Looming Conflict on the South China Sea?
The South China Sea’s waters are a vital trade route, a rich fishing ground – and home to major oil and gas reserves. But it’s also a battle ground between China and the Philippines – both countries, along with several Southeast Asian nations have competing claims over the waterway. And confrontations – often violent ones – are ramping up between Chinese and Filipino vessels. Each side blames the other for provoking tensions. So, could the South China Sea be the next flashpoint for armed conflict? And will the United States get dragged in? In this episode of Correspondents, host Louise Watt is in Manila with Tristan Nodalo, head of reporters at NewsWatch Plus Philippines, and Manny Mogato, defense editor at OneNews, a Philippine news channel. Also on the program: China and the Philippines accuse each other of sending spies to their country. And why are the Philippines armed forces preparing for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
