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Few people had foreseen a Chinese athlete could finish in the top three in an Ironman Triathlon European Championship. However, 36-year-old Miao Hao has proved it is possible.

The final moments of the race on June 2 in Hamburg, Germany saw Miao collapse from sheer exhaustion before crawling across the finish line. Despite the grueling conclusion, Miao's achievement was nothing short of spectacular.

With a time of 7 hours, 58 minutes and 4 seconds, he not only claimed third place overall but also became the first Asian to break the eight-hour barrier in an Ironman Triathlon race, improving his personal best by a remarkable 20 minutes.

Reflecting on his experience, Miao spoke modestly about his achievement.

"At the 16-kilometer mark of the marathon, I reached my physical limit as my vision blurred, my face and hands went numb, and I couldn't focus on running or the race anymore," Miao told the Global Times.

It was the words of his coach, reminding him that it was possible to break the 8-hour mark that pushed him forward under such conditions.

"I have tried countless times… I do not want to waste an opportunity when it emerges," Miao said.

Enduring 'Ironman'

The Ironman Triathlon, often referred to as the ultimate test of human endurance, consists of a 3.8-kilometer swim in open water, a 180-kilometer bike ride and a full marathon of 42.195 kilometers.

It is a grueling event that pushes athletes to their physical and mental limits as it is far beyond the requirements of an Olympic triathlon distance which consists of 1.5 kilometers' swim, 40 kilometers' cycling and 10 kilometers' running.

A year earlier, Miao had set his personal best and Chinese Ironman record at the same course, finishing in 8 hours, 19 minutes and 12 seconds. This familiarity with the course and a newfound confidence were crucial advantages.

But believing that the familiarity with the race course is the main reason for his achievement ignores his meticulous preparations for the achievement.

Although Miao excelled in swimming thanks to his past experience as a swimming athlete before taking on triathlon, his cycling ability lagged behind his European counterparts', and his lower body strength needed improvement.

"My swimming experience helps me save the stamina for the rest of the race as swimming remains the minor part of the 226 kilometers race," Miao said.

"Though I think my cycling is among the top level domestically, other international triathletes are far better than us!"

To address these weaknesses, Miao dedicated his winter training to enhancing his cycling endurance, extending his sessions from two to four hours while adjusting his mechanics for a better performance.

Miao's determination stemmed from the Ironman World Championship in Nice, France, where a result was far from satisfying. He said he just does not want to have the same feeling again.

"I used to dodge issues when they emerged, which often created extra mental pressure for me," Miao said of his mind-set change. "Instead of internalizing negative emotions, I channel my energy into training and improvement."

Dang Qi, a Chinese triathlon pioneer, said there are around 20 athletes worldwide who could finish an Ironman Triathlon in under 8 hours, thus Miao's breakthrough is phenomenal.

"Finishing an Ironman race is already a big challenge," Dang said. "Miao's achievement is quite an inspiring story for Chinese triathlon."
Balancing training and life

Miao's story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of balancing personal and family life.

He once tried to work in an office but the stint, as he calls it, was not what he genuinely liked. Thus, he decided to pursue a career as a professional triathlete in 2019.

"I felt I hadn't reached my limit," he explained.

Transitioning from a regular triathlete to a much-enduring professional triathlete is no easy feat.

It requires Miao to independently manage his training schedules diet, and the delicate balance between family time and training.

"There is no precedent standard, no reference in China. It was quite difficult in the beginning," he admitted.

Juggling the demands of training with family responsibilities, especially with a new born kid at the time, added to the complexity.

"Being a professional triathlete forces me to balance work and life as I have to allocate time to manage different things," he said.

Reading training-related books during his rest time helps Miao better understand his body and improve his performance as he emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body and ensuring proper recovery.

Inspiring future generations

Miao's passion for Ironman extends beyond personal achievement, as he is committed to promoting and spreading the sport in China.

His transition from an amateur athlete to a professional triathlete has been inspiring, and he said he hopes to inspire others to embrace the sport.

"The sport is gaining recognition, and its development in China is promising," he said.

Miao hopes to continue competing and improving, aiming for better results at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. "Seven hours and 58 minutes is just the beginning. I believe it will get better," he affirmed.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Miao encourages them joining local clubs to benefit from collective activities, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring safety, especially during open water swims.

