As they say, actions speak louder than words. Are China’s acts not loud enough?
After China’s almost complete building of military structures in the West Philippine Sea and its recent installation of missile systems in certain reefs comprising the Kalayaan Group of Islands, imagery monitoring now reveals deployment of a number of Chinese warships, helicopters, drones, and other coast guard vessels in the Spratly archipelago over which the Philippines has and asserts its claims.
These are all done despite China’s statement that it “recognizes” and “honors” the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, and respects and adheres to fundamental principles of international law.
In my opinion, these supervening events should prompt the Philippines to revisit its foreign policy and recalibrate its approach in asserting and implementing its rights and rightful claims over the West Philippine Sea and other
disputed territories.
We are aware that the Duterte administration, as part of its hedging policy, has been building friendly and mutual relations with China, a nontraditional partner.
But with various breaches of trust and promises made by the latter, I think it’s about time for President Duterte to become more assertive in protecting Philippine sovereignty and interests.
President Duterte should, above all else, promote the interest of the Filipino nation in terms of securing, safeguarding, and cultivating our territorial structures instead of establishing amity and mutuality with China.
Hedging in foreign relations and sovereign interest is good. But assertion and conviction is definitely better.
CONRADO BAYUTIN, conbiotin@outlook.com