China unimpeded

While everyone seemed to be preoccupied with the hottest issues at hand such as the pork barrel scam, DAP, term extensions, Palparan's arrest, even the probe on what is probably the most ridiculously expensive office and parking building and birthday cakes in the country, China stepped up its patrols in what is clearly Philippine territory. The arrogant giant continues to send research and surveying vessels all over the West Philippine Sea, in an obvious move to strengthen their claim over the whole ocean.

Their most recent foray into Philippine waters was at Recto Bank, move criticized by the Philippine government. No less than President Aquino has questioned what the Chinese were doing in an area that is clearly within the country's two hundred mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Their intentions are none other than to start mapping the area for future explorations of the mineral-rich area. Recto Bank is not even an island or outcropping on the ocean. It is a submerged land mass that is part of the island of Palawan. How the Chinese in their ridiculous reasoning can explain their right to explore the area is beyond me. Recto Bank is a mere eighty-five nautical miles from Palawan, and more than five hundred nautical miles from the nearest Chinese territory!

Over the past several months, China has been sending several ships all over the West Philippine Sea. An obvious show of force to those contesting the validity of their claim over almost all of the West Philippine Sea. Even with countries such as the US, Australia, Japan and many European Union members voicing their concern over China's movements, calling on them to stop adding tension to the region, observe the status quo and bring their claims to the proper forum and international body, China couldn't care less. What is frustrating is that the country cannot enforce its rights over territory because of a lack of equipment to face the Chinese.

China has responded to the complaint lodged by the DFA over the Recto Bank incursions. As expected, they rejected it outright, even filing a complaint of their own regarding the detention of Chinese workers who were arrested for illegally working in the country. I believe China must tone down its arrogance over the region. They cannot simply believe that the laws of other countries do not apply to any of their citizens, whether they commit crimes or not. Such is the mindset of this country, that has seen fit to become the bully of the region. Sad to say, the United Nations cannot seem to rein in China, as it continues to patrol the seas unimpeded by any law or agreement they themselves are signatories of.