Unwilling favorite?
In a rare showing of spine, the Palace has stated that China has no business in Kota Island. They have no right to enter or encircle the island, which has been under Philippine control since 1968. According to the Palace, despite our friendship with China, particularly in trading and the economy, we will “assert our sovereignty when it is impaired or assaulted.” Strong words indeed. But don’t hold your breath, as the Palace quickly adds that it will “give China reasonable time to respond to our protest,” which DFA Secretary Locsin is likely to file. Has it been filed?
Analysts have apparently noticed that China’s response to Vietnam and the country’s rehabilitation or upgrades of facilities in the respective islands differ greatly. Vietnam controls more areas in the Spratlys than the Philippines, and they continually have upgrades to their facilities. But you don’t see a flotilla of ships, whether fishing vessels, militia, coast guard, or even warships around these islands. China seems to have greater interest in what’s going on in Pagasa and Kota islands, which we control, than anywhere else. Why have we become an unwilling favorite? Is it because they know Vietnam will not take whatever aggression they show sitting down? Is it because they have heard President Duterte say that we cannot win a conflict, a shooting war with China? That our military is weak compared to China’s might. What is the purpose of having vessels loiter in the area, even receiving supplies as they “stake out” our islands? Are they are just waiting for a command from Beijing when to take the islands?
Vietnam and China already have a history of armed conflict over islands in the South China Sea. Vietnamese planted a flag in one of the contested islands, which led to the skirmish. It ended up with China controlling the islands and with Vietnam in retreat, with several casualties on the Vietnamese side along with the loss of several military vessels. But in spite of this, China seems to be ignoring the activities in areas controlled by the Vietnamese, as compared to the attention being given to Philippine-held territory. I wonder what would have happened if President Duterte made good on his riding a jet ski and planting a Philippine flag in one of China-controlled islands. The whole idea seems preposterous, but apparently many accepted as plausible, even laudable. Of course, we now know that was merely lip service to the gullible.
Is the vagueness of our Mutual Defense Treaty with the US the reason China has practically surrounded our islands? The islands already in Philippine hands are not recognized as being part of the Philippine territory by any governing body. None of the islands already in the different countries’ control are also recognized. With China’s enormous resources at hand, they have reclaimed and converted several reefs into sprawling airfields that would rival any airport. They have already landed military aircraft, including a nuclear-capable bomber. And yet these are not enough to sate China’s appetite for the islands.
Yes, the treaty needs to be reviewed.
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