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How Beijing could use its military and trade to hit back at Tokyo-Manila ties
Chinese experts warn the pair could pose a threat in a conflict over Taiwan, urge tough economic and military measures
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Alcott Weiin BeijingandAmber Wangin BeijingPublished: 9:00am, 4 Jun 2026
Beijing could conduct military operations, bolster its electronic warfare strength and roll out trade sanctions in response to Tokyo and Manila’s deepening defence cooperation, according to Chinese experts.
Last week, Manila and Tokyo announced they would launch negotiations on the maritime boundary of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves around Taiwan, a move that Beijing called “completely illegal and invalid”.
In a report on Wednesday, the Beijing Lande Information Technology think tank said Japan and the Philippines had forged a “quasi-military alliance” and could block the Chinese navy from entering and exiting the western Pacific.
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As part of that shift, Japan was moving towards a “planner” role in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, it said.
“With the US’ global strategic focus constrained, Japan … has chosen to strengthen its irreplaceable role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture by actively aligning itself with the Philippines.”
AdvertisementTokyo and Manila have also agreed to begin negotiations on an intelligence-sharing agreement and to advance the transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed00:0000:001.00x