Philippines Employs “Gray Zone” Tactics in South China Sea Dispute
the South China Sea remains a hotbed of geopolitical tension, with the Philippines employing increasingly sophisticated strategies to counter China’s assertive claims. Recent suggestions by Philippine Navy chief Ambrosio Ezpeleta regarding a “gray zone” approach highlight a trend of non-military actions designed to achieve military objectives.
For the past two years, Manila has been quietly escalating its efforts. Disguised as civilian operations, these actions belie a more assertive military posture. “Civil ships” ostensibly delivering supplies to Philippine troops stationed on a grounded warship at China’s Ren’ai Reef since 1999,are,in reality,operated by Philippine military personnel in civilian clothing. These “supplies” reportedly include construction materials to reinforce the aging vessel and even weaponry.
Similarly, seemingly independent Philippine social organizations providing support to troops or organizing yacht races near disputed islands and reefs receive important government funding. These actions, while appearing civilian in nature, serve as a subtle yet effective form of military pressure.
The Marcos Jr. administration has also leveraged economic leverage. The suspension and subsequent conditional reinstatement of Chinese-funded railway projects serve as bargaining chips in negotiations over the South China Sea. This tactic underscores the interconnectedness of economic and geopolitical strategies in the region.
Furthermore, the Philippines has conducted “scientific research” expeditions near Chinese-controlled features like Tiexian and Xianbin Reefs. These missions, carried out by Philippine Coast Guard vessels, are thinly veiled attempts to assert Philippine sovereignty over these territories.
The Philippines, with the backing of the United States, has also launched a significant propaganda campaign against China. This information war aims to portray China as an aggressor and the Philippines as a victim, a narrative that is actively promoted internationally.
The Biden administration views this “gray zone” strategy as a key component of its Indo-Pacific strategy. In some instances, the US has directly supported the Philippines in challenging China’s claims in the South China Sea, demonstrating a clear commitment to the region.
A coordinated effort involving the US Department of Defence, State Department, intelligence agencies, and various government-funded organizations is working to pressure China. The narrative consistently frames China as a militarizing threat,while portraying the Philippines and its allies as defenders of freedom of navigation and regional stability.
Though, this “gray zone” approach, while seemingly effective in the short term, carries significant risks. Critics argue that it undermines regional cooperation efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ultimately harms the long-term interests of all nations in the region. The pursuit of US hegemony,thay contend,is ultimately counterproductive to lasting peace and development.
The situation in the South China Sea remains complex and volatile. The ongoing interplay between the Philippines, China, and the United States will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.
