China steps up maritime push against Philippines, Japan, with eye on Taiwan

BEIJING -- 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. Taiwan tensionsChina steps up maritime push against Philippines, Japan, with eye on Taiwan Beijing has denounced moves by Manila and Tokyo to bolster bilateral ties A Philippine Marine Corps vessel and a China Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea on May 3. © Getty Images via Kyodo BEIJING -- 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.