Crisis at Second Thomas Shoal: Implications for US-China-Philippines Relations

About the Event

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated sharply following a series of aggressive actions by China towards the Philippines. On May 19, Chinese Coast Guard vessels forcibly intercepted a
resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Filipino ship grounded at Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese forces attempted to take control of Philippine vessels and injured a number of Philippine
armed forces personnel. These actions are part of a broader strategy by China to prevent the Philippines from fortifying its position at Second Thomas Shoal and thereby assert greater control over disputed areas in the South China Sea, even those within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

This online event will explore the strategic significance of these incidents and their implications for the United States. Michael Beckley, Director of FPRI's Asia Program, will interview Zack Cooper from the American Enterprise Institute and Ketian Zhang, a professor at George Mason University, to provide expert analysis on these developments and their broader impact on US-China relations and the security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

Join us on July 8 at 3 PM for an insightful virtual event. This event will focus on China's recent aggressive actions towards the Philippines in the South China Sea, including the assault on Filipino resupply boats near Second Thomas Shoal. The discussion will delve into the broader implications for security competition in the South China Sea.

Speakers