuel to the fire .... protests against the U.S. in the Philippines increase, but none against Chinese actions in the South China Sea .... Philippine Police Van Rams Anti-U.S. Protesters at Manila Embassy (NBC).

Philippine President Offers China Talks On Maritime Disputes

AFP: Philippines offers China talks on maritime disputes

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (Jul 5) offered China conciliatory talks on a long-awaited international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims, a week before the verdict.

Duterte, who was sworn into office last week, said he was optimistic that the UN-backed tribunal in The Hague would rule in favour of the Philippines.

"If it's favourable to us, let's talk," Duterte said in a speech before the Philippine Air Force at the former US military base of Clark, about an hour's drive from the capital Manila.

An international tribunal will rule on Jul 12 in a case the Philippines brought challenging China's claims to most of the strategically vital South China Sea

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Update: Philippines ready to talk to China after ruling on sea claim (AP)

WNU Editor: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is hoping that a positive ruling on a long-awaited international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims will make it easier for the Philippines to enter into talks with China. I say the opposite is going to happen .... China will not position itself to enter talks from a position and/or perception of "weakness" .... if anything .... they will probably harden their positions.

U.S. Troops Return To The Philippines. China Condemns This Deployment

Reuters: China says U.S.-Philippines base deal raises questions

China said on Monday agreements like the one reached last week by the United States and the Philippines allowing for a U.S. military presence at five Philippine bases raised questions about militarization in the South China Sea.

The United States is keen to boost the military capabilities of East Asian countries and its own regional presence in the face of China's assertive pursuit of territorial claims in the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest trade routes.

The United States and its regional allies have expressed concern that China is militarizing the South China Sea with moves to build airfields and other military facilities on the islands it occupies.

Read more ....

More News ON U.S. Troops Being Sent To China And China's Reaction To This Deployment

China slams U.S., Philippine military deployment in South China Sea -- Xinhuanet
US, Philippines agree on 5 base locations under EDCA -- Phillipine Star
US and Philippines agree on locations for five new military bases, including one in South China Sea -- South China Morning Post
South China Sea dispute: US troops to return to Philippines -- The Australian/WSJ
US Troops to Be Based 160 Miles From Chinese Forces in Disputed Islands -- Defense World

China - Philippine Maritime Border Dispute Is 'Heating Up'

Philippines Warns China About Vessels in Disputed Seas -- WSJ

Foreign Affairs Department Says Chinese Vessels Regularly Seen in the Reed Bank

MANILA—The Philippines on Monday warned China that what it described as the frequent presence of Chinese ships in a disputed area of the South China Sea could potentially spark renewed tensions between the neighbors.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said that Chinese vessels are regularly seen in an area called the Reed Bank, which is potentially rich in oil and natural gas.

Chinese vessels' presence in the area is "part of a pattern of illegitimate sovereignty patrols in the Philippine EEZ pursuant to China's unilateral effort to change the status of the South China Sea," said Mr. Jose, referring to the 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone set under a United Nations' convention. A diplomatic protest will soon be lodged with the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Mr. Jose said.

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Update: Chinese Survey Ships Spotted in Philippine Waters, Aquino Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek

My Comment: The Philippines are learning that the Chinese are not going to give up on their maritime claims that easily.

China - Philippine Maritime Border Dispute Escalating

Philippines Stare Down China In South China Sea Dispute -- Peter Ford, Christian Science Monitor

The Philippines filed a legal case with the UN Sunday over contested islets, despite China's threats of retaliation for the campaign.

The Philippine government is refusing to yield in a territorial standoff with China. Braving threats of retaliation, Manila lodged its legal case with a United Nations tribunal on Sunday, challenging Beijing’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and raising the stakes in a longstanding dispute.

Beijing immediately dismissed the move, saying it would refuse to take part in any arbitration by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.

Manila’s decision to lodge nearly 4,000 pages of legal testimony with the tribunal in Hamburg “is about defending what is legitimately ours,” Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters in Manila on Sunday.

Read more ....

