Exploring other mechanisms instead of resorting to the use of force will serve the Philippines’ interest in dealing with China at this time with regard to the West Philippine Sea issue, a political analyst said on Saturday.
In a news forum in Quezon City, Dr. Froilan Calilung, professor from the University of the Santo Tomas Political Science Department, was asked if he sees that the current situation in the West Philippine Sea would result in an actual shooting war and loss of lives.
“Of course…lahat naman po tayo, what we wanted of course is to avoid the war or the existence of casualties. Pero—we, I am not really so sure exactly of to what extent are we going to go to this, kung lalaban ba tayo talaga head on, but I really think it’s not really wise of this point in time,” Calilung told the forum.
“So, I think it’s best that we still explore other mechanisms. Although, iyon nga time and again, nakakalungkot din isipin na nagpapadala naman tayo nga mga diplomatic statements, note verbale, every now and then.”
Although the Philippines has a history of fighting oppression and colonization, Calilung said that right now, the international law and international environment dictate that it is better to pursue aspects or prospects for cooperation rather than resort to the path going to war.
What is obvious, Calilung said, is that China is exploring or gauging the resilience of the Philippines—to upset Filipino authorities until the next incursion or the next provocation happens.
“So, iyong question as to whether we are—we need to go, to that—for except as to going to war, at this point in time, definitely hindi pa dapat,” he pointed out.
The good thing, he added, is that the water cannon-firing incident near the Ayungin Shoal has been widely publicized, stoked domestic interest, heightening the sense of nationalism among Filipinos and at the same time, made the incident known to the international community about China’s aggression and disregard of international law.
“It heightened the sense of nationalism among us and at the same time it broke the issue about the international law again and…nagkaroon tayo na parang countries rally in behind us,”Calilung said.
“And I hope that this could be a very good or important… point wherein we could begin more concerted effort especially in our dealings with other countries to support us.”
Tensions escalated more than a week ago between the Philippines and China after the China Coast Guard blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine supply vessel delivering food, water, and fuel to troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty World War II-era ship was intentionally grounded by the Philippine Navy at Ayungin Shoal.
China has been claiming the South China Sea almost in its entirety, including the West Philippine Sea.
The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated in 2016 China’s claim based on the so-called nine-dash line, a landmark ruling ignored by the Asian economic giant. *PND*