"This is a humble community," he said, emphasizing the importance of humility and mutual support.

"There is nothing insurmountable in life. If you persevere, things will get better," he said.

The overall impression of the Main Press Center (MPC) at the Paris Olympics remains somewhat unclear though reporters often take the bus to MPC early in the day to secure a seat.  

The importance of the MPC ­cannot be overstated. Its size, functional layout, and even floor design significantly impact journalists' efficiency, as it is the largest hub for journalists during the Games. 

The MPC's "simple yet complex" design — exhibitions and meetings on the first floor, office space on the second, and news agency areas on the third — features contradictions that make its purpose hard to define. 

Next to the MPC is the Olympic transport hub, where reporters catch shuttles to venues. Without volunteer guides, they use an app for route and schedule info. Media shuttles, using dedicated lanes, are faster than public transport.

Unlike other venues or places like Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, the MPC's exterior is not adorned with large-scale pink, purple, or blue decorations; it appears relatively plain. 

Before entering the MPC, journalists must go through security checks and have their ID codes scanned by staff — unlike at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, there is no facial recognition requirement at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The security screening area occupies most of the first floor of the MPC, so after passing through security (ground floor), journalists can only proceed directly to the first floor. 

The MPC is divided into three floors: The first floor mainly hosts press conference halls and sponsor booths, with "food corners" on either side. These "food corners" are simplified cafeterias with a few round tables and chairs, offering burgers, sandwiches, and rice dishes for a quick bite.

Despite its spaciousness, the MPC feels sparse due to few functional areas, though numerous, often redundant information desks and offices fill the space. 

One of the reporters, who came to the MPC to resolve an account issue, found themselves running up and down the building, as the similar functions of the various desks made the straightforward task unnecessarily complicated.

For most journalists, the second floor serves as their primary workspace, with many desks and chairs provided. These areas are not specifically designated for writers or photographers. 

Scattered information desks, technical support areas, and photographer services disrupt the layout, causing confusion for journalists and making it hard to find a seat, leading to inefficient navigation. 

The third floor is occupied by major news agencies and photo agencies, while the basement features a large information desk and even operational shops, which is uncommon in other venue media centers.

Some American swimmers had a purple discoloration on their faces after completing their races in the Paris Olympics swimming events, which has sparked widespread online discussion and suspicion. 

It's important not to jump to conclusions based solely on subjective opinions, but this phenomenon has indeed generated significant attention and controversy.

Sports video blogger Fares Ksebati explained in a YouTube video that facial discoloration is often related to heart and lung function, and that the purple hue is due to the intensity of the exercise.

"After high-intensity exercise, energy is converted into heat, and the body attempts to regulate temperature by dilating facial blood vessels, which can result in a red or purple appearance. This can last for a few minutes or longer but is usually temporary and not harmful," Ksebati said.

He also mentioned that the change in skin color during swimming could be influenced by high-intensity exercise and environmental factors.

Ksebati further noted that the discoloration might be affected by rosacea, a chronic but treatable condition.

However, many comments in the video section were skeptical.

A netzine going by the name Elleteo, says "As a medical professional, rosacea is not a convincing explanation. It looks more like a type of steroid analog that produces similar effects but might be able to bypass typical assay tests."

Another netzine named vacheung5218, "It's strange that only these swimmers turned purple this year, while they appeared normal in last year's race photos."

The National Health Commission's rehabilitation therapist Luo Chaofan told Global Times that during high-intensity sports, the body's demand for oxygen increases significantly. If athletes cannot replenish oxygen in time, it can lead to tissue hypoxia, resulting in a purple face.

"This condition is usually temporary and can quickly be resolved once the athlete rests and adjusts their breathing," Luo noted.

However, the American swimming team remained purple even during the awards ceremony.

"Stimulants like ephedrine and phentermine are noted for potentially causing increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to facial redness or purple discoloration. Although these drugs have legitimate uses for treatment and weight loss, they might also be misused to enhance performance," Luo said.

The limited number of doping tests conducted on American athletes has also raised concerns. Some argue that while the American team cites intense training as the reason for fewer tests, this does raise issues of fairness.

