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

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.

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.

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.”