Action speaks louder than words

The recent hullabaloo over Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remarks has understandably stirred strong reactions among Filipinos. Any suggestion that military superiority gives one country the right to intimidate another deserves a firm response. But after the statements have been issued and the headlines have faded, the more important question remains: What are we doing to protect our country and secure the peace?

For me, the answer is clear. We must stay the course. Uphold the arbitral award, strengthen our defense capabilities, deepen cooperation with our allies and partners, and maintain diplomatic dialogue with China. These practical responsibilities require continuity, discipline and national resolve – regardless of the controversy occupying the news on any given day.

Let us also be accurate about what the ambassador said. He reportedly said China “may easily win” if it chose to use force. He then added: “But no, we will not choose force and we love peace.” The first statement understandably raised alarm. The second provides an assurance that China is expected to honor through its conduct.

Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro conveyed our government’s strong objection directly to the ambassador. That is an appropriate exercise of diplomacy. We should make our position unmistakable while keeping our attention on the larger task of defending Philippine interests. An exchange of angry statements, however satisfying to some, cannot substitute for a coherent national strategy.

First, we stand firmly by the July 2016 arbitral award. Issued by a tribunal constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the ruling is final and binding on the Philippines and China. It rejected claims to historic rights exceeding the limits permitted by the Convention and upheld important Philippine sovereign rights.

To explain its significance accurately: The tribunal did not decide sovereignty over land territory or delimit a maritime boundary. Its findings nevertheless provide a vital legal foundation for defending our maritime entitlements. We strengthen our position when we insist on precisely what international law provides, and consistently apply those principles in our actions.

Many countries support the award because the issues extend beyond our shores. Maritime rules protect international commerce and give smaller states a means of defending their rights. We should continue building that support through diplomacy, ensuring that respect for the award remains part of the international conversation. Legal clarity becomes more consequential when countries sustain their commitment to it.

Second, we must continue the AFP modernization. A country responsible for an extensive archipelago needs credible capabilities to monitor its waters, protect its people and respond to threats. Maritime surveillance, coastal defense, reliable communications and capable ships and aircraft all deserve sustained attention, matched by the training necessary to use them effectively.

Modernization also means maintenance, spare parts and sufficient resources for personnel. Equipment that cannot be sustained will not provide lasting security. Every defense peso must be spent responsibly, with procurement guided by operational requirements and public accountability. Our servicemen and women deserve the tools to fulfill their mission, and our taxpayers deserve confidence that those tools will work.

Third, we should continue expanding maritime exercises and cooperation with the United States and other partners. Training together improves coordination and helps our forces operate safely and effectively. It develops habits of communication that matter during emergencies. Cooperation also supports humanitarian assistance and disaster response, capabilities that an archipelagic country exposed to powerful storms will always need.

This cooperation is already taking practical form. In August, the Philippines, Australia and the US conducted a maritime cooperative activity within our exclusive economic zone. Such engagements build experience and demonstrate that countries can work together in accordance with international law. Their enduring value lies in the capabilities and professional relationships they leave behind.

Fourth, we should sustain the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US and develop appropriate arrangements with other willing partners. These agreements establish the legal conditions for visiting personnel and agreed activities. Japan’s Reciprocal Access Agreement offers another framework for closer cooperation. Each arrangement must respect Philippine sovereignty and meet our constitutional requirements while serving clearly defined national interests.

Finally, we must continue talking with China. Geography makes us neighbors, and our peoples have substantial interests in a stable relationship. Trade, investment and personal ties deserve room to grow. Diplomatic channels must remain available to address incidents, prevent misunderstandings and pursue practical measures that reduce danger. Talking does not require us to abandon our legal position.

If the Chinese ambassador says his country chooses peace, then let that assurance become the basis for safer behavior at sea. Our fishermen should be able to pursue their livelihoods without intimidation. Our personnel should be able to carry out lawful missions without dangerous interference. Preventing collisions and avoiding escalation would give substance to the commitment he expressed.

As a diplomat, I believe we must always leave space for a peaceful resolution. As Filipinos, we have an obligation to prepare our country to defend its rights. Both responsibilities demand patience and steady work. We cannot allow every provocative remark to divert us from the policies that strengthen our position over time. Peace requires restraint, but it also requires confidence that lawful rights will be respected.

This should be a continuing national effort, supported across political differences and carried forward with a clear sense of purpose.

The Philippines should measure its success by the security of our people, the readiness of our institutions and the stability of our region. We will continue defending what is ours while keeping the door open to constructive dialogue. China spoke of choosing peace. We should hold it to that commitment. For both countries – action speaks louder than words.

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