"Why do mainly US & AU athletes have purple faces? All swim in the same pool with the same water. Because of race/having pale skin? French swimmers' faces after the games look fine to me, and they are white too. This has to be answered," said a netizen on Weibo, Chinese version of Twitter.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has announced a significant expansion for the 2024-25 season, with Hong Kong Eastern and Macau Black Bears joining the competition. This addition brings the number of teams in the league to ten, marking the first time the Greater Bay Area in South China will host a full season of EASL action.

Hong Kong Eastern, the reigning A1 Division champions and two-time ASEAN Basketball League winners, will compete in Group A. They will face formidable opponents including Hiroshima Dragonflies, Suwon KT Sonicboom, Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, and San Miguel Beermen. 

Macau Black Bears, established in 2018 and current Macau Basketball League champions, are placed in Group B. They will compete against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Busan KCC Egis, New Taipei Kings, and Meralco Bolts.

EASL CEO Henry Kerins highlighted the league's expansion as a major step forward, driven by strong regional demand. He emphasized the inclusion of two prominent teams from China's Greater Bay Area, which is one of the largest basketball markets in the world. 

Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups as these teams challenge the existing lineup from Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

“The EASL is getting bigger and it’s getting better. It was always our ambition to expand and bring in more leagues, representing more regions in Asia. We have accelerated those plans due to the strong demand from the regional leagues to join, and their readiness to do so,” he noted.

Hong Kong Eastern Team Leader Wilson Choi expressed excitement about representing Hong Kong at the highest level, as well as ambitions to establish the team as a major force in Asian basketball. 

Macau Black Bears’ Lukas Peng noted the team’s recent success and commitment to competing strongly in the EASL, while proudly representing Macao and the Greater Bay Area.

Following a successful debut season in 2023-24, the EASL is set to continue its historic run with an expanded schedule and new commercial partnerships. 

Fans will have more opportunities than ever to watch live as the league grows its global audience. The full game schedule and arena venues for the new teams will be announced in the coming weeks.

A total of 419 ruins as well as 341 artifacts have been found in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency on Friday, citing sources from the municipal cultural relics and archaeology institute.

Located in Huangpu district, the Late Neolithic Age site dating from about 4,600 to 4,300 years ago consists of 143 tombs, 140 ash pits or cellars and 125 column holes. A total of 341 items or sets of relics including pottery and jade decorations have been unearthed from the site during recent excavation work.

The findings have made it a Late Neolithic Age site with the hitherto largest number of tombs uncovered in the Guangdong region, with complex relics, rich contents and a multitude of unearthed artifacts, according to Zhang Qianglu, the head of the institute.

"This discoveries provides important physical materials for constructing the archaeological cultural lineage from the Late Neolithic period to the early Western Han Dynasty (202BC-25AD) in Guangzhou and even the Pearl River Delta region," Zhang added. "It also lays a solid foundation for the continued promotion of the project to trace the origins of Chinese civilization in the Lingnan region."

Starting from 2017, the institute has been carrying out excavation and research work on the site. Previous archaeological excavations revealed a total of 304 tombs from the Late Neolithic period, yielding a total of 702 artifacts (sets) made of pottery, stone, jade, and other materials.

Two Chinese athletes unfollowed a Japanese table tennis player on social media after she announced plans to visit a notorious war-linked museum, winning support from netizens. 

A social media account affiliated with the China News Service reported on Wednesday that Hina Hayata, a Japanese table tennis player, said in an interview that she would like to visit the "Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots." Kamikaze pilots represent the ugliness and brutality of Japan's right-wing activists and are a symbol of Japanese military aggression during World War II.

After hearing the news, Chinese table tennis players Sun Yingsha and Fan Zhendong promptly unfollowed Hayata on Sina Weibo on Wednesday.

On Monday, Hayata had shared photos on Sina Weibo of herself and Chinese table tennis players and said that Fan exchanged pins with her. 

"He has always been my favorite athlete and I'm excited to see him win at the Olympics," she said.

The incident sparked discontent and heated discussion among netizens on various social media platforms.

Netizens hailed the quick response of the Chinese athletes, saying that this would be normal behavior for every Chinese person.

Other netizens commented that Chinese athletes follow Japanese athletes as they are respected competitors, but then unfollow them if they cross a bottom line for the Chinese people.

