A simmering dispute

Here we go again. Last Sunday the Philippine Navy chased away 10 Chinese trawlers off Scarborough Shoal. The poachers were allowed to leave after their catch of about 50 giant clams, an endangered species, were seized by the Navy. Also confiscated were nine boxes containing dynamite sticks, cyanide, blasting caps and time fuses.

It’s not the first time that Chinese fishing vessels have encroached on Philippine-claimed territorial waters, and it won’t be the last. Even Chinese naval vessels continue to intrude into waters defined as part of Philippine territory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Beijing continues to stake a claim on the entire South China Sea, even as five other nations including the Phi-lippines lay claim to all or part of the chain of islands that dot the sea.

Because of domestic politics and national pride, it may take time before Beijing fully abides by the status quo in the South China Sea. But its immediate cooperation can be sought in dealing with fisherfolk whose practices are destroying an already endangered marine ecosystem. Dynamite fishing will further deplete shrinking coral reefs, which serve as marine spawning grounds. Fisherfolk of whatever nationality should also be stopped from catching endangered species such as giant clams and turtles. Throughout the globe marine resources are dwindling. As Beijing seeks a more prominent place in the community of nations, it should do its share in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable fishing.

Despite being the most aggressive of the claimants, there are no indications that Beijing will engage in a shooting war over territorial disputes in the Spratlys or Scarborough Shoal. Chase their trawlers and naval vessels away, take away their markers, intensify patrols around areas claimed by the Philippines, file diplomatic protests. But at the same time, resume peaceful negotiations. The latest Chinese incursions should remind the new administration that there’s this long-running territorial dispute awaiting a peaceful settlement. Even as it flexes its growing military muscle, it is in Beijing’s national interest to resolve the dispute through peaceful means.