In the latest clash in the South China Sea, China’s coast guard brandished axes and a Filipino sailor lost his thumb in an escalation that underscored Beijing’s willingness to see how far it can push Manila – and its allies in Washington.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines called China’s June 17 actions – which included throwing stones and using knives to pierce an inflatable vessel trying to resupply its forces – a “brazen attack” and said the Chinese sailors behaved like pirates. The US State Department called China’s actions “reckless” and threatened regional peace and stability.
But that was as far as the public response was concerned: neither the Philippines nor Washington are trying to worsen a crisis that has been building for years.
