China's "aggressive and irresponsible" actions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, imply it's "only a matter of time" earlier than a significant incident erupts, sparking panic throughout the globe.

That's in accordance with Dr Bec Strating, director of La Trobe Asia and an affiliate professor of Politics and International Relations at La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Beijing has watched on as Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr and US counterpart Joe Biden have drawn their nations nearer collectively within the face of what it sees as aggression and harassment from China.

Washington has lengthy been an ally of Manila and the 2 leaders met within the Oval Office this week as a part of Mr Marcos Jr's four-day journey to the US.

Such is the rejuvenation in Manila-Washington ties the US stated any assault on the Philippines' safety forces or public vessels would "invoke its mutual defence commitments".

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The renewed backing got here after the US declared China had been using "aggressive tactics" via its coastguard, together with within the South China Sea.

And for Dr Strating the waterways of East Asia have develop into "increasingly saturated with naval and non-naval vessels" and this "raises concerns about the potential for unplanned encounters and maritime incidents that may escalate into conflict".

Speaking to Express.co.uk, she stated: "US officials recently warned that China’s aggressive and irresponsible actions in the SCS meant that it was only a matter of time before there is a major incident or accident.

"These actions from Beijing do increase critical issues concerning the upkeep of ‘good order at sea’ – the protected, secure and predictable use of the seas and oceans."

The latest batch of tension brewing in the South China Sea, known globally as the world's most lucrative waters, has left many waiting for conflict.

US commanders have highlighted China's ongoing feud with Taiwan - over which it claims sovereignty despite Taipei's declaration of independence - as another sign that war is brewing in the region.

But Dr Strating isn't convinced.

She said: "While the maritime atmosphere appears to be changing into extra hazardous, on the identical time we shouldn’t overstate the chance of nice energy battle within the South China Sea."

Dr Starting added: "China’s ‘grey zone’ ways counsel that it needs to proceed to advance and assert its maritime pursuits whereas on the identical time keep away from scary the US into battle.

"I think there are still question marks over US future intentions – even though it has made commitments to the Philippines, it is not a claimant state in either the sovereignty or maritime disputes so it is not clear that its interests in the South China Sea are considered ‘vital’ enough to risk going to war with China."

Other Asian nations, corresponding to Japan and South Korea, have additionally stood up towards China's aggression in current weeks, however not each nation within the area has matched their endeavours.

Drew Thompson, a visiting senior analysis fellow on the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew faculty of public coverage, added: "The Code of Conduct discussions have stalled, and Asean is not coming together to confront the threat to one of its members’ sovereignty, so countries like the Philippines will rely on the US, and to a lesser extent Japan, to build up their deterrence capabilities."