US Forces Prepare for South China Sea Tensions

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo announced that American forces are prepared with a variety of strategies to address increasing aggression in the South China Sea, contingent upon consultations with the Philippines. He described China's 'gray-zone tactics', which include actions that do not qualify as armed attacks, thereby complicating the invocation of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. Paparo emphasized that details of the U.S. military's contingency options remain classified to prevent adversaries from developing countermeasures. During a joint press conference with Philippine Armed Forces chief Gen. Romero Brawner Jr., Paparo indicated the U.S. might assist in escorting Philippine vessels in the region, a move that could escalate tensions with China. Brawner acknowledged the Philippines' ability to manage the situation independently but noted the potential for seeking U.S. support if threats escalate. The discussions followed the recent Balikatan exercises, underscoring the ongoing military collaboration between the two nations.