China's Opportunities in Taiwanese-Philippine Tensions

China may use the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine coast guard on May 9 as a chance to build an alliance with Taiwan in maritime territorial disputes where the two countries have shared historical claims, and to justify its aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Compared to most of its neighbors, Taiwan lacks maritime clout and could benefit from following China's lead in the disputes. But such a strategy may eventually come at the expense of Taiwanese interests. Thus, Taipei has to strike a careful balance between pursuing diplomatic independence and enforcing its maritime claims in a way that would benefit China — still Taiwan's most serious and enduring security threat.