Some netizens were disappointed, saying that they had been impressed with Hayata when they watched the Games, as she did not give up despite having injuries. They expressed surprise about her behavior.

Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned last week amid protests against quotas for government jobs, has accused the US of being involved in her removal from power, according to Indian media reports on Sunday.

"I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, 'Please do not be manipulated by radicals'," the Economic Times quoted her as saying.

The Saint Martin Island is a stretch of land spreading across merely three square kilometers in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal.

According to The Print, the biggest advantage for anyone with a military base at Saint Martin Island, "despite its small size, would be the strategic presence it would have over the Strait of Malacca, which the Chinese use majorly for their transportation."

Sources told The Print that the island can be turned into a good listening post for surveillance activities, focused not just on China's and Myanmar's activities, but also India's.

Media also reported that some leaders in the Awami League have blamed the US for the political upheaval in Dhaka, alleging that a senior US diplomat's visit in May was part of a strategy to pressure Hasina into acting against China.

Given the US and some Western countries' long-term criticism of Hasina's tough stance toward the US, there had been speculations about potential Western involvement in the Bangladesh movement, experts noted. Hasina was not compliant with the US on many issues, which could be the reason for the US seeking to overthrow her, Liu Zongyi, director of the Center for South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

Global observers are closely monitoring how the incident will influence regional situation.

According to the Economic Times, the resignation of Hasina created uncertainties for India, as Bangladesh was "New Delhi's strongest ally" and the bilateral relations had reached a new height during her terms.

The protests that led to her departure also carried an anti-India sentiment, media reported.

While Russia and the US intensify maneuver in the Middle East as tensions between Iran and Israel ramp up due to the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Iran and the US increased its military presence.  

Analysts said the situation now is truly worrisome with Iran and Israel vowing to strike each other. However, neither Washington nor Moscow wants an escalation, as they have priorities on the Ukraine crisis in Europe and own domestic affairs with no resources to spare. 

Russia and Iran's shared position on the multipolar world will promote global stability, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at a meeting with Shoigu, Russian media TASS reported on Monday. The Iranian president stressed that the era of the US and its allies' hegemony is over.

Shoigu's trip aims to strengthen interactions and examine regional and international issues and bilateral political security relations, according to Iranian media ISNA.

Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Northwest University in Xi'an, said that Russia has long and deep cooperation with Iran and also has a military presence in the region. As Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel, a new conflict could break out any time, so the two countries have very strong reasons to coordinate.

"If Iran attacks Israel by launching missiles and drones from its own territory or its allies' in the region, those weapons could fly over the area controlled by Russia, so Moscow and Tehran will have necessary intelligence sharing and coordination before Iran takes action," Wang said. 

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is also setting sail to the Middle East from the Pacific to relieve the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and its strike group. Meanwhile, the Navy is sending additional ships to the region following "threats from Iran," Pentagon officials announced on Friday.

Although the US is sending more military strength to the region, analysts said that an open Israel-Iran conflict is not in Washington's interest

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, said that the US and Russia cannot afford another regional conflict in the Middle East. Liu said that Russia is a major power that carefully handle ties between Iran and Israel, despite its broad military cooperation with Iran, so despite the actions that Washington and Moscow are taking, it will not fuel the flames, but they are aimed at deterring escalation and preventing damage.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released videos in commemoration of the 97th founding anniversary of the PLA. In one video, segments of four countermeasure missions against "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces were included. 

Drawing on classic historical battle examples in China, the video "Battlefield at maritime frontier," adapted from the Peking Opera song "Dingjun Mountain," conveys the message of soldiers being ready to fight at all times and able to engage in battle at any moment.

The video that lasts two minutes and 16 seconds has garnered numerous likes online since its release late Wednesday. The video features classic images of the PLA Eastern Theater Command's combat preparedness patrols and major military operations in recent years.

Among them are segments of the PLA Eastern Theater Command's four countermeasure missions against "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces.

The video showcased the crushing strength of the Eastern Theater Command against the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and their military equipment, demonstrating the capability of destroying their "support pillars," striking their "main base," and cutting off their "supply lines."

It conveys the message that each provocation from "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces is met with a step forward of PLA's counteraction.

