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Benigno Aquino III's missteps

By Zhao Jinglun: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, May 18, 2013

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Apology overboard [By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn]

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is facing a strong backlash following his mishandling of the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Filipino coast guard in the Bashi Strait on May 9.

It was an act of brazen piratical which violated every international law and humanitarian convention and it was not the first such incident between the two sides. In January 2006, the Filipino coastguard also killed one Taiwanese fisherman and wounded another without offering any apology. This time, the Filipino atrocity has aroused public wrath and Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou has taken a firm stand with his outright rejection of the rather insincere responses from the Philippines.

The most recent incident took place in an area where Taiwan and the Philippines have overlapping exclusive economic zones and the initial response which came from one Philippines fishery official was quite absurd. He claimed that one of his vessels opened fire "in self-defense" as it was "under threat of being rammed." It seems highly unlikely that a tiny 15-ton unarmed wooden fishing boat would try to ram a far larger steel ship.

Due to the lukewarm response from the Philippines, including the insincere and inconsistent responses to Ma Ying-jeou's 72-hour ultimatum, (Aquino's letter calls the "unfortunate" incident "unintentional") Taiwan imposed sanctions on the Philippines and sent its powerful destroyer, frigates and Mirage fighters to the site of shooting to demonstrate Taiwan's determination to defend its rights. In addition, and in accordance with the terms of the ultimatum, Taiwan recalled its envoy to the Philippines, froze Filipino applications for work permits and ceased virtually all economic exchanges with the Philippines.

Both Taiwan and the Philippines are parts of the first island chain designed by the United States to contain China. Aquino, confident as a result of U.S. support, provoked a dispute with China over Huangyan Island (also known as Scarborough Shoal). His navy also abused Chinese fishermen, making them stripped to the waist under the blazing sun.

Here a bit of history might help. When my wife was a fellow at Harvard's Center for International Affairs (CFIA) class of 1984, her upperclassman Senator Aquino was assassinated by Marcos' gunman. CFIA dedicated a room in his memory and invited his widow Corazon to Harvard for a memorial service. Corazon later rode the same wave of "people power" which had toppled Marcos to ascend to the Philippine presidency.

It was during the final years of Corazon's presidency that the Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base were closed to the Americans, as anti-American feelings soared in the Philippines. Is she now turning in her grave because of the actions of her son?

Filipinos' anti-American sentiment has deep roots. They were victims of massacres during the Philippine-American War of 1899. US soldiers viewed Filipinos with contempt because of their short stature and color. US soldiers frequently burned entire barrios, beat up noncombatants, administered "water cure", and otherwise abused them. According to the New York Post, "Our men do shoot 'niggers' somewhat in the sporting spirit"! General Jake "Hell-Roaring" Smith told his subordinates "I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn, the more you kill and burn the better it will please me." He wanted Samar to be converted into a "howling wilderness." He ordered anyone over ten years of age shot. He became better known as "Howling" Smith. (See Victor Nebrida, "The Balangiga Massacre: Getting Even", Philippine History Group of Los Angeles.)

Aquino's personal envoy was snubbed in Taipei. Taiwanese officials refused to meet him. He was even denied a hotel room. The hotel claimed there was no vacancy. Likewise a team of Taiwanese investigators were snubbed in Manila. The Philippine judiciary refused to conduct joint investigation with the Taiwanese.

Ma is also unlikely to back down because his popular support is low and he cannot afford to show any weakness while Taiwanese people's anger remains high.

How much the US will play a mediating role remains to be seen. So far, Washington has only one-sidedly asked Taiwan to restrain itself.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

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