FILE – In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship uses water cannons on Philippine navy-operated supply boat M/L Kalayaan as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on Dec. 10, 2023.
Published December 26, 2023
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines is not provoking conflict in the South China Sea, its military spokesperson said on Tuesday, responding to China’s accusation
that Manila was encroaching on Beijing’s territory.
It was the latest salvo amid rising tension as the two have traded accusations in recent months over a series of maritime run-ins, including China allegedly ramming a ship this month carrying the Philippines’ military chief.
“The Philippines is not provoking conflict,” Medel Aguilar told state broadcaster PTV.
“We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, where we have sovereign rights.”
The comments came a day after the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, wrote that the Philippines had relied on U.S. support to continually provoke China.
This “extremely dangerous” behavior seriously harmed regional peace and stability, it added.
Aguilar said Philippine activities would not put vessels and seafarers in danger, instead accusing China of carrying out dangerous maneuvers that sometimes result in collisions at sea.
“They are the ones committing all the violations,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the Philippines was causing tension by sending construction supplies to its grounded navy vessel in the Second Thomas Shoal.
“The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” it said, citing China’s foreign ministry.
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SOURCE: www.voanews.com
RELATED: Philippine actions in South China Sea ‘extremely dangerous’ – Chinese state media
Published December 25, 2023
BEIJING, Dec 25 (Reuters) – Chinese state media accused the Philippines on Monday of repeatedly infringing on China’s territory in the South China Sea, spreading false information and colluding with extraterritorial forces to cause trouble.
The Philippines has relied on U.S. support to continually provoke China, with such “extremely dangerous” behaviour seriously harming regional peace and stability, China’s Communist Party mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, wrote in a commentary on Monday.
The Philippines foreign ministry and a national task force handling the South China Sea did not immediately respond on Christmas Day to requests for comment on the report.
Tensions between Beijing and Manila have heightened in recent months as both sides trade accusations over a spate of run-ins in the South China Sea, including charges that China rammed a ship this month carrying the Philippine armed forces chief of staff.
China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. An international tribunal in 2016 invalidated China’s claim in a ruling on a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing rejects.
In an unusually direct warning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last week any miscalculation in the dispute with the Philippines would bring a resolute response from China, and called for dialogue to address “serious difficulties”.
The souring of bilateral ties coincides with Manila’s moves to bolster military relations with Japan and the Unite
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SOURCE: www.dailymail.co.uk
RELATED:Navigating geopolitical complexities: A pragmatic diplomatic approach for the Philippines in South China Sea disputes
Published December 26, 2023
IN the intricate landscape of global geopolitics, advanced economies, exemplified by the United States, prioritize security to safeguard their interests and amplify influence. In contrast, emerging economies within the Asean region, dedicated to fostering economic growth, face distinct challenges. Unfortunately, the Philippines finds itself entangled in territorial disputes with China, heightening the complexities inherent in navigating regional dynamics. Despite persistent efforts, including proposed constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing trade incentives, there remains a palpable risk of dissuading potential investors due to perceived security concerns.
Given this intricate geopolitical scenario, the Philippines is urged to adopt a strategic and pragmatic approach to its international relations, drawing inspiration from successful diplomatic strategies employed by nations like Vietnam. Notably, Vietnam, characterized by strong nationalism and patriotism, has adeptly managed territorial disputes with China, providing invaluable insights for the Philippines. Consequently, it is imperative for the Philippines to emulate this pragmatic stance, recognizing nuanced distinctions between territorial and exclusive economic zone disputes and focusing efforts on initiatives that are both feasible and sustainable. Such an approach ensures progression toward national goals with a practical mindset, fostering realism and enhancing the efficacy of strategic planning and resource allocation for national development and security.
In light of these imperatives, a diplomatic approach is paramount for the Philippines to address territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This approach necessitates prioritizing negotiations over confrontations and deliberately steering clear of exclusive alignment with any particular superpower amid their geopolitical rivalry. A prudent examination of other claimants in the South China Sea reveals a trend toward quiet resolutions and pragmatic agreements with China, providing valuable strategic considerations.
The Philippines can glean lessons from its successful resolution of the territorial issue over Sabah with Malaysia and its collaborative approach to disputed islands with Vietnam, both of which set compelling precedents. This historical context suggests that bilateral dialogue with China is not only plausible but also holds promise for positive outcomes. Recognizing that, in diplomacy, the effectiveness of negotiations often surpasses the impact of confrontation, the Philippines can leverage dialogue and understanding to forge lasting solutions to the complex issues surrounding disputes with China.
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SOURCE: www.manilatimes.net