The ending, presented through fast-paced visuals with a wealth of information, reviews the glorious journey of the PLA from its inception and its course of fighting in the flames of war, and its image in the new era. 

It concludes with references to the five famous mountains in Chinese mainland, scenes of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan island, and the Great Wall, expressing that the PLA Eastern Theater Command will not forget its original intentions, continue its traditions, remain loyal to its mission, and serve as the iron Great Wall in safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity.

"I cannot tell your name, but in times of hardship, I know that I'm safe; amidst crowds, I feel a sense of security," read the opening lines of another heartwarming video released by the Eastern Theater Command.

This video resonated with the public, highlighting the role of the PLA in safeguarding peace and stability. The narrative continues, "In this war-torn world, you have made peace and beauty a part of my daily life... Though your name remains unknown to me, I know you are the PLA."

Through a series of provocative actions in the South China Sea in recent years, Japan, a country that does not have any claim in the region, has gradually revealed its ambitions to play a more influential role in the busy waterway.

In its latest move, Japan and the Philippines held their first joint military exercises in the South China Sea on August 2 in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, according to Reuters. The exercises came less than a month after the two countries signed a landmark military pact allowing the deployment of forces on each other's soil.

What is Japan's real plan in the South China Sea? How has it gradually been forming a strategy for the South China Sea? How could its involvement affect the regional situation?

Eager actions

The Japan-Philippines drill took place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, Reuters said citing the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It closely followed similar exercises between Manila and Washington on July 31.

On July 8, Japan and the Philippines signed a key defense pact, the Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint military exercises, including live-fire drills, to the Philippines. It also similarly allows Philippine forces to enter Japan for joint combat training, media reported.

The defense pact with the Philippines is the first to be forged by Japan in Asia. Japan signed similar accords with Australia in 2022 and with the UK in 2023, according to the reports.

Some Western media interpreted the collaborations between Japan and the Philippines as moves to push back against China's so-called regional assertiveness.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated at a press conference on July 8 that the exchange and cooperation between countries should not undermine the mutual understanding and trust between other countries in the region. It should not threaten regional peace and stability, target any third party, or harm the interests of any third party.

The signing of the agreement will help Japan further sell patrol ships, radars, and other military equipment to the Philippines, seizing the Philippine arms market, seeking greater economic benefits, and expanding military and political influence, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times.

The US has always used the South China Sea issue as a means to contain China, and Japan has also continuously supported and incited the Philippines to cause trouble and provocations in the region. To put it more directly, the US wants Japan to be its strategic pawn, and Japan wants the Philippines to be its cannon fodder, Zhang said.

To Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, "assistant" is a more appropriate word to describe Japan's role in the deployment of the US' Indo-Pacific strategy.

Japan has apparently accelerated its pace of using military means to influence security affairs in the South China Sea in order to achieve a long-term presence in the region. The signing of the agreement with the Philippines and the immediate deployment of the exercises under the agreement are obvious examples, Chen noted.

At the same time, Japan has also enhanced support for military and paramilitary forces in regional countries. In May, Japan agreed to provide the Philippines with a 64.3-billion yen ($6.8 million) low-interest loan for the acquisition of five additional Japanese patrol vessels, in a bid to help it cope with "China's aggressive activities" in the South China Sea, the Kyodo News reported.

These moves are, in fact, extensions of the US' plan to achieve global maritime domain awareness, according to Chen.

The US has always attached great importance to enhancing its maritime situational awareness capabilities as a key component of its national security and maritime security strategy since the September 11 attack in 2001. Against the backdrop of the Indo-Pacific strategy, it is actively promoting the construction of a US-led maritime situational awareness network in the Indo-Pacific region with the participation of regional allies and partners, aiming to strengthen the maritime containment of China, analysts noted.

Aside from military-related moves, Japan has also been actively attending small US-led multilateral mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific region such as the US-Japan-Philippine and the US-Japan-South Korea mechanisms. It also tried to participate in the formulation of regional rules such as the definition of navigation freedom.

Japan's active moves and cooperation with the US show that it is seemingly quite willing to act as the US' assistant, Chen said.
The assistant's plots

The "assistant" is as willing as it has its own ambitions.

