This week in the South China Sea, the Philippines is weighing new deterrence strategies against China’s gray-zone tactics, while opinion leaders push for win-win regional solutions that avoid escalation. Joint military exercises with Australia and Canada underscore growing security cooperation, even as Manila faces renewed tensions at Second Thomas Shoal where its supply missions remain under pressure. The overlapping themes of defense, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships highlight the Philippines’ delicate balance: asserting sovereignty, strengthening alliances, and engaging in multilateral dialogue. Together, these developments reveal a region navigating between confrontation and collaboration, with Manila at the center of the storm.

Balancing China: Does the Philippines Need a Gray-Zone Deterrence Strategy?

Analysts argue that Manila must craft strategies to counter China’s non-military coercion in the West Philippine Sea, including maritime militia swarms and lawfare.
👉 Eurasia Review

Win-Win Solution for the South China Sea

A commentary suggests regional cooperation and joint development may ease tensions, but skeptics warn that sovereignty issues cannot be papered over by vague agreements.
👉 Manila Times

Australia, Canada, Philippines Hold Trilateral Drills

Armed forces from Australia, Canada, and the Philippines conducted coordinated exercises in the South China Sea, a clear message of support for freedom of navigation.
👉 Indo-Pacific Defense Forum

Renewed Tensions at Second Thomas Shoal

The Philippines continues resupply missions to its marines stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre despite China’s harassment in contested waters.
👉 AP News