Unfavorable image
China is currently experiencing an economic slowdown. It relies on exports, but sadly the global demand for its products is declining. Meanwhile, property prices in China are soaring, and its smokestack industries have polluted its air. We recall that sometime ago news broke out that infant milk products made in China were laced with poison and killed many babies. It is feared that those who survived might have contracted various physical defects. (Here in the Philippines, some China products were pulled out after being found to contain or to be contaminated with a high level of toxicity.)
Despite the crisis China is going through, it has chosen to behave as a bully in the Asean region, claiming ownership of the Spratly islands. It has sent ships and a number of its citizens to occupy the islands, poaching in the surrounding waters.
As we see it, China’s incursion is creating more and more problems in an already complicated situation. Its leaders either do not realize it or simply don’t care that the incursion is also creating an unfavorable image of themselves and their country, an image that might not sit well even with its allies.
—MONTY W. ABENOJA II,
