‘We have the right to defend ourselves’: Philippines, China tensions rise
The Chinese coast guard said Filipino marines pointed guns at them. However, the Philippines Armed Forces said its marines were taking a defensive stance because the Chinese tried to steal supplies meant for the marines aboard a ship used as an outpost in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Newly released video appears to show two small Chinese vessels making aggressive and evasive maneuvers in the open ocean while trying to retrieve some air-dropped supplies last month. According to a Philippine navy spokesman, the Chinese personnel on board the boats later dumped the items in the water.
Chinese boats reportedly approached within five to 10 meters of the Sierra Madre — the vessel Manila intentionally grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. clarified that the marines drew their weapons as a “precautionary measure” in self-defense. Brawner said this action aligns with the rules of engagement.
“It was just in preparation for self-defense in case something happens because they were very close,” Brawner said. “We have the right to defend ourselves.”
Getty Images
Brawner emphasized that the marines maintained “professionalism, restraint, and discipline under provocation.”
China claims historic rights over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas like the Second Thomas Shoal, despite the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that defines economic zones and a 2016 ruling in The Hague.
The resource-rich South China Sea is also contested by Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. Beijing’s claims, however, overlap with the exclusive economic zones of all these countries.
“The Philippines sending vessels to Ren’ai is in itself illegal, the Philippines is escalating the situation and we cannot accept it,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Beijing also accused Manila of jeopardizing regional security and stability through its close ties with the U.S., including placing mid-range missiles in the Philippines during a joint military exercise in April.
Water cannons, the Philippines, and the South China Sea
Video captured on April 30 by the Philippines Coast Guard shows a pair of Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons to douse Filipino vessels, which were reportedly sailing to the Scarborough Shoal to help some fishermen. At least that’s how the Philippines government described the incident in its official protest of what is now the 20th such encounter just this year.
The Chinese government also released footage of the encounter but said the water cannons were used lawfully to protect Chinese interests in the area.
𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: @coastguardph Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has directed the immediate conduct of a damage assessment after the 44-meter multi-role response vessel, BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), was involved in a water canon incident while enroute to Bajo de Masinloc. pic.twitter.com/NDJFycJbcU
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) May 2, 2024
Both the Philippines and China accuse the other of escalating tensions in the region, and the April 30 incident also happened while the Philippines and the United States were taking part in the annual Balikatan military drills.
Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” and this year’s event marks the largest ever, with more than 17,000 soldiers taking part.
So why is there so much attention on the South China Sea? And why do some military and geopolitical analysts think the tensions there are more likely to spark a conflict between the U.S. and China than a possible Chinese takeover of Taiwan? Well, it’s a multifaceted issue.
First, the Scarborough Shoal is in the South China Sea, where the most recent run-in between China and the Philippines happened. The Spratly Islands, a grouping of very small islands, coral outcroppings, and sandbars are also in the area.
Now, all of these locations are within the fishing grounds that have historically been accessed by most of the countries in this region of the Pacific. Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei and others have all fished those waters. The waters are very fertile and supply a lot of the food for people living there.
However, the waters are also within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for each country. The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea defines an EEZ as “an area of the sea in which a sovereign state has exclusive rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.”
Typically, an EEZ extends out from a country’s coastal territory by no more than 200 nautical miles.
There’s been no official ruling on whose sovereign territory any of disputed areas belong to, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China definitely doesn’t own it. Still, Chinese vessels implement blockades from time to time and essentially have controlled access to the Scarborough Shoal since 2012.
The Chinese Communist Party, under the rule of Xi Jinping, maintains it’s just looking out for its own best interests and protecting its territory from what it views as a hostile expansion of U.S. interests.
On the other side of the pendulum swing are the China hawks who say the real aim of Xi’s regime is to establish military footholds in the region and potentially control trade routes. These routes are some of the most lucrative in the world. More than $3 trillion worth of goods sail on these seas every year.
