Rich reserves behind China’s bullying in area

China has thought of many ways to gain control of the West Philippine Sea. Now comes Chinese media reporting that it will deploy regular sea patrols, not only in the disputed waters claimed by the Philippines but also in those waters claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

These waters embrace islands and islets that have precious oil reserves, which is the reason China is doing everything in its power to claim them. The disputed territories are of enormous economic value and potential.

Our Department of Foreign Affairs has reminded China that it would be a violation of international law and illegal for China to conduct regular sea patrols within Philippine territory or outside of its jurisdiction, which includes the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

China seems bent on speeding up its territorial expansionist thrust by imposing its laws on other nations. What’s next?

—ARMANDO S. LITONJUA,

armando_litonjua@yahoo.com