A full-scale war between China and the Philippines is still unlikely, despite China’s continuous harassment and aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a maritime security expert. Ateneo School of Government professor, retired Rear Adm. Rommel Jude Ong, emphasized that China’s actions are calculated, as they understand that engaging in a conflict would have economic and diplomatic disadvantages.
Ong made this analysis in response to the perceived escalation caused by China’s recent actions in the WPS. He acknowledged that while Philippine ships have sustained damage, it is still within acceptable limits.
On December 10, a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship rammed a Philippine vessel on a regular Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission to Filipino troops stationed on board the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Ong commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approach to internationalize the WPS issue, stating that it is an effective tactic to moderate China’s actions. He emphasized that China has engagements with the international community beyond the South China Sea and that it is crucial to keep the international community informed about the developments in the WPS.
On December 9, several vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Philippine fishing boats faced continuous “illegal and aggressive actions” from CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia ships near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the WPS. These actions included the use of water cannons.
Ong cautioned the government against hastily agreeing to proposals to recall the Philippine ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, and send home the Chinese ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian. He urged careful consideration of whether such actions would help address the issues with China.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. strongly refuted the claims made by CCG ship crew members, who blamed the Philippine vessels for the collision near Ayungin Shoal. Brawner labeled these assertions as “lies” and stated that it is impossible for smaller Philippine vessels to ram larger CCG ships.
Brawner, who witnessed the harassment firsthand while on board a civilian boat, Unaizah Mae 1, described the dangerous maneuvers conducted by Chinese vessels, including attempts to bump into their boat. The Unaizah Mae 1 sustained damage from the intense water cannon assault.
Despite the latest incident of China’s aggression, Brawner emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to asserting its sovereign rights and supporting fishermen in accessing rich fishing grounds within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), particularly around Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc. The military and Philippine Coast Guard are working on a new strategy to counter CCG’s threatening maneuvers within the country’s EEZ.
In conclusion, while tensions between China and the Philippines persist in the WPS, experts and government officials emphasize the importance of measured responses and international engagement to address the issue. By keeping the international community informed and asserting sovereign rights, the Philippines aims to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
