Symbol of sovereignty

Both France and the UK are planning to send warships to the South China Sea, to support America’s call for freedom of navigation operations in the disputed waters. This is to stress that no one country owns the vast waterways, where trillions in dollars in trade pass. It would be interesting to see how China will react to this new development. A Chinese general stated that the placing of weapons on the artificial islands is a “symbol of sovereignty.” They are entitled to do whatever they want on the islands, because they own them.

I wonder just how busy the shipping lanes of the South China will be when all these warships start their freedom of navigation runs? America is actually encouraging other claimant countries to participate, to show solidarity against Chinese militarization. Australia, Japan, and India may not be far away from joining the US. But surely Duterte would not send our warships, lest China think he is already against them. The Philippine Navy will most likely sit this one out.

The Philippine Navy was formally invited to join Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac). One of the biggest joint naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, hosted by the US. The Philippines normally joins the exercises, sending warships and about 700 military personnel. In the past, the Navy was invited as an observer. The navies of Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan are also participating. China was disinvited, because of the militarization of the South China Sea. I would not be surprised if China held their own naval exercises, along with known allies.

I was surprised at Vietnam’s statement that both China and the Philippines stop escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Vietnam asked the country to stop repairs on the runway at Pagasa Island, aside from asking China to halt militarization. Are they serious? Have they actually seen the runway at Pagasa? The runway is paved with coral, unlike all the other claimants’ runways that are either paved with asphalt or cement. When it rains, the runway is rendered useless until it dries. The repairs being done are at the fringes of the runway, to make landings safer. This causes an escalation of tensions? I think Vietnam should know its ally from its adversary.

Vietnam is right in calling China out for its militarization. The recent landing of an H-6K bomber at the Paracels is certainly something to be concerned about. But to call us out for repairs at Pagasa Island? Have they seen the BRP Sierra Madre? The rusting, decrepit old ship several Philippine Marines call home? The hardships and loneliness our soldiers have to endure, just to protect our stake at Ayungin Shoal? How the soldiers could live there for a few months shows patriotism and loyalty at its finest. The recent reports of harassment from the Chinese Navy on our personnel delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre must be looked into, as it violates the “red line” that DFA Secretary Cayetano stated the China should adhere to.