Yesterday’s headline that China has deployed missiles on three Philippine reefs is deeply concerning but not the least bit surprising. If one has dealt with China, of certainty is the stark inconsistency between what is being declared and what is actually happening on the ground. Regardless of Beijing’s commitment not to militarize, China’s methodical upgrading of military aspects on the reclaimed features will surely and progressively continue. In other words, the salami slicing proceeds as planned.

del Rosario, A. (2018, May 6). On China’s deployment of missiles on Philippine reefs. The Philippine Star, p. 12.