When Does Escalation End and Kinetic Warfare Begin?

The word war between Philippine and China continue. But leaders need to understand that today’s wars are no longer wars of decisive victory, security expert Ret. Col. Dencio Acop writes.

COL Dencio S. Acop (Ret), PhD | October 22, 2026

Does use of the J16 aircraft and other military assets before unseen mean escalation by the PLA in the West Philippine Sea? Absolutely! Does this mean war is about to be ignited? Absolutely not!

Of course there is escalation. There has been, for quite some time now. Regardless of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling …