A South China Sea digital commons could help calm troubled waters
On June 14, the Chinese military conducted
sea and air patrols in the South China Sea, even as the Philippines and Japan held a joint drill in the waters. Earlier in the month, the US and the Philippines had held joint exercises in the sea.
Tian Junli, spokesperson of the People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command, criticised the Philippines for 'courting non-regional countries and organisations' – likely alluding to the US and Japan – to conduct such drills, saying they 'raised security risks' in the region. He said the Chinese forces would remain on 'high alert' to safeguard China's sovereignty and maritime rights.
Parts of the South China Sea – a vital conduit for an estimated US$3.4 trillion in annual global trade – are claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, with China's nine-dash line overlapping other nations' exclusive economic zones.
China views US-Philippine patrols as external interference meant to challenge its claims. Conversely, the Philippines sees these exercises as essential for safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring freedom of navigation.
Reuters reported that the Philippines' patrols with the US took place within undisputed waters off Occidental Mindoro and Zambales. Interestingly, the Philippine Navy has denied China's claims of coordinated patrols during the drills with Japan.
The cycle of patrols and counter-patrols highlights the risk of miscalculation in a region critical to global trade and security. The South China Sea operates as a low-information zone, where limited shared awareness among rival forces increases the risk of misinterpretation and escalation.
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