Philippines forced to take a side

Senators have introduced a resolution condemning China’s “illegal and unwarranted incursions” in the West Philippine Sea. The resolution read in part “…close, diplomatic and political ties…should not be mistaken as acceptance of China’s creeping hegemony over our region and country and no promise of economic largesse often undelivered should soften our resolve against these illegal and unwarranted incursions.”

This condemnation is the result of the occupation of the area around the Juan Felipe Reef which is within the 12-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These invasions have been condemned by Defense Secretary Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Locsin. Even President Duterte, who had a much softer stand, said that these were Philippine waters and that he had only verbally agreed to give China fishing rights in the area. However, China spokesmen have said that the reefs were part of “Nansha Island” and belonged to China.

A hegemon, in geopolitical language, is a dominant power – economic and military. China is already a regional hegemon. It seeks to be the sole regional hegemon in this part of the world with the end goal of dominating Asia.

Since 1949, China managed to settle most of its territorial disputes and border conflicts because it has been willing to negotiate and even offer concessions with its neighboring countries. Today, China has at least six outstanding territorial disputes and due to its increased military power, it has been unwilling to negotiate or offer any concessions.

It is important that the Philippines understand that it is now confronted by a superpower and is only part of China’s drive to dominate the whole region.

Right now China’s most important dispute is over Taiwan which Beijing claims is an integral part of China. Taiwan is an economically vibrant nation with strong democratic foundations. The overwhelming majority of its people believe Taiwan is a sovereign country and have no interest in being reintegrated into China.

China has claimed almost the whole South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. This claim is being disputed by other nations bordering these waters which include Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The disputes center mainly on the reefs and other areas including Paracel Islands, Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands and reefs. Other nations like the United States and Western Europe dispute these Chinese claims and are invoking the “freedom of navigation” that allows free and unhampered passage of all maritime vessels in these waters.

In the East China Sea, Beijing has a bitter feud over control of a handful of small islands that Japan calls Senkaku Islands and China calls the Diaoyu Islands. Japan, with its own powerful navy, has been able to prevent any meaningful Chinese incursions. Recently, Indonesia has witnessed Chinese vessels openly intruding in Indonesian waters.

China has land border disputes with Bhutan and India. This has resulted in hundreds of border incidents and will continue to fester and, hopefully, will not turn into a major land war.

The war – cold or hot – between the United States and China is inevitable. The USA will try to contain the power of China while Beijing will find ways to create trouble in America’s backyard, the Carribean Sea, to distract it from focusing on Asia.

Almost all Asian countries will be forced to take sides in this struggle. Given that the first imperative is to protect national interests, most countries in East and South Asia will eventually join with the United States and its allies – Japan, Australia and India.

The reason is simple. China poses a territorial threat to most countries in Asia and the United States has no territorial ambitions in this part of the world. China is more threatening for largely geopolitical reasons. China is part of the Asian continent and is located next door to most countries in this part of the world. This is like the Soviet Union during the Cold War when it subjugated the countries of Eastern Europe which were its neighbors.

America is too far away and has never had any territorial designs on any part of Asia. Its territorial focus is in the Western Hemisphere – North and South America. The possibility of war may seem remote at this point. However, there are disturbing signs that China wants to reassert itself as the “Middle Kingdom.” This was a name that first appeared in the 6th century BC during the Zhou dynasty that believed that China was the center of all civilizations. The American equivalent is the constant refrain that refers to the USA as the greatest country in the world. It is these feelings of nationalism that could spark a war that nobody wants.

Benilde Community Pantry

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has opened its Benilde Community Pantry at the Angelo King International Center (AKIC) campus along Arellano Avenue to cater to the residents of the adjacent area.

The institution currently accepts in kind donations of vegetables, fruits, rice, canned goods and dried goods as well as monetary support. Basic health supplies such as vitamins, alcohol, face masks, face shields and gloves as well as basic toiletries to include shampoo, bath soap, sanitary napkins and diapers are very welcome.

Launched through the Center of Social Action, the institution likewise encourages donors to share educational tools such as books, school supplies and art materials for the students of the neighboring barangays.

The college is currently working hand in hand with local government units to organize additional pantries to reach more beneficiaries.

Those interested to assist may scan the QR code via GCash or coordinate with Ron Malaluan at +63975 277 1058 or +63939 927 7494 for the delivery and drop off of in-kind donations.

Email: [email protected]