Remember the Spratlys? Over the course of the last few years, the Chinese government invested billions to build up what were essentially exposed outcroppings of coral reef into full-fledged military facilities with runways and barracks.
China isn’t alone in adding more military resources to the region. In addition to upping its naval patrols, the Philippines also sought to further its claims to this area of the South China Sea by purposely running a ship aground in the Second Thomas Shoal.
The ship is now used as a permanent military installation by the Philippines. That means regular resupply missions, and those are another point of contention for the Chinese and often another source of conflict.
While all of this is going on, the Philippines continues to strengthen its military ties to the United States, which is a familiar pattern in the Pacific. Japan and Australia also entered into historical military partnerships with the U.S. recently over fears the Chinese may try to take control of territory that isn’t theirs.
Even India is focused on what is happening in the region. India doesn’t want China to take over the trade routes any more than anyone else does, which is why it recently sold the Philippines some BrahMos missile batteries. Because again, when $3 trillion worth of trade could be on the line, that demands international attention.
US, Japan, Philippines leaders convene for trilateral summit
Leaders from the United States, Japan and the Philippines convened for their inaugural trilateral summit, marking a significant commitment to fostering a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region. They announced several initiatives to strengthen economic ties, technological advancements, and security collaborations.
Notably they introduced the Luzon Economic Corridor aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the Philippines.
The summit also focused on pressing global security concerns, including aggressive actions in the South China Sea and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Moreover, the leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression, underlining their dedication to international law and nuclear non-proliferation.
“We believe, fundamentally, that by working together, we can advance the security and prosperity of our own nations, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world,” the White House said in a statement.
The leaders said the partnership reaffirmed the importance of democratic values, gender equality and human rights as foundational principles of their trilateral relationship.
All three countries have also pledged to boost maritime security and humanitarian assistance through enhanced cooperation and joint training. Initiatives include launching a humanitarian assistance exercise and expanding defense cooperation with combined naval training and exercises.
This partnership aims to ensure efficient, coordinated responses to crises and support the Philippines’ defense modernization, emphasizing joint development of defense technology.
The three nations also stand united in advocating for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, condemning North Korea’s ballistic missile threats, and demanding adherence to United Nations resolutions. They expressed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russia’s invasion and nuclear threats, emphasizing the illegitimacy of territorial acquisition by force.
US sends top commander to Israel ahead of expected attack from Iran
With Israel on alert for an attack from Iran, the U.S. sents over a top military commander in a show of support. O.J. Simpson passed away at age 76, sparking mixed reactions. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, April 12, 2024.
US sends top commander to Israel ahead of expected attack from Iran
Amid heightened tensions after Iran vowed retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several commanders, the U.S. has dispatched its top military commander for the Middle East to Israel as a gesture of solidarity.
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General Michael Erik Kurilla, the U.S. Central Command’s leader in the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Thursday, April 11. According to officials cited by The New York Times, General Kurilla will work closely with the Israeli military to prepare for Iran’s expected retaliation, discuss the ongoing conflict with Hamas and coordinate aid efforts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvD4ZfMGIQw
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel is bracing for a potential direct assault from Iran possibly as early as the weekend of April 13. However, sources close to the Iranian leadership have indicated that no definitive decision has been reached.
While Israel has not officially admitted to the airstrike in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a military base on April 11, promised a forceful response to any aggression, stating, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”
Relations between the U.S. and Israel have been strained over Netanyahu’s tactics in the Gaza conflict, with President Joe Biden suggesting a shift in America’s stance unless Israel takes further steps to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. Nonetheless, Biden has reaffirmed the U.S.’ unwavering support for Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its allies, describing it as “ironclad.”
Following these developments, the American Embassy in Israel issued a security advisory for U.S. government personnel and their families, imposing travel restrictions within Israel due to the threats from Iran.
