Taiwan tensionsBeijing has denounced moves by Manila and Tokyo to bolster bilateral tiesA Philippine Marine Corps vessel and a China Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea on May 3. © Getty Images via KyodoYUKIO TAJIMAJuly 11, 2026 01:42 JSTBEIJING -- China has been flexing its military might in the South China Sea toward the Philippines and Japan, two countries it appears to believe are potential roadblocks to achieving reunification with Taiwan.