EDITORIAL - The world not on China's side

It is good that the United States promptly sent two bombers into an airspace between China and Japan that China has unilaterally claimed as its own. It is time that a very clear message is sent to China that it simply cannot bully itself into territorial dominance.

Just because China has been imposing itself in the South China Sea doesn't mean it can do the same elsewhere, especially where it can come face to face with a much stronger country like Japan. Japan means so much more to the US. In fact the US has clearly said it is bound to come to Japan's defense if attacked.

The US has not been as categorical with regard to the Philippines. At best, it has given vague assurances that it will abide by our mutual defense treaty with that country. But it never made a promise similar to the one it gave Japan.

Nevertheless, the Philippines can breathe a temporary sigh of relief that at least the US has now given a very clear sign to China that it better watch its acts of aggression in Asia, otherwise it might be able to bite more than it can chew.

The sending of two US bombers into the airspace that China has only recently claimed unilaterally as its own should put China in its proper place, right now when it is most needed. Had the US not acted more resolutely this time, it will be having a hard time putting China in its place farther down the road.

Right now, China may be very strong economically. It is also very strong militarily. But it still cannot match the armed might of the US. Besides, China is not exactly very popular in the region. Even Russia may have to think twice and real hard before coming to China's aid in case of open conflict.

After the US sent bombers into the Chinese-claimed airspace, Japan and South Korea followed suit. More countries should do the same, if only to show China it cannot just have its way around unilaterally. And now is the time to show up China. Again, if nobody confronts China, it may grow too strong someday to be confronted.

The whole world should push the envelope against China. The world's airlines should penetrate the airspace that China has unilaterally claimed for its own. China must be shown now that there is a limit to its aggression. If the Philippines has the balls to do it, it should. This time the world is not on China's side.