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The Sierra Madre stand-off: What can the Philippines do against China?
A shipwreck turned military outpost is focusing attention on the challenges South-east Asian states face in their disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea
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The stand-off over the Sierra Madre is being watched closely – not least by other Asean states embroiled in similar disputes with China.
PHOTO: AFP
Evan A. Laksmana
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China’s water-cannon assault of a Philippine supply ship en route to the BRP Sierra Madre ship grounded
These coercive acts – designed to advance Chinese strategic interests without provoking an all-out war – have allowed China to gain control of various maritime features in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines and other South-east Asian countries.
