Opinion: NORTH EXPRESS By Reginald B. Tamayo (Marikina City)

Peaceful Approaches to Resolving the West Philippine Sea Dispute

 

In recent days, our country has experienced escalating aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea. China's expansive claims in the region, which include the construction of artificial islands and military installations, have heightened tensions and posed a threat to Philippine sovereignty. This begs the question: should we passively watch as a nation while China intimidates us?

The answer is unequivocal: we cannot afford to remain passive in the face of bullying tactics from China. It is crucial that we assert our rights and defend our territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea. Nevertheless, the decision of whether to engage in armed conflict with China is a multifaceted issue that demands thorough examination and thoughtful deliberation.

War should always be considered as a final option, given the devastating consequences it brings to all parties involved. The Philippines must exhaust all diplomatic and legal channels in order to resolve the dispute with China before contemplating military intervention. One effective avenue to pursue is the international tribunal, which offers a peaceful and lawful mechanism for resolving conflicts between nations. I echo the sentiments expressed by Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro regarding China's reluctance to submit their claims to international arbitration. He rightly questions why China is hesitant to settle the dispute under international law, stating, "If China is not afraid to assert its claims to the world, then why don't we arbitrate under international law?"

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China's claims in the West Philippine Sea. The tribunal found that China's claims were invalid under international law and that it had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights. Despite the ruling, China has chosen to disregard it and persist in its aggressive actions in the region.

In light of China's refusal to comply with the tribunal's ruling, it is imperative for the Philippines to persist in asserting its rights and upholding the rule of law. This can be achieved through diplomatic means, including garnering support from neighboring countries and international bodies. Additionally, engaging in direct negotiations with China to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to the conflict is a viable course of action.

Finally, those who insist that a war between China and the Philippines is unavoidable should cease their warmongering. Instead, let us opt for the more prudent approach of exhausting all diplomatic avenues to peacefully resolve the dispute. (RBT)