THE ruling Communist Party's nationalistic tabloid newspaper The Global Times has suggested that China take on The Philippines in a "small-scale war" over a disputed island in the South China Sea, underscoring the growing tension in the region.The two countries have been engaged in a two-week standoff at Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island, as political tension between the two nations continues to escalate.
Last week, Chinese law enforcement vessels prevented The Philippines navy from detaining Chinese fishermen, who Manila claims were poaching.
The editorial in The Global Times, which was republished widely in other Chinese media, comes as The Philippines government has warned that China's continued aggression in claiming the entire South China Sea could impair navigation.
The Philippines has called for support from other nations.
"I think the current standoff is a manifestation of a larger threat to many nations," Philippines Foreign Minister Alberto del Rosario said.
The dispute is just one of a raft that China - which claims sovereignty of the entire resource-rich area of 3.2 billion sq km - has with six other nations that border the maritime region.
"China should be prepared to engage in a small-scale war at sea with The Philippines," The Global Times editorial said.
"Once the war erupts, China must take resolute action and deliver a clear message to the outside world that it does not want a war, but definitely has no fear of it. Nevertheless, such a war cannot put the South China Sea issue to an end."
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