Manila miscalculates on S. China Sea
- By Zhong Sheng
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China.org.cn, August 2, 2011
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Philippine Foreign Secretary Del Rosario [File photo] |
"Southeast Asian countries who claim their sovereignty in parts of the South China Sea should work together to transform the region from an area of dispute to a zone of peace, freedom, friendship, and cooperation," said Philippine Foreign Secretary Del Rosario in Bali, Indonesia ten days ago. The Philippines also submitted a proposal to Association of Southeast Asian Nations, instigating the ASEAN members to sign an agreement on this issue.
Actions, however, speak louder than words. According to a July 31 report from The Philippine Star, the Engineer Battalion of Philippine Navy will soon finish its second building on Flat Island, in the Nansha Island group. This building is for Philippine forces to avoid bad weather while defending their territorial waters in disputed areas. The construction of the facilities seriously violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
What is happening in Flat Island recently has shown that the Philippines' actions contradict its diplomatic messaging. This suggests that Manila lacks sincerity in its desire to resolve the South China Sea issue peacefully.
Around the same time of Del Rosario's statement, China and 10 foreign ministers from ASEAN countries had reached an agreement on a set of guidelines to implement the Declaration. To ensure stable development in South China Sea, the priority for all member nations is to retain self-control and not adopt actions that might complicate and enlarge the dispute, affect regional peace and stability. This consensus was reached by China and ASEAN. The Philippines' recent conduct not only violates China's territorial integrity, but also diminishes ASEAN's credibility.
Resolving the South China Sea territorial disputes will be a long and complicated process. Concerned parties should follow the guidelines and establish mutual trust through cooperation, which will later set the basis for bilateral negotiations. China is not against binding negotiations if they occur at the proper time. The urgent task at hand, however, is to gain mutual trust. The Philippines' actions which violated the Declaration have sabotaged further cooperation efforts.
China has proposed the principle of "laying disputes aside and developing together" and adhered to this principle for a long time. However, concerned parties should acknowledge that this principle does not mean that China will tolerate countries that seize the chance to nibble away her territory. Those who make strategic misjudgments on this issue will pay for it.
This article was first published in Chinese and translated by Li Shen.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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