Japan's first priority is to use the South China Sea issue as a means to divert China's attention and spread out China's military presence in the East China Sea, where there are ongoing disputes between the two countries, Chen stressed.

In addition, Japan has a long-term goal of establishing itself as a political and military powerhouse. By leveraging the South China Sea disputes, Japan aims to extend its influence into Southeast Asia. Furthermore, Japan seeks to enhance its role in regional security by deepening cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia, he said.

Lastly, the South China Sea is a critical passage for Japan's energy and goods imports and exports. Therefore, Japan is certainly keen to strengthen its control over this vital lifeline, according to Chen.

According to the VOA, 90 percent of Japan's energy and trade flow passes through the South China Sea. Japan relies heavily on importing crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while one-fourth of the nation's total trade in 2019 was from the European Union and members of ASEAN that also rely on the sea route.

Taking these ambitions into account, analysts noted that while Japan's strategic alignment with the US still exists, at the same time, there is also a trend of rising strategic autonomy in Japan's Indo-Pacific strategy.

"Through collaborations with India, the Philippines, and Taiwan island, Japan is actively playing a role in forming an island chain. This chain starts from the Japanese archipelago, goes all the way to Taiwan island, with South Korea in the north and the Philippines in the south, then continues through Malaysia to India in the Indian Ocean, connecting the entire southern border of China. The South China Sea is a crucial link for Japan in weaving this chain, constructing a semi-circular containment barrier targeting China," Chen said, stressing that "Japan has really huge ambitions in Indo-Pacific area."

Yang Bojiang, director of the Japan Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, outlined the phased changes in Japan's South China Sea policy in a speech in November 2020.

According to Yang, Japan lost all overseas colonies after World War II and lacked a role in the South China Sea issue until the end of the Cold War. In the 10 years since then to the end of the 20th century, Japan entered "renewed attention" to the region. During this period, due to the existence of various political and legal restrictions, Japan mainly focused on observing and assessing the South China Sea issue, with few actual actions. In the 21st century, as Japan relaxed its self-imposed restrictions on military and security activities overseas, its South China Sea policy entered the "action" phase.

In 2016, then-Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe proposed Japan's version of the Indo-Pacific strategy as he was actively seeking a revival of Japan's international influence.

Abe's Indo-Pacific strategy was inherited and enhanced by the current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. During the Abe era, the concept emphasized that a maritime order was based on the rule of law, freedom, and openness as the foundations for stability and prosperity in the international community. The current concept of the Fumio administration is broader, with a wide range of topics and partners, and a strong emphasis on pan-security, making it a comprehensive international strategy that combines alliance, containment of China, security, and other global aspects, read an article published in March by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Japan started to make adjustment and try to achieve its own Indo-Pacific goals into the US' Indo-Pacific strategy since 2017 when former US president Donald Trump took office and established the Indo-Pacific strategy against China, in contrast with his predecessor president Obama's approach to seek economic, diplomatic, and security balance in the Asia-Pacific, according to experts.

The Japanese Indo-Pacific strategy has received some positive feedback and has increased Japan's visibility in international politics. However, its negative effects are also beginning to show.

Disturbed sea

Japan's intervention into the South China Sea has made Manila feel supported, becoming more reckless in South China Sea disputes, Chen pointed out.

The Philippines announced on Wednesday that it had launched two days of joint sea and air exercises with the US, Canada and Australia in its exclusive economic zone, Bloomberg reported.

In addition, since August 3, patrol boats and several Philippine fishing vessels have gathered near the illegally detained Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 at the Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef). China Coast Guard (CCG) has been monitoring and effectively controlling the situation in accordance with the law, resolutely defending China's territorial sovereignty, the CCG announced.

Japan's intervention in the region would also expand the disputes between China and Japan in the East China Sea and the Taiwan Straits to the South China Sea, Chen warned.

Military competition in the region will be intensified. The risk of conflict between China and Japan in the South China Sea is also increasing, Chen noted.

The regional multilateral security mechanism led by ASEAN risks of being smashed and replaced by a fragmented security structure based on a US-led alliance system, according to Chen.

Regional countries should understand that they have more mutual interests with China than the US. And it is more beneficial to themselves to cooperate with China based on these mutual interests, rather than be used as a pawn in the US and its allies' geopolitical game, experts noted.