In a high-stakes game of geopolitical brinkmanship, China’s choice to wield axes, knives, and engage in “jostling” rather than conventional, high-tech weaponry in its territorial disputes is both a deliberate and dangerous tactic. This week, the South China Sea became the latest theater for this peculiar strategy, with Chinese Coast Guard members reportedly using pickaxes and knives against Philippine naval forces. The choice of these rudimentary tools over firearms is revealing—and alarming.

Biraogo, L. (2024, June 25). China’s dangerous tactic in territorial disputes. Manila Standard, p. A5.