Speaker Johnson in talks with White House to push Ukraine aid forward
In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson is actively negotiating with the White House to push forward funding for Ukraine and Israel. Johnson, aiming to modify the Senate’s proposed $95 billion security package, is balancing Republican demands with the urgent need for military aid for Kyiv.
The effort has faced delays as Johnson seeks a consensus that satisfies both the White House and divided Republican ranks. Biden has criticized some Republicans for not helping Ukraine, suggesting it benefits Russia and compromises U.S. security.
US, Japan, Philippines convene for trilateral leaders summit
Leaders from Japan, the Philippines and the United States convened at the White House for their inaugural trilateral summit. The agreements aim to update military alliances, enhance defense cooperation, and boost technological collaboration, including AI and space exploration.
Efforts to counter China’s influence in the South China Sea and support a peaceful approach to Taiwan were highlighted. The U.S. and Japan are bolstering the Philippine Coast Guard by providing additional ships, with Japan recently delivering 12 and planning to send five more.
The partnerships also include investments in infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies such as the Artemis moon landing project and nuclear fusion initiatives.
Former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani charged with stealing more than $16 million
Reportedly, the interpreter manipulated Ohtani’s bank account, turning off transaction alerts to secretly fund his gambling. Despite initially claiming Ohtani had given him the money, he has since confessed.
Ohtani, who has denied any involvement in sports betting, is not implicated in the charges. Our Lauren Taylor has a full report here.
Reaction following the death of O.J. Simpson
The family of O.J. Simpson, the former football star acquitted in the 1994 killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, announced he died at 76 on Wednesday, April 10, after battling cancer. Simpson’s death drew reactions from significant figures in the trial that captivated the nation.
Fred Goldman, Ron Goldman’s father, told NBC News, “It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.”
Gloria Allred, who represented Nicole’s family, said to ABC News, “I don’t mourn for O.J. Simpson. I do mourn for Nicole Brown Simpson and her family, and they should be remembered.”
“O.J. Simpson played an important role in exposing the racial divisions in America,” Alan Dershowitz, an adviser to Simpson’s legal team, told The Associated Press. “His trial also exposed police corruption among some officials in the Los Angeles Police Department. He will leave a mixed legacy. Great athlete. Many people think he was guilty. Some think he was innocent.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, responding to a question about Simpson’s passing during a press briefing, said, “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time, obviously with his family and loved ones, and I know that they have asked for some privacy and so we’re going to respect that. I’ll just leave it there.”
Sailors spell out ‘help’ after being stranded on remote island
In a fortunate turn of events, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy collaborated to rescue sailors stranded for over a week on a remote Pacific island, using only island resources to signal for help.
The sailors, all men in their 40s and believed to be related, crafted a “HELP” sign with palm leaves on the beach — a key factor in their rescue.
The group was on a fishing expedition on Easter Sunday when their sailboat suffered damage, leaving them stranded on a small island within the Federal States of Micronesia.
Following a distress call from a relative on April 6, a Coast Guard aircraft located the “HELP” sign the next day. The Coast Guard then dropped a radio to the sailors, who reported they were healthy and had been surviving on coconuts.
The sailors were successfully rescued on April 9, and have safely returned home.
Biden hosts White House state dinner before trilateral summit
Prominent figures come together at the White House as President Joe Biden hosts a state dinner for the Japanese Prime Minister, and outrage from Democrats over the Arizona Supreme Court’s abortion ruling leads to shouting in the state house. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Biden hosts state dinner at White House before trilateral summit
The White House is set for the inaugural trilateral summit with leaders from the U.S., Japan and the Philippines on April 11, following Wednesday, April 10, night’s glamorous state dinner hosted by Biden for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Earlier, Biden and Kishida strengthened military and economic ties, agreeing on collaborative defense strategies and Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon mission.
