U.S. Plans Show of Force in South China Sea Amid Trump-Xi Meeting
Order from Indo-Pacific Command
With the highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to take place in South Korea, the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command has issued a directive for a “show of force” in response to China’s recent aggression in the South China Sea. Reports indicate that this execute order was delivered earlier this week, aiming to carry out a precision strike demonstration targeting China’s escalating hostilities in disputed waters.
While the timing of this operation remains uncertain and subject to last-minute cancellations, sources within the military confirmed that preparations for the operation are underway, though it’s considered unlikely to be executed.
Defense of Philippine Sovereignty
The operation is primarily intended to convey Washington’s commitment to counter Beijing’s expanding influence in the region, particularly in defense of what U.S. officials categorize as Philippine sovereignty and traditional fishing rights. The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which has a demonstrated precision for targeting fixed locations, is among the assets that may be utilized in this demonstration. HIMARS, made by Lockheed Martin, has seen significant deployment in conflicts such as the Iraq War and is currently being leveraged in Ukraine.
Background on Scarborough Shoal Dispute
The Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc, is strategically located within Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zstart but has been under Chinese control since a standoff between the two nations in 2012. China’s persistent presence in the area has led to numerous instances of harassment against Philippine fishing vessels by Chinese coast guards and navy ships.
Recent satellite imagery has shown a floating barrier allegedly installed by China at the Scarborough Shoal. The United States believes that prompt action is necessary to prevent China from asserting a more permanent barrier in the region, particularly ahead of ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations.
Escalation of Hostilities
The situation has become increasingly tense, with notable incidents such as a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Chinese Navy vessel while pursuing a Philippine vessel in August. Furthermore, Beijing’s recent announcement to create a “nature reserve” in the area has drawn condemnation from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the move as a coercive attempt to enforce territorial claims at the expense of Philippine sovereignty.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has echoed these sentiments, criticizing the establishment of a so-called “nature reserve” as a violation of both Philippine sovereignty and the traditional fishing rights of its citizens. He further emphasized that these actions conflict with international law, specifically referencing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims.
As tensions continue to mount in the South China Sea, the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi may play a critical role in shaping future U.S.-China relations and regional stability.