The Call to Halt Militarization in the Philippines
Members of a local anti-war coalition in the Philippines have come together to voice their concerns about the increasing militarization in the country. They specifically highlight the impact of various military agreements, such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.
The High Stakes Involved
Professor Anna Malindog-Uy, one of the conveners of the coalition, emphasizes the significance of the military buildup in the region. She points out that speculations about a planned war by the US against China underscore the high stakes involved.
According to Malindog-Uy, aligning closely with the US offers security benefits but also involves risks, particularly if tensions escalate into conflict. She believes that the challenge for the Philippines is to navigate these waters carefully and avoid becoming overly entangled in the strategic rivalries of superpowers.
The Implications for Philippine Sovereignty
In a manifesto, the coalition highlights the profound implications of militarization on Philippine sovereignty and its role in the broader geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
As tensions between the US and China continue to simmer, the Philippines must carefully balance its strategic interests with its sovereignty concerns. The coalition asserts that it is crucial for the country to ensure that its alliances strengthen rather than diminish its position on the international stage.
The group also emphasizes the importance of achieving a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the South China Sea dispute. They advocate for open-minded, respectful, and sincere dialogue and negotiations as imperative steps towards resolving the issue.
The Need for Regional Cooperation
The coalition warns against relying solely on the US’ promises to confront or combat China, as they believe it will inevitably backfire. They stress that all regional nations, including the Philippines, must prioritize the preservation of peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The coalition asserts that sustaining peace, stability, and security within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) necessitates the involvement of Filipinos and Asians in mitigating the adverse repercussions of geopolitics, including wars and conflicts.
It is important to note that the Philippines and China are currently embroiled in a bitter territorial dispute over parts of the South China Sea, which Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea.
Source: The Manila Times