The alliance between Japan and the United States is a cornerstone of peace, security, prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world. – @POTUSpic.twitter.com/KZ0TJfZOXs
On April 11, Biden meets with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos before the summit, emphasizing Indo-Pacific unity.
3 Injured in shooting at Ramadan celebration in Philadelphia
Three people were injured during a shooting at a Ramadan celebration in Philadelphia on April 10, resulting in five arrests. Police said the incident occurred as about 1,000 attendees gathered in a park and was sparked by gunfire between two feuding groups, with around 30 shots fired.
A 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Four individuals, aged 15 to 21, were arrested while leaving the park, each carrying weapons. Additionally, a 15-year-old boy, who was armed, was shot in the leg by police and is in stable condition; the involved officer has been placed on administrative duty.
A 15-year-old girl also suffered a fractured leg after being struck by a police vehicle responding to the scene. The incident is still under investigation.
Hamas says it does not have 40 hostages for cease-fire trade
Israel believes that of the 130 hostages remaining, at least 30 are dead and the rest are likely held by various factions within Hamas. During a proposed six-week cease-fire, negotiators have recommended that Hamas release 40 hostages, prioritizing women, and sick and elderly men, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
As Hamas faces difficulties in meeting the criteria for releasing 40 women and elderly men, Israel is pressing for the inclusion of younger male hostages and soldiers to complete the initial release group.
Republicans in Arizona House block debate on repealing abortion ban
Republican lawmakers in the Arizona State House halted efforts to repeal a 1864 law, recently upheld by the state Supreme Court, banning abortions except to save a woman’s life.
GOP leaders stopped discussion on the repeal, proposed by Democrats and some Republicans, and adjourned for the week, sparking Democratic outrage. A Democratic representative criticized the court’s “extreme” decision, while a Republican called the Democrats’ actions “extremist and insurrectionist.”
GOP leaders stated the ruling has not yet taken effect and will review the decision for future actions.
Speaker Johnson to meet with former President Trump at Mar-A-Lago
Johnson’s trip to Florida is seen as an effort to demonstrate solidarity with Trump, as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and others challenge his leadership. After threatening to oust Johnson, Greene met with him for an hour on Wednesday.
Additionally, Johnson contends with conservative opposition, spurred by Trump, to extending a key surveillance program. The proposed legislation allows the U.S. to collect, without a warrant, communications of non-Americans abroad for intelligence.
Brothers hit home runs in same inning on Siblings Day
On National Siblings Day, brothers Josh and Bo Naylor, both of the Cleveland Guardians, celebrated memorably by hitting home runs in the same inning during a game against the Chicago White Sox. Josh’s solo home run came first in the fourth inning, followed by Bo’s two-run homer.
Additionally, in the 10th inning, both brothers contributed crucial hits leading to the Guardians’ 7-6 victory — Josh with a game-tying double and Bo with the game-winning single.
Arizona Supreme Court rules 1864 near-total abortion ban can be enforced
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled a Civil War-era law banning nearly all abortions can be enforced. Toyota announced a major change to its 4Runner SUV. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Arizona Supreme Court rules near-total abortion ban is enforceable
The ruling subjects doctors or anyone assisting in an abortion to two to five years in prison, with additional sanctions possible for abortions performed after 15 weeks. Notably, the law lacks exceptions for rape or incest.
The Arizona Supreme Court has delayed the decision’s implementation for 14 days to allow a lower court to address “additional constitutional challenges.”
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who vowed not to enforce the law, and President Joe Biden, who labeled the ban “cruel.” Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Arizona on Friday, April 12. Following the ruling, a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, reiterated Trump’s stance that abortion decisions should be left to the states.
Brian Dorsey, dubbed a “model inmate” by prison staff, was Missouri’s first execution this year, despite the Supreme Court rejecting his appeals. Concerns about Dorsey’s health potentially complicating the execution led to a settlement to mitigate severe pain, though specifics weren’t disclosed.
