Philippines: China Aggressions Surge, Yet Embassy Cries ‘Anti-China Smearing’
n recent days, Manila has reported a surge of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels near contested features in the South China Sea, alleged espionage cases by Chinese military-linked individuals, and even signal interference of Philippine patrol boats. Diplomatic tensions have also hit their lowest point in decades, with Beijing accusing Philippine officials of spreading “false narratives.” In response to these gray-zone tactics and propaganda, the Philippines have accelerated their defense cooperation with the United States, including expanded missile deployments and joint exercises along the First Island Chain. Will this be enough to deter China’s rising aggression? In this episode, we examine Beijing’s pressure campaign, the Philippines’ strategic response, and what these latest developments mean for the security of the Taiwan Strait and wider Indo-Pacific region. *Recorded on February 25, 2026 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Our guests: Sherwin Ona - De La Salle University Political Science and Development Studies Associate Professor and College of Computer Studies Former Associate Dean Grant Wyeth - The Diplomat Columnist Tsai Jung-hsiang - National Chung Cheng University Political Science Professor