More News On The China - Philippine Maritime Border Dispute

Beijing and Manila in Dispute Over Reef -- New York Times
China, Philippines tension over South China Sea reef escalates -- Business Standard
South China Sea Flare-up Pits China Against the Philippines Over Oil, Shipping Lanes -- The Street
Philippines files case to UN in South China Sea dispute -- BBC
Manila challenges China sea claims -- Japan Times/AP
Philippines Seeks Arbitration at U.N. Over China's Claims in South China Sea -- Wall Street Journal
Philippines stands by rejection of Beijing's claims to South China Sea -- The Guardian
Philippine Ships Are Now Dodging Chinese Blockades To Reach South China Sea Outpost -- Business Insider
Philippine resupply ship breaks blockade in South China Sea -- Want China Times
China says Manila provoking trouble in seas ahead of legal case -- Reuters
China says Manila provoking trouble in South China Sea -- Straits Times
China summons Manila envoy over South China Sea legal case -- Reuters
Philippines must take consequences of provocation: China -- Global Times/Xinhua
China insists on bilateral talks on disputes on South China Sea -- Xinhuanet
Crumbling, WW II-era US warship makes final stand for Philippines in dispute with China -- FOX News

China Coast Guard Ship 'Fires Water Cannon' On Philippine Ship In Disputed Waters

Philippines Says China 'Fired Water Cannon' On Filipino Fishermen -- BBC

A Chinese vessel has fired a water cannon at Filipino fishermen near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, a top Philippine official says.

Military chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista said the incident happened at the Scarborough Shoal on 27 January.

Chinese officials did not comment on the incident when questioned during a routine briefing, but re-asserted China's claim to the waters.

It is just the latest dispute over an area believed to be rich in resources.

China claims ownership of large parts of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, which lie off the coast of the Philippines.

Read more ....

More News On Philippine Claims That A Chinese Naval Vessel Fired It's Water Canon On A Philippine Ship

Philippines protests Chinese use of water cannon -- Washington Post/AP
Philippines Says China Fired Water Cannon at Disputed Shoal -- Defense News/AFP
Philippines protests over South China Sea water cannon incident -- Reuters
Philippines condemns Beijing’s use of water cannon on fishermen in South China Sea -- South China Morning Post
Philippines Protests Chinese Water Cannon Attack -- Voice of America
Philippines protests Chinese harassment in disputed sea area -- Global Post/Kyodo news
Philippines asks China to explain "water cannon" incident -- Channel News Asia
Philippines Summons China Envoy Over Water Cannons in Shoal -- Bloomberg Businessweek

Update: China is not impressed with Philippine complaints .... Philippines should respect China's sovereignty: spokeswoman -- People Daily

Update #2: More Chinese "dismissal" of Philippine complaints is here.

The Philippine Government Confronts China By Comparing Them To Nazi Germany

Philippine Leader Sounds Alarm on China -- New York Times

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III called on Tuesday for nations around the world to do more to support the Philippines in resisting China’s assertive claims to the seas near his country, drawing a comparison to the West’s failure to support Czechoslovakia against Hitler’s demands for Czech land in 1938.

Like Czechoslovakia, the Philippines faces demands to surrender territory piecemeal to a much stronger foreign power and needs more robust foreign support for the rule of international law if it is to resist, President Aquino said in a 90-minute interview in the wood-paneled music room of the presidential palace.

Read more ....

More News On The Philippine Government Strategy To Confront China

The Philippines' Strategy for Confronting China -- The Telegraph
PNoy: China's claims over West PH Sea like Hitler's in WW2 -- ABS CBN
China slams Philippine leader for Hitler comparison -- BBC
Beijing slams Benigno Aquino for 'ignorant' Nazi Germany comparisons -- South China Morning Post
Aquino Ignorant to Compare China to Nazi Germany, Xinhua Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Commentary: Philippine leader's senseless attack against China smells of amateurish politician -- Ming Jinwei, Xinhua
Why comparing China to Nazi Germany is bad for everyone -- Lily Kuo, Quartz
Right Vs Might: The Philippines' Strategy for Confronting China -- Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat

IKEA's Aid To Typhoon-Ravaged Philippines Dwarfs China's Aid Donation

China's Aid To Philippines Dwarfed By Ikea -- USA Today

An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect death toll, based on a U.N. report.

China is the world's second largest economy and closer to the Philippines than other major donors of assistance to the typhoon-ravaged archipelago.

Yet the paltry $1.6 million in aid it pledged to its neighbor was less than the check written by Swedish furniture store Ikea.

