Philippines Defies China's Might to Uphold International Law
The Philippines, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., takes a bold stance against China's unlawful claims and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, risking conflict but defending its sovereign
The Facts:
The Philippines, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is facing a precarious situation in the South China Sea, trapped between an assertive China and an unpredictable United States. The Philippines is negotiating from a position of weakness due to its limited defense capacity compared to China, which is why it is trying to increase its leverage by partnering with the US and other countries.
China has issued new regulations that would beginning June 15th, 2024, allow its Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in what it claims as its territory, significantly escalating the risk of a conflict, either by accident or deliberately. The Philippines has protested these regulations, stating that they would be "in direct violation of international law." The dispute over the South China Sea is rooted in China's expansive claims, backed by a 1947 map that indicates it owns the sea's estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague Tribunal found in the Philippines' favor in 2016, ruling that China's claims have no legal basis. Beijing has simply ignored this ruling and continued to escalate its attempts at control.
Marcos Jr. has made it clear that he "does not intend to yield" to China's "force, intimidation, and deception" in the region, as China continues to aggressively assert its claims over the vast majority of the South China Sea, in direct violation of international law. China's actions have escalated in recent days, with more than 100 Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels continuously interfering with the Philippines' resupply missions to a Philippine outpost at Second Thomas Shoal, and even going so far as to steal airdropped food supplies for Filipino marines stationed there.
As Marcos Jr. stated, "If a Philippines citizen is killed by a willful act, then that is very, very close to what we define as an act of war, and we will respond accordingly." This echoes President Biden's "ironclad" commitment to defend the Philippines if there are armed attacks on its aircraft, vessels, or armed forces in the South China Sea.
China is expending significant resources and risking international backlash over the South China Sea not because of the energy resources, which are more valuable to China's neighbors, but due to the geostrategic importance of the region and Chinese President Xi Jinping's nationalist agenda.
The View:
Marcos Jr. and the Philippines are taking a bold and unapologetic stance in the face of China's aggression in the South China Sea. China's aggressive behavior in the region, including the harassment of other countries' vessels, is a concerning development that risks becoming a more likely flashpoint for conflict than the brewing great-power contest over Taiwan. The low-intensity battles for control of the South China Sea have been going on for years, but the pace of Chinese operations and belligerent rhetoric are increasingly concerning.
This is a commendable and necessary approach, as the Philippines cannot afford to yield to China's intimidation tactics, which are not only a violation of international law but also a direct threat to the country's sovereignty and security. Marcos Jr.'s warning that any Chinese actions leading to the death of a Filipino citizen would be considered an "act of war" is a clear line in the sand, and a necessary step to deter further Chinese escalation. The fact that the United States has affirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty adds significant weight to this warning, and serves as a deterrent to China's belligerence.
However, the situation remains highly precarious, with the risk of accidental escalation or a deliberate conflict being ever-present. The stability and security of the region requires China and the US to manage their rivalry in a responsible manner, as the risk of conflict, either by accident or deliberately, is concerning. Communication between Beijing and Washington is essential to reduce the risk of conflict in the South China Sea, and the two sides still have a lot to disagree on.
The Philippines' efforts to increase its leverage by partnering with the United States, Japan, and Australia are a prudent move, as it helps to reinforce the country's position and deter further Chinese aggression. This "larger security network" is a necessary bulwark against China's growing influence in the region, and a testament to the Philippines' diplomatic savvy. It is imperative that the international community continues to support the Philippines and other claimants in their efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect their sovereign rights in the South China Sea.
TLDR:
The Philippines, led by President Marcos Jr., is taking a firm stand against China's expansionist moves in the South China Sea making it clear that he "does not intend to yield" to China's "force, intimidation, and deception" in the region, and has warned that any Chinese actions leading to the death of a Filipino citizen would be considered an "act of war.".
China has issued new regulations that would allow its Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in what it claims as its territory, significantly escalating the risk of conflict.
The dispute over the South China Sea is rooted in China's expansive claims, which have been rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague Tribunal.
The United States has affirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines under the mutual defense treaty, adding significant weight to the Philippines' warning.
The Philippines is partnering with the US, Japan, and Australia to increase its leverage and deter further Chinese aggression, forming a "larger security network" to uphold the rule of law and protect its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.
The situation remains highly precarious, with the risk of accidental escalation or a deliberate conflict being ever-present, requiring responsible management of the US-China rivalry.
Know More:
Why the South China Sea Could Spark a US-China War
Why the South China Sea Could Spark a US-China War - Bloomberg
Marcos tells Chinese general: South China Sea peace a ‘world issue’
Marcos tells Chinese general: South China Sea peace a ‘world issue’ - Rappler
Countering China: How the Philippines Became Key to U.S.'s Pacific Strategy
Countering China: How the Philippines Became Key to U.S.'s Pacific Strategy - Wall Street Journal
The Trilateral Deal Between the US, Japan, and the Philippines: Impact on Security and Economics
Insights From:
China's South Sea Aggression Against the Philippines Provokes Pushback - Foreign Policy
US-China: Philippines Is Stuck Between Two Superpowers - Bloomberg