Scarborough: China Will 'Landfill' Shoal — US Military Expert
The Philippines and Taiwan are facing a surge in Chinese pressure across multiple flashpoints, as Beijing defends what it describes as “scientific research” activities at Scarborough Shoal (Minzhu Reef) and conducts operations near Pratas (Dongsha) Island. It comes as Beijing has sanctioned Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro for calling out China’s “deception” and growing maritime aggression. Meanwhile, Taiwan has launched major live-fire exercises featuring HIMARS, drones and long-range rocket systems designed to counter a potential amphibious assault along its west coast. Are China’s latest activities in the South China Sea isolated incidents or part of a broader campaign to reshape the region’s status quo? In this episode, we examine China’s expanding gray-zone activities, the strategic importance of these islands and how Taiwan and the Philippines are responding. *Recorded on June 12, 2026 at 1:20pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Consultant: Max Yu Our guests: Lai I-chung - Prospect Foundation President Tony Hu - Former US Department of Defense Senior Director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia
