Philippines aims to regain control of disputed shoal from Chinese coast guard.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Plans to Take Control of Valuable Lagoon Occupied by China
Escalating the Dispute over Sovereignty in the South China Sea
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s team plans “to take control once again” of a valuable lagoon occupied by China’s forces, an intention that could escalate the simmering dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea.
According to Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela, the new administration has been strategizing on how to regain control of Bajo de Masinloc, particularly the lagoon. While he didn’t provide specific details, Tarriela expressed confidence in their ability to achieve this goal.
This initiative builds on recent efforts to enhance Philippine capabilities near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed reef. In fact, Philippine coast guard forces recently removed a “floating barrier” placed by Chinese coast guard forces near the lagoon. However, Marcos’s team is primarily focused on challenging Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping’s claim to sovereignty over the area, which is crucial for the Philippine economy, global shipping, and military power in the Indo-Pacific.
China, on the other hand, remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights over Huangyan Dao. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on the Philippines to avoid provocation or stirring up trouble.
Marcos has taken an assertive stance against Chinese claims since his inauguration, allowing Philippine vessels to anchor closer to the disputed area. This self-assured posture has garnered support from the United States and Japan, with the three countries meeting to discuss strengthening trilateral cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Chinese forces, accustomed to intimidating their Philippine counterparts, are uncertain about how to respond to this defiant posture. However, they continue to employ nonlethal means to pressure the Philippine government and private vessels. Analysts speculate on when a new policy or sudden crisis may arise.
The confrontation, which may seem like a minor dispute over fishing rights, is significant due to China’s broader militarization of the South China Sea and the mutual defense treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines. It poses challenges for all sides involved in making calculations in the gray zone.
Tarriela hinted that the effort to regain control of the Scarborough Shoal lagoon would involve the support of the Philippine armed forces and established intelligence cooperation. The goal is to abide by the international ruling that recognizes the area as a traditional fishing ground for Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino fishermen.
China, however, considers the international ruling “null and void,” despite being a signatory to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. This simmering dispute has the potential to spark a contained military crisis, surpassing other hot spots in U.S.-China relations.
According to experts, the probability of escalation in the South China Sea is high due to the loose control over individual actors on the Chinese side. These actors are often instructed to intimidate others, leading to low-level incidents that could escalate.
What potential consequences could arise from the Philippines’ assertive stance in asserting its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, and how might it impact regional stability and international law and order
Y reiterated its firm opposition to any Philippine actions that challenge its claims and warned that such actions would only escalate tensions in the region.
The dispute over the South China Sea has been a longstanding issue between the Philippines and China, with both countries claiming sovereignty over various islands, reefs, and waters in the area. The international community has also been closely watching these developments, as the South China Sea is a major commercial route and home to abundant natural resources.
President Marcos Jr.’s plan to regain control of the valuable lagoon occupied by China indicates a more assertive stance by the Philippines in asserting its sovereign rights. This move is also consistent with his campaign promise to protect Philippine interests in the South China Sea.
Apart from the lagoon, the Philippines is also looking to strengthen its presence and reclaim control over other disputed areas in the South China Sea. This includes the Scarborough Shoal, which has been a major flashpoint in the dispute. By increasing its capabilities and challenging China’s claims, the Philippines is demonstrating its commitment to defending its sovereign rights and standing up for the interests of its people.
However, this move by the Philippines is likely to further strain its already tense relationship with China. The Chinese government has repeatedly warned against any actions that threaten its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is a real risk that this escalation could lead to a more serious confrontation between the two countries.
It is important for the Philippines and China to find a diplomatic solution to this dispute. The international community, including the United Nations and ASEAN, should also play a role in facilitating dialogues and negotiations between the parties involved. The peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute is crucial not only for the countries directly involved but also for regional stability and the maintenance of international law and order.
In conclusion, President Marcos Jr.’s plan to take control of the valuable lagoon occupied by China in the South China Sea represents a significant escalation in the dispute over sovereignty. While the Philippines has the right to assert its claims and protect its interests, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a diplomatic solution and avoid further escalation. The international community should support efforts to resolve this issue peacefully and in accordance with international law.
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