China’s strategy to project power by creating artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea is causing the widespread destruction of biodiversity. The Philippines should be doubly concerned with this because it poses a serious threat to our country as well as to other claimant-nations. This move of China affects Filipino fishermen who have relied on the sea for their livelihood, for ages.
China is violating not only Philippine territory but also the Philippines’ natural resources. It is using might to take hold of what it claims to be its own.
Are we allowing China to exploit our natural resources? Are we giving up on our claims? Can’t we not fast-track the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, meaning, strengthen its capabilities to dissuade China from its aggressive maneuvers and thus protect our people’s interests and defend our territorial possessions? Isn’t the West Philippine Sea worth fighting and dying for?
—CHRISTIAN ABUELO, c.abuelo@yahoo.com