What really matters for now is we are not at war with China

Despite what his detractors are saying, President Aquino has done a good job handling the dispute with China. Many people will criticize him for his laid-back, almost spineless approach. But what matters really is, we are not in a war with a world superpower.

Right now, patience is what’s needed, not warmongering. The arbitration case on China’s ridiculous nine-dash line will sort it all out for the region, and whether or not China will heed what the court will rule, the international community will make sure that the Chinese government will notice its mistake, and hopefully China won’t be able to bear the ridicule. It is possible that a “mall” might have been already erected on one of the disputed islands when that time comes; but a crime has to be committed before a punishment can be meted out.

Truthfully though, do we have any other choice but to wait? We cannot take seriously the calls for a more militaristic action in the West Philippine Sea, coming from people who have no intention of enlisting in the service. And even if they did enlist, and war finally came to our doorstep, how long are we going to last?

And no, don’t even start with the anti-imperialist argument.

—PRESLY R. VINOYA, [email protected]