US & China: When Titans Clash

On 17th June 2024, Filipino and China Coast Guards clashed at sea. Armed with knives and axes, this is the worst clash in recent memory. With tensions running high, many question if the USA will step in, and whether Manila will invoke the mutual defense treaty it has with the US. As confrontations with China increase in frequency, the Philippines has deepened its partnership with Australia, and also Japan. On 8th July 2024, Japan and the Philippines signed the reciprocal access agreement, which is a landmark defence deal that allows both nations to hold joint military drills in each other’s territories. Why have there been so many clashes between Philippines and China in the South China Sea in the last 2 years? How are countries like the US, Japan and Australia related to the South China Sea conflict?