NSA Año: South China Sea tensions to persist due to China's assertiveness

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated that tensions in the South China Sea are unlikely to decrease soon due to China's increasing assertiveness.

Año highlighted that China's excessive territorial claims, militarization, and confrontational actions are the main drivers of escalating tensions in the region.

The situation is further complicated by evolving flashpoints and shifting global security dynamics.

Data from the Sealight Project indicates a significant increase in Chinese vessels, with the number of China Coast Guard and maritime militia ships around Scarborough Shoal rising from 57 to 78 over the past two years.

China has doubled its paramilitary force at Scarborough Shoal since seizing it in 2012.