China, Philippines agree to ease tensions
- China and the Philippines said they have agreed to work on lowering tensions after a year of public and tense confrontations in the South China Sea between their ships that have raised concerns of armed engagement in the region.
Key Highlights
- Ren’Ai reef is the Chinese name for what the Philippines call Ayungin Shoal and the U.S. calls the Second Thomas Shoal
- The site of multiple confrontations between the two countries’ ships in recent months.
- In November, Manila said that a Chinese coast guard ship and accompanying vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers
- Blasted a Philippine supply ship with a water cannon in disputed waters. China disputed the account, saying it acted appropriately.
- China and the Philippines said they agreed to limit tensions at a meeting on the South China Sea in Shanghai, the eighth in a series that began in 2017.
- The territorial disputes in the South China Sea are widely seen as a potential flashpoint for armed conflict.
- Multiple countries have claimed waters in the South China Sea, including Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
- Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China, chose a candidate from a party that considers Taiwan independent.
Prelims Takeaway
- South China Sea
- Ren’Ai reef