Keeping him up at night  

According to President Bongbong Marcos Jr., the issue of the South China Sea “keeps him up at night, day, most of the time.” He said this when he was interviewed at Davos, Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum was being held. Marcos earlier went on an official trip to Beijing where he discussed in diplomatic language the issue of the South China Sea. A consensus was supposedly reached during his talks with President Xi Jinping. The two countries would promote peace and stability in the region including freedom of navigation and overflight. In my opinion, what happened was only lip service. And I was right.

Based on a report from the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast guard ship drove away a Filipino fishing boat from Ayungin Shoal, the very area where the BRP Sierra Madre is located. The incident, captured on video, occurred only days after Marcos’ visit to China. So much for the consensus reached in Beijing and that direct communication line in case of maritime incidents. The usual diplomatic protests have been raised, which China merely shrugs off.

China will never back down from its sovereign claim over the South China Sea. They never respected the decision of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the validity of the Nine-Dash Line. That was a clear victory for the country but unfortunately, even the UN has no way to enforce the decision. Still, the decision was based on international laws governing the seas which China is a signatory to.

Former president Duterte’s remarks about the decision called it a piece of paper to be tossed into the garbage can. That did not help the case of the country, even emboldening the Chinese to do what they want, seeing they had an ally in Malacañang. How Marcos will handle this issue is yet to be seen. If it keeps him up at night, then he should act on it. What should also keep him up at night is the plight of our fishermen. This recent incident at Ayungin Shoal only proves the arrogance of the Chinese when it comes to making sure everyone knows who lords it over the seas.

American warships and aircraft conduct frequent freedom of navigation and overflights on the South China Sea. These do not go unnoticed by the Chinese, issuing verbal challenges which the Americans ignore. I believe they must continue to do so even if the Chinese intensify their challenges. Other navies also conduct the same which help in pushing back Chinese claims.

I don’t know if the issue of the South China Sea will ever have a resolution agreeable to all. Remember we are not the only country laying claim to certain areas of the seas. What is important is we maintain a strong friendship with our powerful ally, the United States. With tensions rising between China and Taiwan, we may get involved if the Americans come to the aid of the Taiwanese.

I guess Marcos may not get a good night’s sleep.