The Philippines’ defense secretary has warned that increasing tensions in the South China Sea between the United States and China could easily spill over into hostilities.
Delfin Lorenzana told a forum in Manila on Wednesday that the rivalry between Beijing and Washington was the overriding security concern of the region and his country would bear the brunt of any escalation.
“If ever a shooting war happens, Philippines—which is right smack in the middle of the conflict—will be involved whether she likes it or not,” he told the Stratbase ADR Institute, according to The Inquirer.
“This is the crux of the security challenge in the Indo-Pacific region, the looming confrontation of the U.S. and its allies and China for the South China Sea,” he said.
www.newsweek.com/risk-us-china-shooting-war-growing-philippine-defense-secretary-warns-1550060