The deputy director of the National Defence in the University Institute for Strategic Studies, Mang Xiangqung wrote, "The Philippines is taking the opportunity to hold tightly onto the US' thighs and to bring the US into the South China Sea dispute, so as to enhance its strength and challenge China further on the South China Sea issue."

Like Us on Facebook

The territorial claims have long been a threat to diplomatic relations as Japan and China claims rights to the group of islands located in the East China Sea. The islands are named Senkaku in Japan, and Diaoyu in China.

The tension risen as the Philippines planned to relocate its military force to Subic Bay to protect the West Philippine Sea, or also called as the South China Sea.

Japan Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe calls or high-level bilateral talks to resolve the issue. As per the Global Times report, "The Abe administration has shown no change toward China in terms of its political mentality. Abe's desire to meet Chinese leaders is nothing but a show aimed at serving his own interests and Japan's politics."

This dispute has a long been threat to diplomatic agreement, and Japan has been transparent in making moves to resolve the issue.

Recently, Abe has pledged increased maritime cooperation with the Philippines despite petition of China. Abe stated in a joint news conference that "For Japan, the Philippines is a strategic partner with whom we share fundamental values and many strategic interests. "I intend to attach particular importance to our relationship with ASEAN."

"Against this backdrop I intend to further proceed with strategic diplomacy which will contribute to regional and global peace and security," he said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has overlapping territorial rights in South China Sea. The countries involved are Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines and Vietnam. Included in the dispute is Japan and China.

Tagschina philippines dispute, china militay base, china vs philippines, philippines usa military base