Are Japan-Philippines talks a maritime red line for Chinaโs blue-water ambitions?
Beijingโs strong opposition to maritime boundary talks between Manila and Tokyo reflects growing wariness over a shifting balance of power in the western Pacific. And, experts warn, these talks โ part of a highly calculated geopolitical effort by US allies โ could reinforce the so-called first island chain and restrict Beijingโs naval access in an area vital to any potential conflict over Taiwan: its clear red line. Tensions have sharpened since Japan and the Philippines announced last week that...