Shadow play in the West Philippine Sea
The shadow play at the West Philippine Sea raises the temperature and increases the risks of confrontation.
What we know so far: Chinese-linked network amplifies anti-PH sentiment while pushing content related to Sara Duterte
Pro-China X (formerly Twitter) accounts are running a coordinated campaign against President Marcos Jr. and the Philippines’ West PH Sea efforts while amplifying content favoring VP Sara Duterte.
China’s freedom of navigation operations patrols
China is attempting to create a buffer zone in the South China Sea, militarizing artificial islands to keep away the US and its allies from patrolling the strategic waterway where about $3 trillion worth of annual trade passes.
FACT-CHECK: No reports of Marcos Jr. buying ship from US
A Facebook user falsely claimed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had purchased a ship from the United States worth $2.9 billion.
FACT-CHECK: A certain US Navy aircraft carrier did not operate in the West PH Sea
A Facebook user falsely claimed that a US Navy aircraft had returned home because the dispute between the Philippines and China was over.