Chinese analysts denounce US-Philippines "gray zone" strategy in South China Sea

Chinese analysts have denounced the "gray zone" strategy by the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

According to Hu Bo, director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, the term "gray zone" refers to the coordinated use of military, diplomatic, legal, and narrative tools to compete without triggering open conflict. While the concept itself is not new, he noted that it has been increasingly weaponized by the West in recent years to target China.

Civilian vessels have become a key part of the strategy. They've been used to resupply the Philippine warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao, and more recently, to intensify fishing near China's Huangyan Dao, which analysts warn could spark unintended clashes.

"What are your fishermen really doing there? They're not there to fish; they're there to create conflicts. But what should China Coast Guard vessels do when they encounter these fishermen engaging in military-like activities? That's why this could significantly raise the risk of unintended maritime incidents," said Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center under the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

"The current challenge the Philippines poses to China is primarily centered on 'gray zone' activities. The Philippines cannot challenge China through sheer force. So they rely more on the so-called 'transparency initiative', claiming to expose China's activities," Hu said.

Analysts argue that this initiative, launched under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., combines staged confrontations with media amplification and misinformation to support Manila's claims.

Meanwhile, U.S. support, ranging from reconnaissance flights to maritime training and planning, adds another layer to what Chinese experts call a coordinated "gray zone" strategy.

"U.S. and Western defense experts turn a blind eye to the grave 'gray zone' confrontations that China faces, but constantly use the concept to accuse China. This is a highly unbalanced and hypocritical narrative," Chen said.

Chinese analysts denounce US-Philippines "gray zone" strategy in South China Sea

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked