Colby Avoids China, Scarborough Shoal in Manila Speech as Xi-Trump Summit Looms Next Month
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 11
Colby Avoids China, Scarborough Shoal in Manila Speech as Xi-Trump Summit Looms Next Month
2 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 11
Summary
Elbridge Colby used a Manila think-tank speech to sidestep any mention of China or Scarborough Shoal, despite the dispute’s centrality to Philippine security concerns.
Instead, Colby told regional allies the United States was “definitely not disengaging from Asia” and was “digging in” to preserve a favorable balance of power.
Analysts linked the restraint to Washington’s effort to avoid provoking Beijing before an expected Xi-Trump summit next month.
The omission stood out because Washington had just two days earlier condemned Beijing over a “destabilising” nature reserve at the reef and restrictions on Filipino fishermen.