Around 85 protesters rallied outside the prison in support of Dorsey. A Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed the execution proceeded smoothly without the need for a cutdown procedure.
Biden calls Netanyahu’s approach to war in Gaza a ‘mistake’
Biden described the attack on humanitarian vehicles as “outrageous” and advocated for a ceasefire to allow unhindered access to food and medicine for Gaza residents. Biden has previously described Israel’s actions as “over the top” and hinted at a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Israel if Israel does not minimize civilian harm in Gaza.
Following an internal review of the strike that killed aid workers, Israel acknowledged serious military errors, leading to the dismissal of two senior officers. World Central Kitchen has demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
Biden, Kishida hold summit to boost cross country alliance
Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to announce an expanded defense and intelligence partnership this week, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Japanese counterpart will detail the enhanced alliance in the upcoming months, with Japan anticipated to play a larger role in military and defense manufacturing.
The plan includes modernizing military bases in Japan for improved collaborative operations. Currently, Japan hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops, with the Japanese Self Defense Force moving toward a unified command for its services by March 2025.
Toyota selling 4Runner SUV with hybrid engine for first time
Toyota is revamping its 4Runner SUV for the first time in nearly 15 years and introducing a hybrid engine option for the first time ever. The 2025 model’s hybrid option reflects the growing popularity of hybrids, with their market share nearly doubling to almost 10% at the end of 2023, according to Edmunds.com.
Toyota’s U.S. auto sales surged 20% in the first quarter, with sales of electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs, jumping about 74%. The automaker has sold over 3 million 4Runners over the SUV’s 40-year history. Pricing for the 2025 4Runner will be revealed closer to its market launch later this year.
“This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family,” Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, said in a release.
Starting prices for the 2024 model range from about $41,000 to more than $55,000.
As the college basketball season concludes, so does the career of a sports legend. Stanford’s head coach Tara VanDerveer is retiring after 45 years, including 38 at the helm of Stanford. VanDerveer, the NCAA’s all-time winningest basketball coach, boasts 1,216 victories.
Her illustrious tenure at Stanford includes three national championships and 14 Final Four appearances. VanDerveer’s retirement follows a historic women’s tournament, with the championship game attracting more viewers than the men’s title game for the first time, averaging 18.9 million viewers.
7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan, several dead
Several people are dead in the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years, and the future of Disney will be decided today in a boardroom vote. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Several dead after major earthquake rocks Taiwan
At least nine people have died and more than 800 are injured following the largest earthquake to strike Taiwan in 25 years, occurring Wednesday, April 3. The aftermath saw buildings tilting precariously, with rescuers employing ladders to reach those trapped inside. The event brought traffic to a halt and led to the suspension of train services throughout the island.
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Taiwan’s authorities recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.2, whereas the U.S. Geological Survey reported it as 7.4. The earthquake hit around 8 a.m. local time, prompting tsunami warnings for southern Japan and the Philippines, which were later lifted.
Biden ‘outraged’ over Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza
President Joe Biden said he was “outraged and heartbroken” by the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, caused by Israeli airstrikes on Monday, April 1. This marks his most forceful condemnation of Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Biden criticized Israel for not doing enough to safeguard humanitarian workers in the region. Following the incident, World Central Kitchen has temporarily halted its operations in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the strikes inadvertently harmed civilians and committed to a prompt investigation into the airstrikes targeting the vehicles of aid workers.
Trump, Biden win primaries but voters express concern
In the latest round of primaries, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who have secured their party’s nominations, continued to gather delegates. Despite the expected victories in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, both encountered considerable dissent within their ranks.
Among Democrats, a significant segment of voters opted for “Uncommitted,” with protest votes hitting as high as 15 percent in Rhode Island.
On the Republican front, Nikki Haley, who withdrew from the race last month, still received support, securing at least 10 percent of the vote in all four states.
