Pacific coalition tightens as China pressures the Philippines and Taiwan

Our allies in the Pacific are working with us in preparation for war as China expands its aggression toward other nations.

Adm. John Aquilino, U.S. Navy commander and head of the Indo-Pacific forces, informed a House committee that if any direct action by China resulted in the death of a Filipino service member, then the Philippines could invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, thereby bringing us into war with China.

“That would put our policy decision-makers in a place that would require really tough choices,” Aquilino said.

This observation was brought up at the meeting because Chinese coastal guards have grown accustomed to harassing Filipino ships with high-powered water cannons. The most recent assaults have been on ships attempting to resupply forces at Ayungin Shoal. So far, this has resulted in the injuries of seven Filipino navy personnel. 

Beijing has increased its aggression against the Philippines due to the threat the latter poses. Manila has been working with Vietnam to strengthen its maritime defenses. This could sever China’s vital connection to the global trade route passing through the Malacca Strait. To justify an attack, Beijing has already begun claiming that Ayungin Shoal is a Chinese territory.

In response, the United States has been working to strengthen coordination between American and Filipino forces. Japan, the other powerhouse and strongest American ally in the region, plans to join both later this month in their first trilateral joint training exercise together in the South China Sea.

China has not slowed down its aggression toward Taiwan, either. It knows that the island nation is necessary for American defense. Taiwan’s geographic location is the bridge between East and Southeast Asia, and conquering it divides the coalition in two and gives Beijing a direct path to American island territories in the Pacific. Its mountainous terrain means it would be incredibly difficult to push Chinese forces out if they succeeded in taking it.

In preparation for an invasion that Beijing assures the world is inevitable, the coalition has been improving Taiwanese capabilities. American special forces trainers have been sent to teach Taiwanese front-line troops. Japan plans to construct bomb shelters on islands between Taiwan and itself for their mutual protection.

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America should continue to stand strong as a rallying point for its Pacific friends, who are already trying to work together to check the rising power and aggression of China.

China needs to learn that it is not allowed to mess with American allies, or it will cost them dearly.

Parker Miller is a 2024 Washington Examiner Winter Fellow.