MikeLigalig.com

“A tall tree catches the wind, and China's international profile has risen in such a manner that some countries are worried and even fearful of it,” the editorial read.

“And even though the tree craves calm, the wind won't abate. Proceeding from their own instincts, these countries have moved to bully China,” it added.

The editorial came amid criticisms against China’s aggressive efforts to assert its territorial claims in the region, which include areas that the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan regard as part of their territories.

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It is also conducting reclamation in Mabini (Johnson South) Reef despite being a signatory of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The declaration bars claimants from performing acts that could complicate the territorial row like building structures in disputed areas.

Tensions between China and Vietnam simmered recently after Chinese ships reportedly rammed and fired water cannons at Vietnamese vessels in disputed waters.

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“Hanoi's unapologetic attitude after the fatal anti-China riots in Vietnam, as well as its assumption of an openly confrontational approach indicate it wishes to confront China while benefiting from Chinese investments and markets,” it added

Last Thursday, the Philippines and Vietnam scored China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea and have bared plans to form a “strategic partnership.”

In a joint press conference held after their meeting in Malacanang, visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President Aquino expressed “deep concerns” over the “extremely dangerous situation” caused by China’s actions that violate international law.

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wa kilati.  kun tawo pa ni nga silingan, tipi na tungod sa pagkabintahuso.  namuyboy pa kintahay nga nakatabang man tawon sa ilang pagdato ang ilang investments sa ubang nasod.

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China would like the world to sympathize with them, claiming that they alone are the rightful claimants to the South China Sea. Chinese propagandists insist that the concept of ‘historic waters’ empowers their government to legitimately claim broad control over the South China Sea, deliberately ignoring the fact that fisherfolks from the Philippines, Vietnam and Borneo have long been sharing the same fishing grounds peacefully, and have explored the same islands, rocks and reefs for centuries. And for that matter, long before the Chinese seafarers learned to stretch their sea legs, Malay ships were already plying these seas, even bringing Chinese merchants and pilgrims to places as far as India in the 5th century. (For more on China's historical evidence, pls read "Historical Fiction: China's South China Sea Claims".)(also posted here at tbland, http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=78394.0#.U4UIt3aZkqA)



China's 9-dash line extends to waters clearly closer to the land territories of Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. (Source: UNCLOS)

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Recently, following the deployment of a Chinese oil rig to waters 240 kms off its coast in the South China Sea, Vietnam sent its Coastguard in an attempt to dissuade China from proceeding with its exploration. Water cannon fights and 'boat bumps' were resorted to, but the Chinese rig, protected by more than a hundred military ships, planes and fishing vessels, have remained.


The location of the Chinese oil rig. (Source: Washington Post)

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Last March, after years of trying to exhaust all political and diplomatic avenues for a peaceful negotiated settlement of its maritime dispute with China, the Philippines formally submitted a case to an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, challenging China’s claims to the South China Sea. It was the first time Beijing has been subjected to international legal scrutiny over the waters, a clear affront that has embarrassed them no end. With the case, China's image as a benevolent and peace-loving neighbor has been totally disproved. With Vietnam's violent reactions to the China's oil rig exploration, the Chinese have been exposed for what they truly are: as the arrogant bullies trying to snatch the whole South China Sea for themselves.


So who's bullying who? (Courtesy of philstar.com)

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China's efforts to slowly grab our territories started in the mid-90s, when Chinese-built structures on stilts were discovered in Mischief Reef (Panganiban Shoal), only 155 nautical miles from Palawan. The Philippine protested, but this was simply rejected by China. Since then, China has slowly but surely been occupying islets and reefs well within the Philippine-occupied 8-island chain on the Spratlys. Developments have shown that China has built new structures surreptitiously in Kagitingan Reef (also known as Fiery Cross); Calderon Reef (or Cuarteron); Gaven Reef; Zamora Reef (or Subi); and Chigua Reef (or Dong Men Jiao Reef), all of which are found dangerously close to the eight islands that the Philippines claims are part of Palawan province in the southwestern Philippines.


'Peaceful' incursions. (Courtesy of toonpool.com)

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At the Ayungin Shoal, Chinese ships stand guard at a permanent Philippine installation, the BRP Sierra Madre. This ship was deliberately placed in Ayungin in response to China's creeping occupation of nearby Mischief Reef. Ayungin is just 194 kms west of Palawan, while it is 821 kms from Hainan.


Scarborough to Zambales - 219 kms; to Hainan - 857 kms. Spratly to Palawan - 232 kms; to Hainan - 895 kms. (Source: defenseforumindia.com)

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China is clearly building structures and facilities in the shoals, reefs and other land mass it seizes in the contested territory. The objective is to ensure that they have a strong physical presence in the islands and reefs so that it will be difficult for the international courts to make a decision against them in the future. China is prepared to invest men and resources, just so they can seize the rumored oil and gas in the area. They have the luxury of time, they have a  huge manpower and resource base, and their economy is expected to grow even bigger in the future. These intimidating actions are certainly not consistent with their claims of being bullied.


Building structures, a creeping campaign to seize the entire South China Sea. (From saudigazette.com)

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Contemporary wars have changed dramatically over the last few decades. Wars nowadays can no longer be won solely by conventional military might. Victory, in order to be sustainable, must be achieved by building rather than destroying, by connecting rather than dividing, and by caring as opposed to discriminating. The heroes of today are no longer the guys who win the race, but the guys who can bring in as many other runners across the finish line.

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