Results of Disney boardroom vote to be announced
The outcome of a prolonged and intense boardroom dispute concerning Disney’s future direction will be disclosed today during its annual shareholder meeting, marking the culmination of months of internal conflict.
In a significant moment of contention within the boardroom, stakeholders have been divided over maintaining the company’s current strategic path. Nelson Peltz has been vocal in his criticism, asserting that Disney has diverged from its core values, leading to a significant depreciation in its market value.
Peltz’s primary complaints center around what he perceives as mismanagement and strategic errors by the current leadership, as he seeks to convince shareholders of the need for a new direction.
According to Reuters’ latest report this morning, Disney is anticipated to have garnered sufficient support from its shareholders to maintain its course, with official confirmation expected later today.
Estate of George Carlin settles with podcast over AI-generated special
The estate of the late comedian George Carlin has settled a lawsuit with the “Dudesy” podcast, which had allegedly used an AI-generated version of Carlin to comment on current events in an audio special earlier this year.
Filed in January, the lawsuit accused the podcast of infringing on the copyrights and publicity rights associated with Carlin’s name, image, and likeness. Carlin, who passed away in 2008, remains a significant figure in comedy.
Following the lawsuit, the podcast’s creators removed the special from their YouTube channel and, as part of the settlement, agreed not to re-upload the video or use Carlin’s image on any platform.
Carlin’s daughter expressed her satisfaction with the swift resolution of the case and emphasized its importance as a cautionary tale regarding the use of AI and the necessity for proper safeguards.
Tropicana Las Vegas closes its doors after 67 years
Throughout its history, the Tropicana has played host to numerous legendary figures, including the Rat Pack, and was the backdrop for the debuts of magicians Siegfried and Roy. It was also featured in the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever,” starring Sean Connery.
The Tropicana expressed its gratitude to its employees, guests, and the city of Las Vegas for “67 years of unforgettable memories and unwavering support” in a farewell post on its official Instagram account.
Here’s why Japan putting missiles on Okinawa matters to China
It just got a little bit harder for China to try and take Taiwan or impose its will in the western Pacific. That’s because Japanjust moved a battery of its new Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles to Okinawa.
Ryukyu Shimpo, a media outlet in Japan, reported the country’s Self Defense Force, the official name of the Japanese military, moved the components for the Type 12 missile unit to the island in mid-March. It’s the first time there’s been an anti-ship missile unit on Okinawa, and the Type 12 is certainly a great weapon system to mark the occasion.
Japan test fired the new missile off Australia’s east coast last year during Talisman Sabre. The upgraded surface-to-ship missile is longer, features a modified shape and boasts increased engine endurance. The Type 12 also got an upgrade to its command link. So, it can get target updates while in flight. That’s handy against ships, which don’t exactly sit still waiting to be sunk.
One of the greatest upgrades on the Type 12 is its new range. Initially Type 12s were only effective to about 100 kilometers. Now, they’re good to about 1,000 kilometers, and that’s why putting them on Okinawa means so much, because it’s a critical chokepoint in what’s known as the first island chain.
So, let’s go ahead and break down that first island chain (FIC) and talk about why it’s so important. It starts up in the northern part of the Japanese archipelago, and then it extends southward to include Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Okinawa is right about the middle of the FIC. How far, you might ask yourself, is Okinawa from mainland China? That’s a distance of 723 kilometers. For those who were paying attention earlier, you might remember that the Type 12 missile has a range now of 1,000 kilometers.
So, from Okinawa, the Japanese Self Defense Force could, in theory, hit targets within mainland China. Now, these are anti-ship missiles. So, it is unknown if they have the technology necessarily to target land-based objects. But it should help deter the People’s Liberation Army Navy from trying to attack past the first island chain.
Also, this is a good time to tell you, readers, about the two F-35s that just landed in Brunei. The two jets are assigned to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska but operated from Brunei’s Rimba air base during a visit from a Pentagon official. The occasion is further proof of the U.S. strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region (INDOPACOM).
