China Is Testing President Biden—and Biden Is Failing

China is testing the United States.

The ramming of Philippine resupply and coast guard vessels last week is the latest in a string of incidents dating back to the beginning of this year. Chinese maritime forces have also raised tensions with Vietnam and Malaysia, but Xi Jinping has been focused like a laser beam — literally — on disputes with Manila in 2023.

Chinese ships have directed a military-grade laser at a Philippines Coast Guard vessel, blasted Philippine charter boats with water cannons, and erected physical barriers at Scarborough Shoal, a traditional Philippine fishing ground legally recognized by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Targeting Manila may seem an odd choice. After all, the Philippines is the only South China Sea claimant that is formally allied to the United States. But that may be precisely the point.

 
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