China and Russia causing tensions in Asia-Pacific

From a distance, I'm looking at global and regional issues insofar as they impact Philippine foreign relations in particular, and the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific rim in general. Recent events are alarming as China continues to show aggressive initiatives in asserting its apparent policy at hegemony in the region. The blossoming strategic partnership between China and Russia is exacerbating the tensions and is pushing Asian countries to arm themselves in preparation of possible aggression by both Beijing and Moscow.

It is common knowledge that both China and Russia are one in counting the USA and NATO as the strongest obstacles to Beijing's objective to control the South China Sea all the way up to the north seas bordering Taiwan. A few days ago, Japan protested against the increasing military presence of China in the East China Sea. Multiple warships deployed by Beijing have stayed around many islands west of Japan and east of mainland China. These islands are being disputed by the two countries. Japan is complaining that China has installed a gas drilling equipment way beyond the geographical equidistance between the two countries. Chinese coast guard ships have encroached into Japan's maritime territories, and thus causing more tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Well, the same tactics used in the West Philippine Sea.

On the other hand, the Taiwan's defense minister has declared that the current military aggressiveness of Beijing has made its relations with Taipei the worst in the last 40 years. For almost one week, multiple China's military jets have encroached on Taiwan's air space. A number of Taiwan's western allies have expressed concern and even apprehensions that Beijing's unilateral disturbance of the region's balance of powers may trigger a serious armed conflict that may cause a global crisis. In direct response, US President Joe Biden approved a total of $1.8 billion weapon sale to Taiwan. The western bloc does not believe that the One China Policy includes a forcible annexation of Taiwan. America sent a senator who made a daring anti-China official warning against Beijing. The US has always been helping Taiwan and South Korea against the Chinese and Russian ambitions in the region.

The aberrations of North Korea's nuclearization, Washington DC knows, are openly encouraged by China and might be secretly funded by Russia. Global analysts are saying that the ongoing war in Ukraine is bringing closer together Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang. On May 26 this year, Russia and China entered into a historic joint move to veto a draft Security Council resolution seeking to impose tighter UN sanctions against North Korea. The two superpowers are both permanent members of the Security Council and are now globally identified as godfathers of North Korea. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have openly shown their coddling of the prodigal Kim Jong Un. Birds of the same feather.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines had been reported to be buying multi-million dollar war equipment from India to prepare for possible aggression by China. New Delhi is being positioned by its leaders to be a new source of war armaments as an alternative to Beijing and Moscow, and even the USA.  There is an increasing military build-up in Southeast Asia and many are even acquiring war wares from Russia and China. All these are causing tempests in the region. And to add fuel to the heating up of tensions is a coming mega military exercise to be led by the USA and to be done in the Asia-Pacific seas. This large scale military exercise will be participated in by the Philippines and other powers as a massive show of force that should send forewarnings to Putin, Xi and Kim Jong Un.

Rimpac or the Rim of the Pacific Exercise is a regular military warfare exercise undertaken every even numbered year in the month of June and July, except in 2020 when it was undertaken in August due to the pandemic. This year, it will be the biggest show of force, to be joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Peru. Mexico, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Chile and even far away countries like France and Germany. I know that Beijing and Moscow as well as their crony state, Pyongyang are watching from afar.

Thus Russia, China and North Korea are forewarned that if they touch the Philippines, these are 30 allied forces that shall face them to be led by America. They better not disturb the balance of power in Asia-Pacific or all hell shall break loose. Here in Canada, I am keeping my fingers crossed, as I prepare to fly to Europe. The world is entering some turbulent days. Asa-Pacific is on the verge of a tempestuous time even as we brace ourselves for an impending food crisis. Let's all pray for peace and security.