So, in addition to the Japanese Type 12s in Okinawa (and probably elsewhere), we have the U.S. Air Force landing F-35s in Brunei, the Air Force and Marines in the Philippines, and we also know that the Marine Corps and the Air Force are going to be populating many of these small little remote islands, littoral locations, with forces. “ACE” is the name of the initiative in the Air Force, or Agile Combat Employment. The Marines used to call it Force Design 2030. Now, they’ve kind of gotten rid of the “2030” part. But all of that is in addition to the 30,000 troops the U.S. already has stationed in Okinawa.
So, what the U.S. has done with the partnerships that it’s created with its allies, is essentially create a steel maritime curtain across this entire region of the first island chain. And they do that to keep the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) locked in within that first island chain.
The PLAN has the world’s largest navy, but that is only by hull number, not necessarily by mass. And the vast majority of the vessels in the PLAN are not blue water ships. The Chinese navy is not a blue water navy. What does that mean? They can’t sail in the wide-open ocean like the U.S. fleet can.
The world’s foremost fleet in maritime open ocean navigation is, by far, the United States Navy, and the PLAN just doesn’t have the capacity to compete with the U.S. Navy in the open ocean. Which is why so much focus is put on keeping the PLAN locked into that first island chain, to deter it from wanting to become a blue water fleet, and prevent the PLAN from being aggressive on the open ocean, where more maritime assets might be put at risk.
“At the summit, the leaders will advance a trilateral partnership built on deep historical ties of friendship, robust and growing economic relations, a proud and resolute commitment to shared democratic values, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Jean-Pierre said. “The leaders will also reaffirm the ironclad alliances between the United States and the Philippines, and the United States and Japan.”
President Biden is also set to meet with President Marcos at the White House on April 11 to assess the significant progress in U.S.-Philippines relations. They will explore ways to enhance collaboration in economic security, clean energy, cultural exchanges, and support for human rights and democratic values. Biden will also reiterate the unwavering alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, emphasizing America’s dedication to international law and a free, open Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as North Korean state media reported the country conducted a live-fire drill involving nuclear-capable rockets, targeting South Korea. This comes a day after South Korea and Japan reported North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern coast, days after the U.S. and South Korea completed combined training exercises.
Photos released by North Korea’s state media depict the simultaneous launch of at least six rockets from vehicles, with flames and smoke engulfing what seems to be a small island target.
“(Kim) said that it is necessary to further impress upon the enemies that if an armed conflict and a war break out, they can never avoid disastrous consequences,” the spokesperson said.
He called for his army to “more thoroughly fulfill their missions to block and suppress the possibility of war with the constant perfect preparedness to collapse the capital of the enemy and the structure of its military forces.”
Chinese fleet surrounds Philippine vessels in South China Sea
In the South China Sea, a fleet of Chinese vessels surrounded a Philippine Coast Guard ship Tuesday morning, March 5. CNN and The Wall Street Journal reporters were aboard a Philippine ship, marking the first instance of foreign journalists joining the mission. The reporters observed a Chinese boat firing a water cannon at the Philippine vessel, shattering one of its windows.
Four Filipino coast guardsmen sustained injuries in the attack.
The Philippine vessel was on a resupply mission and en route to troops in Second Thomas Shoal. The vessel was accompanied by three others. The Chinese effectively isolated the ships, permitting only one Philippine boat to complete its cargo delivery.
The Philippines also accused a Chinese Coast Guard ship of brushing against two of its vessels.
Second Thomas Shoal bears strategic significance for the Philippines in asserting its claims in the South China Sea amid struggles in the region.
The U.S. condemned China’s actions and supported the Philippines, while China claimed self-defense and accused the Philippines of intruding into its waters.
A spokesperson for the Philippines Coast Guard informed The Wall Street Journal that the mere passage of a single boat beyond the Chinese fleet rendered it a “very successful mission.”
