The Boiling Frog Strategy: China's Methodical Expansion in the South China Sea Explained

China's incremental and methodical expansion in the South China Sea, likened to a "boiling frog strategy," involves gradually increasing aggression to extend its influence without provoking significant international backlash. Over the past three decades, China's strategy has evolved through four phases: framing the disputes by delaying resolution and enhancing naval presence; employing the "Three Warfares" strategy to shape public opinion, influence foreign policies, and use legal means to assert its claims; moving towards more overt actions such as constructing artificial islands and military installations; and, finally, consolidating these gains through military modernization and economic leverage. This approach has led to increased hostility, particularly towards the Philippines, prompting Manila to strengthen its defense cooperation with the United States and other allies. As tensions rise, regional actors are becoming more proactive in countering China's influence, underscoring the urgent need for strategic alliances and defense cooperation to maintain stability and prevent the metaphorical frog from being boiled alive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDUnrkPGUNk