Analysts: China tests US commitment to Indo-Pacific with maritime operations

In this image taken from handout video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship, top, collides with a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, Aug. 31, 2024. In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the USS Chung-Hoon observes a Chinese navy ship conduct what it called an "unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait, June 3, 2023. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre T. Richard/U.S. Navy via AP)

China’s recently increased maritime and aerial operations near the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan is part of Beijing’s attempt to gauge the United States’ commitment to supporting allies in the Indo-Pacific region, say analysts. They noted the increased activity comes as Tokyo and Washington gear up for elections in the coming weeks.