The bottom line is law and order—and respect.
No country, not even the United States, is taking sides in the Scarborough Shoal fracas, contrary to the apprehension/allegation of China’s officials.
The Chinese government’s warning to the world “not to take sides” is unwarranted and totally unnecessary. In fact, the United States released an official stand in November 2015, through Deputy State Secretary Antony Blinken: “The United States will support China 100 percent if it can prove (in a proper court) that it owns the islets, shoals and reefs that are at the heart of a dispute with the Philippines and other neighbors.” Who can negate such a fair and impartial position?
We all want to make peace with China, not war. It is China that is making war with itself and the world.
Regardless, the United States and the international community will not be cowed by China, much less cower. They are aware that it is incumbent upon them to back up the decision of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, and to assure its enforcement as a universal, obligatory act for the sake of genuine peace, security, equity, justice and truth on this planet. By doing so, they can ably nip in the bud a highly probable, worldwide chaos and anarchy in the future, which could result from the UN court’s decision should it be rejected or treated with contempt by any party.
Here’s a Chinese proverb for China:
“If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”—Genesis 1:3
—RENI M. VALENZUELA, renimvalenzuela@yahoo.com