PH in quandary
The reason Chinese officials refuse and reject the “memorial” submitted to the United Nations for arbitration is that they know that, in their row with the Philippines over disputed islands like the Ayungin Shoal, their claim has no basis while that of the Philippines is rightful. China fears it cannot justify its claim, not even with the maps it has. But the Philippines has 40 maps, as well as other relevant documents, to support its claim.
What we all want to avoid is direct confrontation with China. We do not want to severe our relations with them because of our commercial partnerships. We are really in a quandary. A boycott of Chinese products could be one way of making China feel rejected, but it can do the same to others.
What we hope to achieve is to get what is legally ours, and well within our territorial boundary. It is not easy doing this for China retaliates in our every move. But what we should focus on is avoiding a full-scale war with China because we cannot afford it.
—ROMY STA. ANA,