"China's action illustrates the blundering nature of its foreign policy," said Phillip Swagel, a former assistant secretary for economic policy at the Treasury Department and co-author of Awkward Embrace: The United States and China in the 21st Century. "This is an unforced error for them, revealing to other countries the limits of Chinese friendship."

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Update: China Increases Aid to Philippines -- New York Times

My Comment: This is embarrassing .... it will only reinforce the perception that China is very "stingy" with it's money.

China Pledges Only $100,000 In Aid To Philippine Victims Of Typhoon Haiyan

REPORT: China Is Pleding Just $100,000 To Help In The Philippines Disaster -- Business Insider

Nope, not a typo.

According to the South China Morning Post, China has pledged just $100,000 in cash to victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which authorities estimated may have killed 10,000 and left physical damage "so great that it is even hard to tally."

The U.S. has pledged 20 million. Australia has pledged $10 million. HSBC bank alone has pledged $1 million, according to The Telegraph.

“We will take into consideration the developments of the disaster and co-ordinate with relevant international organisations to see what we can do,” the SCMP quoted foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang as saying. China is also offering "“humanitarian emergency relief assistance.”

Read more ....

More News On The Lack Of Chinese Assistance To The Philippine Hurricane Disaster

China yet to deploy 'substantial' navy to aid Philippines -- CNBC
China Offers Modest Aid to Philippines After Typhoon Haiyan -- Wall Street Journal
China Offers Relatively Modest Aid for Typhoon Victims -- New York Times
China’s Stingy Philippines Aid -- Joshua Keating, Slate
China's meager aid to the Philippines could dent its image -- Megha Rajagopalan, Reuters
Why is China doing so little to help the Philippines? -- Iain Martin, The Telegraph

WNU Editor: The response of the Chinese media to the Hurricane disaster in the Philippines is very revealing on how deeply divided Asian countries are between each other. The Chinese media response can be read here.

The Philippines Tries To Stand-Up To 'Bully' China

Credit: Stephanie d'Otreppe/NPR

Philippines Pushes Back Against China -- Washington Post

MANILA — China’s most daring adversary in Southeast Asia is, by many measurements, ill-suited for a fight. The Philippines has a military budget 1/40th the size of Beijing’s, and its navy cruises through contested waters in 1970s hand-me-downs from the South Vietnamese.

From that shorthanded position, the Philippines has set off on a risky mission to do what no nation in the region has managed to do: thwart China in its drive to control the vast waters around it.

Analysts say the Philippines’s strategy, in standing up to Asia’s powerhouse, is just as likely to backfire as succeed. But it provides a crucial test case as smaller countries debate whether to deal with China as a much-needed economic partner, a dangerous maritime aggressor, or both.

Read more ....

My Comment: The Philippines are to China what Cuba is to the U.S. .... a small neighbor who is trying to punch above his fighting weight .... and failing.

Is A China - Philippine Showdown In The South China Sea About To Happen?

China Agrees South China Sea Talks Amid New Row With Manila -- Reuters

(Reuters) - China agreed to hold formal talks with Southeast Asian nations on a plan to ease maritime tensions on Sunday as the Philippines accused it of causing "increasing militarization" of the South China Sea, one of Asia's naval flashpoints.

The rebuke by Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario at a regional summit in Brunei came a day after China's state media warned of an inevitable "counterstrike" against the Philippines if it continued to provoke Beijing.

Friction between China and the Philippines over disputed territories has surged since last year due to several naval stand-offs as China asserts its vast claims over the oil and gas rich sea.

Read more ....

More News On China - Philippine Tensions Over The South China Seas

China Agrees to Asean Talks on Sea Spat Amid Philippine Warning -- Bloomberg Businessweek
China Media Warns Philippines of 'Counterstrike' in South China Sea -- New York Times/Reuters
Chinese Media Warn Philippines Of 'Counterstrike' If 'Provocations' Continue In South China Sea -- IBTimes
Chinese media slam Philippines over Spratly isles -- West Australian/AFP
China media warns Philippines of "counterstrike" in South China Sea -- Straits Times
Philippines accuses China of military buildup at sea -- Global Post
Philippines accuses China of military buildup at sea -- Channel News Asia
PH slams China for retaliation threat -- Inquirer
Philippines accused China of "massive" military buildup in S China Sea -- Asia One
Chinese military in S.China Sea 'threatens peace' -- AFP
South China Sea: facts on a decades-long dispute -- Global Post/AFP