Philippine islands caught in US-China tensionsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Tensions are rising between the US and China over the Bashi Channel, a strategic waterway separating the Philippines and Taiwan. It also links the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Chinese military vessels have been conducting exercises around the area in recent years. The US responded to Beijing’s actions in May by deploying cutting edge anti-ship missile systems there. Nice old Salarina del Mundo Monte reports. The Batalis Island chain is at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. It’s inhabited by just 19,000 indigenous people who maintain a unique culture. Recently, the Philippines has been bolstering its defense capabilities in the islands. In June, the country’s Marine Corps conducted military training that simulated capturing an enemy force that came ashore. Local residents who serve as reserveists took part in the exercise. We are just focused on being prepared. We don’t want to start a conflict. We just want to defend our country. So far, the Philippine military has recruited about 600 island reserveists. as much as possible. Uh we have to maximize the number of trainings uh for them to have it perfectly executed uh when the uh time comes uh for a real scenario that will happen. The US military has also been active here. In April, it conducted joint drills with the Philippines at an airport closest to Taiwan. The military deployed Osprey transport aircraft as well as a Shinuk helicopter renowned for its agility in moving military vehicles by air. But the island’s residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the growing tensions. Whenever there’s a helicopter or an airplane flying around, I start to worry that an emergency is underway. Islanders are concerned about the impact on their livelihoods. Their main sources of income are fishing and tourism. Because the US military is here, we may become involved. Tensions will rise and war could break out. Everyone is worried. Sabas de Sagon approved the training when he was mayor of the island of Italy, but he says the island is not prepared for an emergency. Across the Bashi channel, about 180,000 Filipinos live in Taiwan. In the event of an emergency, the Batanis Islands are a potential evacuation spot. However, an emergency food storage facility built last year with US assistance was partially destroyed by a storm with no prospects for repairs. The former mayor says the island sought help from the Philippine government and the US to expand its two small port, but is still waiting. Hopefully, the United States will fast track port infrastructure so that when a conflict arises, the port is ready for use. As tensions over the Bashi Channel continue to rise, the islanders of the Philippines find themselves caught in a tug of war between the US and China. Celerina del Mundo Monte NHK World Manila
With tensions in the South China Sea, and near Taiwan, islanders in the northern Philippines are caught in a tug-of-war between the US and China. #asia #asiapacific #philippines #usa #china #politics #security
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