China employs "gray zone tactics" at Second Thomas Shoal reef, avoiding U.S. intervention and escalating conflict with the Philippines.
China is using "gray zone tactics" at the contested Second Thomas Shoal reef in the South China Sea, according to Lowy Institute's Rahman Yaacob, possibly to avoid U.S. intervention. Despite recent escalations, China has avoided triggering a wider conflict with the Philippines. A wider confrontation may require China to use kinetic weapons, which could activate the U.S.-Philippines defense pact.
June 24, 2024
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