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| Satellite photo of the development of a Chinese military base in the West Philippine Sea |
I have joked in the past that the
Philippines is more or less ready for Chinese occupation due to the reality
that most of our rich people have Chinese ancestry and surnames, numerous
Chinese temples are scattered across the country, and Filipinos are fond of
buying cheap, China-made knockoffs. But,
seriously, I extremely hate to see a Chinese invasion happening – to have the
Philippines go to war with China, lose, and be occupied. It’s a troubling scenario.
Besides, if the Philippines will
go to war, I will be probably be drawn to the conflict – whether by being
conscripted to the Philippine military, or helping in the resistance. It’s something I’m not particularly equipped
for. I’m awfully out of shape. And after experiencing riding or witnessing
some rides in Enchanted Kingdom about a year and a half ago, I learned that I’m
pathetic in facing life-threatening danger.
I will arguably be useless in a fight.
I wish I’m just fooling around
with the title of this article. But
there’s half of me that really believes the Chinese will make a move to invade
us. Probably not soon. But maybe within the next two decades. Yes, China has been historically controversially
aggressive, but it seems that the communist country has been more so recently. Sure, other countries are presently
threatened by China, too. But, looking
at the signs being shown by our current status quo, if ever China decides to go
an invasion spree, the Philippines is the likeliest first target.
For years, China has constantly
disrespected the sovereignty and boundaries of the Philippines. But its recent construction of artificial
islands and military bases within the
Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone is its most disturbing action so far. Some of those bases are only a little bit
over a hundred kilometers away from Philippine mainland! If ever China decides to invade the
Philippines, its military logistics will easily flow through those military
bases as entry points. Definitely, China’s
behavior is a clear prelude to invasion.
In fact, by clear violation of the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic
Zone set by UNCLOS, it is already, technically, an invasion.
This issue regarding China’s
penetration into Philippine waters and its building of military bases should be
dealt with ASAP. I’m a bit upset that
there seems to be a general ignorance and apathy about the matter, not only in
the international community, but among Filipinos as well. It is a matter that I believe deserves
everyone’s utmost attention and should be addressed urgently. Here are some things that I would like to see
happen right now:
Filipinos should be more attentive regarding the matter. I understand that our country is dealing with
countless problems internally. But I
still believe that the issue with China deserves a top priority. I hope that the Philippine government and
media will provide the attention that the issue deserves. How can other nations see the urgency and
magnitude of the problem if we Filipinos aren’t giving it the concern it
deserves? I understand that P-Noy wants
to leave a great legacy. And there’s probably no greater legacy than managing
to address this matter, or at least, laying the groundwork for the next
president to do it.
The Philippines should start lobbying for other countries’ support. If the Philippines fall, other countries in
the region is also open to invasion. As
early as now, the Philippines and other countries (India, Taiwan, South Korea,
Japan, Vietnam, etc.) that have problems with China should openly declare an
alliance already. I want all these
countries to strongly imply that they will gang up on China if necessary.
Strong reassurance from the US.
Our main military ally is the US.
The US promised that it will take military response if China continues
to push its aggressiveness. But, more than this, I hope
the US will tangibly provide military assistance now by giving (or loaning) the
Philippines a couple of modern military hardware. A couple of drones, especially. Such gesture will not only provide us some valuable weapons
when time comes, but it will send the message to China that the US is committed
on aiding us if they continue their aggressiveness. In fact, I wouldn’t even mind if the
Philippine government will officially declare what the Chinese are doing now is
an invasion (which technically is exactly that anyway) and then request US aid
in destroying those bases.
A US military base in Mindanao.
It has always been one of my realistic – because I also have a couple of
far-fetched ones – dreams for this country, up there with a modern rail system
operating in Luzon. Let that sink
in. Think of the huge effect that a US
military base will provide.
The US and the UN declaring an ultimatum for China to remove those
bases. If China refuses to comply,
sanctions should be given. The
Philippines had already filed a case against China in the world court. This case is a sure win for the Philippines
(since simple common sense shows that China is at fault here), but China has
made it clear that they won’t adhere to any decision in favor of the
Philippines. UN should grow a pair, and
make a clear, firm statement right now of the actions they will take to enforce
their ruling on the matter.
Diplomacy and taking legal action
– which are the only things the Philippines is doing at the present – are of course the ideal
ways to resolve this. But the
Philippines should, at this point, seriously consider what should be done once this
channel is exhausted. I’m not asking the
Philippines to make a strong, hasty mobilization for war against China right now (besides, we don’t have the
firepower to back it up). But I believe
it is necessary for the Philippines to relay the message that, regardless of our
limited capability, we are prepared to make a move and destroy those Chinese bases
once UN makes a resolution regarding the matter and China refuses to comply. Moreover – and most importantly, because we
can’t do this alone – the Philippines should also actively request the UN, the
US, and our other allies to make official statements and pledges on what they
intend to do if China will choose to disregard UN decision and continue their aggressive
behavior.
There’s the saying, “Give them an
inch and they’ll take a mile.” China’s bases
within Philippine waters are the metaphorical “inch” we can’t afford to yield. Therefore, what I would really like to see is for the
Philippines to prioritize this matter and make substantial, calculated moves right
now. We should not wait until China is already comfortably positioned to take the metaphorical “mile.”
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